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Festivities, Events & Activities in
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| This Year | Next Year | updated 5-17-13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Events, 2013Events subject to change without notice. Check with event organizers for updates. Fridays: Make-shift "Coffee Lounge " at Mind's Eye Manufactory. Stop by 393 Main St. Fridays 6 to 10 p.m. to sit a spell, dream, scheme, invent, inspire, get inspired, collaborate, visit, read, relax, share and connect. Second and Fourth Wednesdays: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. May 18: Barrel Racing Clinic with Lyndee Stairs. For all barrel racers, beginners to advanced, with plenty of seating for auditors. Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA. Contact: Ann, 502-5749
May 27 : Concert & Art Show, "Sounds from the Back Alley." Mind's Eye Manufactory presents a free concert with music and art. Artisans' Alley, directly behind Mind's Eye Manufactory. Free. 2-7 p.m. May TBA: Ferndale Elementary/Ferndale High Spring Concert. 7:00 pm, Ferndale Elementary School gym. June 1: Pet Parade. Children 12 and younger parade costumed pets down Main Street to Firemen's Park for prizes at 10:30 a.m. 786-4477 June 1-2 : Dairy Goat Show. 8 am Saturday to 11 pm Sunday, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA. 707-786-9511 June 2: Arabian Horse Assn. of the Redwoods Play Day.Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA. 707-786-9511 First two weekends in June: North Coast Open Studios. Humboldt County's participating artists invite art lovers into their creative spaces. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June TBA: Ferndale Music Open Mic. Ferndale Music Company's students perform monthly in their space at 385 Main Street, 7 p.m. Seating is limited so arrive early. Free admission. 707-786-7030 June 7-9: Redwood Yarn Stomp. Explore participating local yarn shops. Attendees get a "passport", free gifts, and are entered to win prizes for each of seven locations that sell yarns. June 8: Boer Goat Show. Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA. 707-786-9511 June 8: Free E-Waste Drop Off for Ferndale residential and business customers at Eel River Resource & Recovery's Fortuna transfer station scrap yard includes appliances and car batteries, TVs, computer monitors, plasma screens, LCD screens, laptops, computer towers, VCRs, DVD players, printers, copiers, faxes, calculators, stereo systems, cell phones, telephones, microwaves, answering machines, and printed circuit boards. No electrical or household hazardous wastes (no plastic vacuum cleaners, irons, toasters, flourescent tubes, light bulbs, batteries, paint, solvents or oil). 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA. 707-786-9511 June TBA: Lecture by Jerry Rohde Pierson, sponsored by Ferndale Museum at Town Hall. 707-786-4466
June 14: Ferndale High School Graduation / Safe & Sober Grad Night. 7:30 p.m. Belotti Hall, Lath House & Art Buildings, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA. 707-786-9511 June 29-30: The Lost Coast Kennel Club Show, AKC Licensed Dog Conformation & Obedience. More than 500 entrants, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or whenever Best in Show judging is completed). Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA. 707-786-9511
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December 1: Lighting of America's Tallest Living Christmas Tree. Decked with colored lights by Ferndale's intrepid volunteer firemen, the huge, radiant Spruce at the end of Main Street is visible for miles, a beacon to herald the Christmas season. The whole town turns out, along with the Booster Band, Chameleon Singers, 4-H, Scout Troops, etc., for a ceremony to rekindle the Christmas spirit, then gathers over free cookies and punch. A Ferndale tradition since 1934. 5:30 p.m. 707-786-4477 |
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| Photo copyrighted by Matt Knowles of Aesthetic Design & Photography and used by permission. If you would like a high quality print please contact Matt at 707-786-4643 | |
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December 1: Portuguese Linguica and Beans Dinner features food and friendliness on tree lighting night at Portuguese Hall, 5-8 p.m. 707-786-4222 December TBA: Christmas Brass Bands (saxophone quartet and a brass ensemble) strolls Main Street from 2-4 p.m. for your holiday entertainment, playing traditional Christmas favorites. |
| Photo courtesy of Caroline Titus, The Ferndale Enterprise |
