The fair is coming to town

Members of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce are hoping that the third time is the charm as they prepare for this Saturday’s third annual Hometown Country Fair at Crescenta Valley Park.

The first event, held over Labor Day in 2006, was met with extreme temperatures that ended up curtailing the expected crowd and dampening the spirits of chamber members

A year later, in 2007, spirits weren’t dampened but bodies were as an unexpected downpour closed the fair early.

This year, though, neither rain nor excessive heat is expected, leaving fair organizers with an optimistic attitude that the crowds they’ve been hoping for will be turning out in huge numbers.

“We’re getting very good vibes on this year’s event,” said organizer and chamber board director Steve Pierce. “Everyone involved — from our vendors to volunteers — are showing a lot of support and we are ready for the community to come down to the park.”

The Hometown Country Fair is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce. Disappointing attendance from the last two years hasn’t curtailed the excitement by chamber organizers for this year’s event.

“We have a lot of [chamber] member enthusiasm,” Pierce said.

Beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until 6 p.m., there will be plenty for fair attendees to see and do. A car show featuring classic, muscle and antique autos will be on site. The public will be able to vote on their favorites as the owners hope to nab one of five trophies that will be awarded.

All types of exhibitors and vendors will have items and information on display. Expected are arts and crafts merchants and several of the area’s non-profit groups. A silent auction will be a highlight of the Crescenta Valley Town Council’s booth. Items up for bid include a gift certificate for Taix’s Extreme Bootcamp, a family membership to the YMCA and a helicopter tour.

Classic carnival rides from Kemsley, the company that was at the Crescenta Valley July 4th Fireworks Show, will be selling tickets to all types of rides.

There will again be a dunk tank. In years past, some of the valley’s most upstanding citizens were deemed “all wet” after a finely thrown baseball pitched them into the tank. (Dunkees are wanted).

Five hole Frisbee golf is a new event this year. Pierce said that there is a lot of excitement about the sport coming to the fair. Arcade games and “old time” fair contests will be in place, too.

Also new at the Hometown Country Fair will be representatives from the Pasadena Humane Society. They will be at the park, ready to coordinate pet adoptions.

Not for adoption, but equally interesting, will be an assortment of beasts from the Wildlife Waystation. Expected are a wolf and owl as well as more domesticated animals.

On stage throughout the day will be continuous entertainment with many local bands playing.

Finally, food booths of every sort guarantee that no one will be going home hungry. Pizza, hot dogs, barbecue and empanadas can be chased down with shaved ice, ice cream, popcorn, kettle corn and more.

“It’s going to be the best ever,” said Pierce. “It’s going to be big — really nice.”

The Hometown Country Fair is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Crescenta Valley Park, 3901 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta. There is no charge for admission.