Old Traditions and New Beginnings … what a wonderful theme for the 90th San Benito County Fair held at Bolado Park Oct 4-6. What will people remember about the 2013 fair in years to come? With a bumper crop of people in attendance, a bushel basket of fun memories were made this last weekend.
One guest told me that the SBC Fair is like a family reunion; you run into people you haven’t seen in years. The Pavilion was the perfect place to meet old friends and make new acquaintances while browsing booths and displays. Longtime favorite Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital handed out plastic bandages in nylon zipper pouches and health information while newcomer Benito Link gave out sticky style notes. Outside on the lawn, the old and the new sat side-by-side with an antique car show next to brand new automobiles from Tiffany Ford. In the Train Building, the eight dedicated members of the San Juan Pacific Model Railroad Club showed youngsters the finer points and all the fun of model trains.
The weather was great also; even Goldilocks would have been pleased with Friday and Saturday – not too warm during the day and not too cold at night. Even the wind was on the mild side. Sunday trended warmer, yet there was plenty of shade and cold drinks available in the food vendor area.
This year the Heritage Foundation sponsored a members only wine tasting in the Blue Room. I was surprised and dismayed that the quilt and textiles display was put in the back of the Pavilion until one volunteer mentioned that they get much more foot traffic where they are now.
A fair tradition of volunteerism played a large role again this year. Just about everywhere you turned, a volunteer was staffing a display or helping a guest, like these two young Sheriff’s Office Explorers, Chad Stricker and Marissa Rea.
After the Truck Pulls on Saturday night, guests young and old enjoyed carnival rides and midway games. Nothing like a Farris wheel ride to make an oldster feel young again.
Then came Sunday with a completely new day of fun: produce auctions, bull riding, and Xtreme Bronc. From 1-3 p.m. on the patio, fair goers enjoyed the “Taste of San Benito.” Local makers of fine foods in SBC served samples, everything from organic teas from San Benito Tea Company to rich chocolates from Marich Chocolates.
From what I could see, a good time was had by all. The day even ended with a beautiful sunset of puffy cotton candy pink clouds in a clear blue sky. I can’t wait for next year.