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December 6 : Hospitality Night Open House. The Victorian Village welcomes friends to a lively block party evening on Main Street. Merchants serve up cheer along with free beverages and goodies, 7-9 p.m. Free horse drawn wagon rides, 6:30-8:30 p.m., weather permitting. 707-786-4477 December 7: 10:30 a.m. Santa Claus arrives in Ferndale! St. Nick and his jolly elf bring bags of goodies for youngsters on Main Street. 10:30 a.m. 707-786-4477 |
| Photo Courtesy of Mark Higley |
December 7: Fern Cottage Annual Christmas Cheer, 1900. Have fun: dress Victorian, enjoy music and lots of christmas goodies 1 to 4 pm in the historic home of Pioneers Joseph and Zipporah Russ. $10 at the door. Built in 1866 for the cattle ranching Russ family, Fern Cottage is a picturesque farm house on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic integrity. Three miles west of Ferndale at 2121 Centerville Road; from Ferndale's Main Street, take Ocean Avenue west (Ocean becomes Centerville). 707-786-4835
December TBA: Matinee Holiday Theatre. An original holiday production is available to elementary school groups for $1 per ticket, thanks to sponsorship from the Bertha Russ-Lytel Foundation. General admission $5. Tuesdays through Thursdays at 10 a.m. Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 707-786-5483
December TBA: Ferndale Museum Annual Appreciation Luncheon for volunteers, patron-level donors, and newsletter sponsors. Door prizes, "Volunteer of the Year" award. Ferndale City Hall, noon.
December 15: 9th Annual Old Fashioned Chicken Dinner. Prior to the Ferndale Christmas Lighted Tractor Parade, treat yourself to a comforting hot dinner of baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, rolls, beverage and dessert. $12 tickets available at the door; reservations recommended. For reservations call 786-9717 or e-mail mimib3@suddenlink.net. Sponsored by the Ferndale Assumption Parish for the Assumption Church Building Fund, 4 to 7 pm, Ferndale Community Center, Firemen's Park, end of Main Street.
| December 15: 21st Annual Christmas Lighted Tractor Parade. Local farmers and ranchers parade fancifully decorated tractors and tractor-drawn wagons depicting holiday scenes down the Victorian Village's historic Main Street for a sparkling country Christmas celebration! Tractors begin parading at 7 p.m. (pdf entry form) 707-786-4477 | ![]() |
| Photo copyrighted by Matt Knowles of Aesthetic Design & Photography and used by permission. If you would like a high quality print please contact Matt at 707-786-4643 |
December TBA: Holiday Cheer. All are welcome to the Ferndale Community Church before and after the Ferndale Tractor Parade. Serving free apple cider, coffee and goodies beginning at 6:30 pm. 712 Main St. Contact: Pastor Sean Peifer, 707-786-4475
December 17: Village Club Monthly Meeting includes a presentation to which the public is invited. A women’s organization, The Village Club meets monthly for programs of community interest the third Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m., September through May. The Club supports local organizations and bestows an annual scholarship on a Ferndale college student. Membership is open to all women residing in Ferndale. Please call Lois Keller, 786-9128, for information on this month's meeting.
TBA: Holiday Celebration. Everyone is invited to the Ferndale Community Church fellowship hall for a holiday meal at 5 pm. 712 Main St. Contact: Pastor Sean Peifer, 707-786-4475
December 31: Theatre: First Night Celebration. Ferndale Repertory Theatre. 707-786-5483
December TBA: Barrels by the Bay New Year's Barrel Bash. Two days of fun for barrel racers include 4D payouts, average awards and saddle awarded by drawing. Sign-ups and time-only runs, Dec. 31, 6-7 p.m. and Jan. 1, 10-11 a.m. Calcutta auction, 11 a.m. Racing begins after the auction. Presented by Barrels by the Bay and sponsored by North State Barrel Racing Assn. and Barrel Racers National 4D. Covered Arena, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, Ferndale. Information: Christine Huston, 707-845-0291, or Cork Pickle, 707-407-6635.
Fridays: Make-shift "Coffee House" at Mind's Eye Manufactory. Stop by 393 Main St. Fridays 6 to 10 p.m. to sit a spell, dream, scheme, invent, inspire, get inspired, collaborate, visit, read, relax, share and connect.
Third Tuesdays: Village Club Monthly Meeting includes a presentation to which the public is invited. A women’s organization, The Village Club meets monthly for programs of community interest the third Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m., September through May. The Club supports local organizations and bestows an annual scholarship on a Ferndale college student. Membership is open to all women residing in Ferndale. Please call Lois Keller, 786-9128, for information on this month's meeting.
