 On The Line -- Issue 655 -- October 5, 2007  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
On The Line -- Issue 655 -- October 5, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
Friday, Sept. 28, was a windy, overcast day with a sprinkle of rain in the evening. Even though many San Benito County residents would have welcomed rain, having nothing for months but a brief sprinkle the previous week, thought ironically, "Great timing."
The date was the first of the annual three-day county fair at Bolado Park, hose theme this year is "Barnyard Boogie," and many people anticipated a fair made foul by a heavy storm as happened once in the early 1980s. But it turned out to be only a sprinkle and Saturday dawned on a near-perfect day, neither too hot nor too cold. It is the county's biggest event, including the annual rodeo in June at Bolado Park, and the San Juan Bautista Fiesta-Rodeo, both of which attracts thousands of people and which has hundreds involved in their operation. Visitors entering by Gate 2 early Saturday afternoon were directed to areas farther away from the Pavilion than they had been on previous fair Saturdays. That meant a longer walk, and although exercise is desirable, some senior citizens had to make the walk in relays, stopping frequently to rest before proceeding again.. John Hodges waved and said, "I'll see you at the Exchange Club's set-up. I don't want to be late for my shift" while hurrying along. In the meantime other guests were streaming by, in singles, pairs and entire families. Sure enough, Hodges was where he had said he would be, the Exchange Club's beer booth. Leonard Poletti had arrived before him as had Gary Welch. Andrew Shelton and Jason Arballo were behind the counter serving thirsty visitors. Poletti and Hodges were standing -- or rather, sitting -- by at a table, waiting to leap into action if needed. Phyllis Swallow hurried by with a bright smile and a wave, and Sunny Flores came over with a dish of nachos and cheese. Hodges, a past Hollister councilman and mayor like his old friend, Poletti, and county clerk for six terms until his retirement last year, announced he was just elected to the Hidden Valley Association board of directors. "Can't stay out of it, can you, John?" Poletti asked. Bill Hawkins stopped for a moment and was greeted effusively. His father, the late Tom Hawkins, was a charter member of the Exchange Club and had opened his property to members on the first Monday of every month for years, and members fished and had a barbecue there. After Tom Hawkins died his family continued the practice for a long time until circumstances prevented the members from observing the old tradition. Even so, Tom Hawkins' memory and generosity still resonate with the club. Rick and Mary Edge stopped for awhile to visit. Edge was the city editor of The Free Lance nearly 40 years ago. He left it to serve as an officer in the Hollister Police Department and is now a San Juan Bautista councilman. He met his future wife at Hazel Hawkins Hospital where she was a nurse when he underwent minor surgery. They raised a family together and now, like the rest of us, wonder where the years have gone. The food booths, all like the Exchange Club, staffed by members of local organizations, offered many types of fare from hot dogs and corn dogs to grilled artichokes, barbecue and funnel cakes. Many diners watched the clowns, the people flowing by, and listened to music performed by several bands. While Dad went to the booths to get the family's orders, Mom kept Junior and Sis from running off on their own to enjoy the excitement until the whole family could do it together. Three and four generations of some families sere represented, with the grandparents and parents seeing it all through the youngsters' eyes, and remembering a time when they, too, responded to the wonder and the music of the fair. The Ferris wheel was the dominant fixture, looming over the rest of the amusements. Some children ran back and forth with their friends, seeming to try to be in several places simultaneously, while toddlers and infants watched it wide eyed. The fair is one of the best small ones in the state and, although most attractions have remained virtually the same since it began its long history, there are frequent innovations that keep it fresh and sparkling. Livestock exhibits and agricultural displays, jars of relish, pickles and jams, pastry competitions, art exhibits and many other attractions are religiously visited and commented upon, with many familiar names among the ribbon winners. Madison Eastman stopped to say hello on her way into the Pavilion with another girl. She said her family, parents Michael and Colleen, and younger sister Caetlin, were at home but she didn't want to miss the fair. Drew Huston was there, looking over the different exhibits and talking with many friends, and so were Patti Galaz and Kirk McDowell, the latter seeing the exhibits as wife Nancy McDowell gives massages to guests at her fitness booth. Helen Chouinard takes a quick moment for a bite of salad in front of her Helen's Portraits booth. She is a splendid photographer and many people slow down to see some of her work. Kelley Ferreira, the fair manager, resembles a dynamo even in those rare moments when he is standing still. You can nearly feel the intensity humming from him as he greets a friend or answers his cell phone. Bette Grace pushing grandson Joey Guerrero in his stroller, stopped for a moment to say hello. Vince Luna, staffing the LULAC booth, encouraged a little girl to take a decal as well as a piece of candy. "Thank you," she said and her mother beamed proudly. Curtis Hill and a few of his deputies were at the county Sheriff's booth and people picked up pamphlets on safety. Doug Emerson made a loop through the Pavilion to see everything, and Pete Alosi made the rounds. Sally Bettencourt and Heidi Balz at the art display talked shop with other painters and photographers. As you might expect, Wolfgang Leitenberger was in the model railroad room. Paul Breen with son Thomas were among the appreciative guests. The Junior Livestock Auction had its usual big crowd as the auctioneers talked up the animals for sale. Many 4-H and Future Farmers of America members watched with bittersweet feelings. They were glad to get the money their year-long projects brought but they were glum when they thought of their impending fate. It was good to see Linden and Rita Bowling as they don't get out as frequently as they once did. Her old friend and successor on the county Board of Supervisors, Pat Loe, talked with them for awhile. Visitors leaving for the parking lot saw Rick Shelton working at the Exchange Club booth. However, the table which had been empty a few hours earlier was fully occupied with people standing around and long lines waiting to be served. It was good weather, a good fair, and full of good friends. It will remain in many people's memory for a long time. It is an example of the type of wholesome enjoyment that is offered in San Benito County. Many people are involved in its success and thousands more enjoy the fair and appreciate the effort. |
 |