Second and Fourth Wednesdays: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.
Jan. 23-Feb. 16: Theatre, “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” Friday-Saturday evening performances, some Sunday matinees. Ferndale Repertory Theatre. 707-786-5483
TBA: Walk with a Doc. The Humboldt-Del Norte County Medical Society and the national Just Walk! project host monthly Walk with a Doc events throughout the community. The event features a health talk from a local physician, followed by a 2.5 mile walk in a friendly, walk-and-talk style where local doctors will be available to answer questions and concerns on health. Event is free, all are welcome, and water bottles will be provided. 10:45 a.m. to noon, meeting at Ferndale High School (1231 Main Street), then heading up Main Street through Ferndale! Click here for more information, or e-mail Veronica.
February 1: Museum Reopens. After January's preparation of new exhibits, the season's grand re-opening of Ferndale Museum, home to the J. A. Mouat blacksmith shop since the 1980s. 11 a.m. Spontaneous events occur weekly; call the Museum for details. 707-786-4466
February 1: Ferndale Rotary Steak & Lobster dinner fundraiser (tentative). Turf Club, Humboldt County Fairgrounds. 707-786-9511
February 6-9: Horsemanship Skills
4-Day Clinic with Jerry Tindell, featuring
advanced riding skills. Develop understanding, timing and feel
for your horse. Thursday-Friday: Beginning Horsemanship;
Saturday-Sunday: Advanced Horsemanship. Sponsored
by Backcountry Horsemen of California Redwood Unit. Humboldt
County Fair Assn. Covered Arena. 707-786-9637
February 8: Packing Clinic sponsored by Backcountry Horsemen of California Redwood Unit, and BLM mustang adoptions. Fairgrounds. 707-786-9637
February TBA: Poultry Show. Humboldt Poultry Fanciers Assn. Humboldt County Fairgrounds.
February 16: Firemen's Games. Ferndale's volunteer firemen compete in old fashioned firefighting techniques: bucket brigade, quick dressing, hose coupling. Main Street, noon to 3 p.m.
TBA: Gymkana, Sponsored by California State Horseman Association, Region 13. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Covered Arena, Humboldt County Fairgrounds. 707-786-9511
TBA: Horse Trials Clinic. How obstacles are judged, how rules apply to obstacles and making your ride safer, how you can improve your obstacle scores, improving your performance with your horse as a team and answer most of your questions. 9 am to 3 pm, Fairgrounds Covered Arena. 707-786-9511
March 1-2: The Fray in Ferndale. Slot car racing teams gather for a two-day marathon at the Fairgrounds' Belotti Hall. 707-496-4475
March 8: RepFest. Ferndale Repertory Theatre annual fundraiser. $60. 6 p.m. Ferndale Community Center, Firemen's Park. 707-786-5483
March 9: 37th Annual Foggy Bottom Milk Run. A
Sunday family run conducted by the Six
Rivers Running Club since 1978 with three different courses
through Ferndale farmlands to the Main Street finish line. Noon start for 4-mile and 10-mile courses; 2 p.m. for the 2-mile run. 10-mile course has no water crossings. 707-845-0001
March 13-April 6: Theatre, “Spamalot.” Friday-Saturday evening performances, some Sunday matinees. Ferndale Repertory Theatre. 707-786-5483
March 15: Rabbit Show (tentative) Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale. 707-786-9511
TBA: California State High School Rodeo, District
2. Saturday
begins at 8 a.m.; Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. Humboldt County Fair
Assn. Covered Arena. Information: 707-786-9511
TBA: Barrels by the Bay 4D barrel races. Sign-up/time 5 pm (time onlys 6 pm). Race starts 7 pm. Entry fee: $25, non-member fee $5, office fee, $5. No dress code - youth & senior classes offered run at the end of open if C/O not declared, entry fee: $10. Cash at sign-ups please. $25 returned check fee. Race location: Humboldt Co. Fairgrounds 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA (covered arena). Show producer: Barrels by the Bay, Christine Huston 707-845-0291 Entry Form
TBA: Ferndale Music Open Mic. Ferndale Music Company's students perform monthly in their space at 385 Main Street, 7 p.m. Seating is limited so arrive early. Free admission. 707-786-7030
TBA: 4-H Horse Show. Humboldt Co. Fairgrounds 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA
March TBA: Annual Gala for the over-21 crowd benefits the Ferndale Children's Center. Food, music, silent auction, local beers and wines (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from Humboldt, Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa Counties. $20 donation requested. 6:30-9 p.m. Ferndale Community Center, Firemen's Park. 707-786-4386
March TBA : Luna de Colores Family Friendship Night / Noche Familiar de Amistad, bringing Spanish and English speaking members of the community together. Bring a potluck item to share. Come at 6:15 to learn to make your own corn tortillas. After dinner, Mexican Bingo, in English & Spanish, with lots of fun prizes. 6:30-9 p.m. Turf Room, Humboldt County Fairgrounds. 707-786-9511
April 12: Portuguese Pre-Easter Dance includes choosing of the Holy Ghost Queens for the June 7-8 celebration. Portuguese Hall, 7:30 p.m. 707-786-4346
April 19: Easter Egg Hunt. Youngsters hunt for treasured eggs hidden by Ferndale Scouts. Prizes in 4 categories, by age. 10:30 a.m. Firemen’s Park. (If raining, check at Valley Lumber, Shaw & Berding Sts.) 707-786-4477
April 20: Sunrise Easter Service annually at Ferndale Cemetery, 6:30 a.m., includes music and homily. Hosted by St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (at the church if weather is inclement). Rides to the top of the hill are available, if needed. 707-786-9353
April 20: 44th Annual Easter Concert. The 50-voice Ferndale Community Choir performs sacred songs of the season. Easter Sunday: Ferndale Assumption Church, 546 Berding St., Ferndale, 7:30 p.m. 707-786-4477
April 24-May 11: Theatre, “Backward in High Heels.” Friday-Saturday evening performances, some Sunday matinees. Ferndale Repertory Theatre. 707-786-5483
April 26-27: Encore Performances of the 44th Annual Easter Concert. The 50-voice Ferndale Community Choir performs sacred songs of the season. Saturday: Christ Episcopal Church, 15th & H Streets, Eureka, 7:30 p.m. Sunday: Ferndale Community Church, 712 Main St., Ferndale, 3 p.m. 707-786-4477
TBA: Rail 'n Trail Play Day, Humboldt Co. Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA
May
3: Ride for Life. Hope
Equestrian Relay Organization (HERO) teams will ride from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to earn money for the
American Cancer Society. Race track, Humboldt County Fairgrounds. To
help or form a Ride for Life team, contact Diana LaCount, 707-496-1099, herorideforlife@gmail.com
May 10: 36th Annual Bicycle Tour
of the Unknown Coast. Events for the whole family! 10-,
20-, and 50-mile courses plus California's toughest "century," the
100-mile loop through the redwoods, tracing the Lost Coast to the
Victorian Village of Ferndale. Start times: 100-mile, 7 a.m.; 50-mile,
8 a.m.; 20-mile, 10 a.m.; 10-mile, 11:30 a.m. Early registration and check-in the week before the ride, Saturday, May 3, noon to 3 pm at Adventure's Edge, 125 W. 5th St., Eureka. On-site registration & packet pick-up in Bellotti Hall at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, Friday May 9, 5 to 7 pm, and on Saturday, May 10, starting at 6 am. Click here for on-line registration. Tour Director Vic Armijo, email, 707-845-6117
May 26: Memorial Day Parade. Ferndale veterans and other organizations coordinate the 10 a.m. parade and solemn remembrance of the day. May 26 : Concert & Art Show, "Sounds from the Back Alley." Mind's Eye Manufactory presents a free concert with music and art. Artisans' Alley, directly behind Mind's Eye Manufactory. Free. 2-7 p.m. |
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| Parade photo courtesy of Dan Tubbs, used by permission |
| May 24-26: 46th Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race and 44th Anniversary of the Kinetic Grand Championship. Wild and crazy people-powered sculptures traverse land, sand, and water to travel from the Arcata Plaza (10 a.m. viewing, noon start Saturday) to the finish line in the Victorian Village of Ferndale (finishing any time after noon Monday). It's all for the glory! Final awards ceremony at Ferndale’s Fireman’s Hall is open to the public, beginning around 5:30 p.m. Course maps. 707-499-0643 or email the Rutabaga Queen. | ![]() |
| Fros 'N Peas cross the finish line. Photo courtesy of Karen Pingitore |
TBA: Small Animal & Ranch Market. Buy-sell-trade chicken, goats, sheep, soap, wool, eggs, 10 a.m. t0 2 p.m. Free admission; vendor fee $10. Humboldt County Fairgrounds. beccasbunnyranch@gmail.com, 502-4144
June 5-22: Theatre, “The Dixie Swim Club.” Friday-Saturday evening performances, some Sunday matinees. Ferndale Repertory Theatre. 707-786-5483
June 7-8: Dairy Goat Show. 8 am Saturday to 11 pm Sunday, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA. 707-786-9511
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June 7-8: 90th Annual Portuguese Holy Ghost Festa. Celebrate the history and music of Portugal with dinners, a dance, auction, and a Sunday parade to mass. Schedule: 6:30 p.m. Saturday rosary, bean & linguica dinner. Sunday, line up for parade (9:30 a.m.) to 10:30 a.m. mass; noon dinner, Portuguese Hall; 2 p.m. auction, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, followed by dancing; evening meal at Portuguese Hall, 7 p.m. Since 1936, in its only annual appearance as a marching band, Scotia Band serenades celebrants with a Portuguese repertoire specific to each stage of the celebration on Sunday as they parade between the Portuguese Hall and the Assumption Church. The public is invited; persons of Portuguese descent are especially welcome. Contact: Ida Toste, 707-786-4346 |
| Parade photo courtesy of The Ferndale Enterprise, used by permission |
June 14: Boer Goat Show.Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St. Ferndale, CA. 707-786-9511
TBA: Fern Cottage Open for Tours. Built in 1866 for the cattle ranching Russ family, Fern Cottage is a picturesque farm house on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic integrity. Three miles west of Ferndale at 2121 Centerville Road; from Ferndale's Main Street, take Ocean Avenue west (Ocean becomes Centerville). Public tours of this historic home, $10, 11 to 4. 707-786-4835
Ferndale's 4th of July
Celebration: Independence Day Fire Engine Rides. Ferndale Volunteer Firefighters celebrate independence with an old-fashioned treat for the kids: a free ride on a gleaming fire engine. 10 a.m. to noon. 707-786-9515
Parade. Ferndale Chamber of Commerce organizes the
noon Independence Day parade. Entry
form.
Picnic. Ferndale Rotary Club cooks up an Independence Day picnic after the parade. Hot dogs or burgers (including veggie burger option), potato salad, beans and Humboldt Creamery ice cream with chocolate syrup. Hot dog meal, $4; burger meal, $6.
Patriotic Musical Theatre, Ferndale
Repertory Theatre at 3 p.m. 707-786-5483
Fireworks! Bear River Casino organizes a fireworks display for the family to watch from the grandstands at the fairgrounds in Ferndale. Gates open at 5 pm with food vendors, beer & other beverages, bounce house for the kids and entertainment before the fireworks show at dark. No admission charge; $5 to park.
July TBA: Star Spangled ? , featuring the Eureka Symphony's brass ensemble in a patriotic brass band concert. Presented by Eureka Symphony and Fern Cottage, the Star Spangled ___ includes an ice cream social, tours of the historic home, and all grounds open for viewing. Built in 1866 for the cattle ranching Russ family, Fern Cottage is a picturesque farm house on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic integrity. Event proceeds benefit the non-profit Eureka Symphony and Fern Cottage Foundation. 2 to 4 p.m. Seating is limited; call for reservations: 707-786-4835. $25 individual, $40 couple, $50 for family of 3-6. Three miles west of Ferndale at 2121 Centerville Road; from Ferndale's Main Street, take Ocean Avenue west (Ocean becomes Centerville). 707-786-4835
July 17-August 10: Theatre, “The Spitfire Grill.” Friday-Saturday evening performances, some Sunday matinees. Ferndale Repertory Theatre. 707-786-5483
More Ferndale Fun: |
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| Recognition for Ferndale: |
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Victorian
Village of Ferndale, CA © 1997-2013
/ Ferndale Chamber of Commerce |