Carnival & Fair News

The 129th edition of California's oldest continually running fair, the Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale, was held August 16–17 and 20–24 with the theme “Your County Fair with a Redwood Flair!”

The fair featured carnival rides, entertainment, livestock shows, and food reflecting the character of the Lost Coast region.

Although horse racing—once a hallmark of the fair—was banned this year, the event “raced on” with a wide variety of attractions. The California Horse Racing Board rejected a final effort by the Humboldt County Fair Association (HCFA) in June to keep racing at the fair.

HCFA Chief Executive Officer Moira Kenny emphasized that the 2024 meet had generated $900,000 in commissions, noting that the record could have supported higher purses and greater participation. Fair vice president Greg Gomes also highlighted horse racing's importance to the community, but the board voted 4–3 against a proposal for three consecutive race weekends in October and during the fair itself, citing limited resources and a lack of financial viability for horse racing in Northern California.

Despite the setback, HCFA introduced a slate of new attractions to fill the grandstands, from tractor pulls and concerts to bull riding. Kenny stressed that the board was “doing our very best to provide activities to fill up the grandstands.”

Among the highlights were a Boer goat show, rabbit show, live-judged apple pie contest, and livestock competitions featuring sheep, beef cattle, breeding cattle, dairy goats, and swine. A petting zoo, Rabbit Carrying Cage show, and sheep-shearing demonstration with a spinning contest also delighted crowds.



The Mexican Rodeo, an all-day grandstand event, was a major draw. Rancho Imperial hosted the Jaripeo y Baile with live bull riding and a musical lineup that included La Original Banda El Limón de Salvador Lizárraga, Banda Potrero, and Banda Vallarta Show.

Food and community came together during the Chili Cook-Off on Thursday, August 21, hosted by celebrity chef and former Humboldt resident Guy Fieri. The event, accompanied by live music from Monument Road, was free for both participants and tasters. Local PG&E won grand champion honors, while the People's Choice Award went to the Luster Boys. Beforehand, Fieri held a Meet & Greet at the VIP Lawn. Kenny praised Fieri's generosity, saying, “Guy has donated his time, his money, and all of his connections for this fair, the town, and the county. His participation always brings a high level of excitement.”

Music was another strong attraction, with performances by Humboldt County outlaw country artist Brett McFarland & The Freedom Riders, Huckleberry Flint, and Luke Powell. Community events included the Junior Livestock Auction BBQ, a kids' tractor derby, and a grandstand tractor pull.

Unique contests returned as well. On the fair's first Saturday, the Kinetic Universe presented the Kinetic Grand Championship, blending art, engineering, and creativity in an imaginative obstacle course competition. Originating in Ferndale in 1969, the event has long been a Humboldt tradition and fan favorite. That same day, the fair hosted its popular Ladies Hat Day, encouraging participants to wear “the most outlandish, elegant, or outrageous headwear” for prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000.

Home arts entries ranged from barn quilts and decorated potatoes to hand-spun yarn, woodworking, and painting. Fine arts submissions included painting, photography, poetry, and a juried arts show. Floriculture and horticulture exhibits were also prominent, supported by a fundraising Fine Arts and Floral Gala on August 15, which included wine, live music, hors d'oeuvres, and early access to the exhibits.

The fair also paid tribute to the region's logging heritage with a Lumberjack Competition featuring amateur and professional contests. Events included pulp tossing, axe throwing, and power saw competitions, with monetary prizes awarded.

On August 24, fairgoers joined a scavenger hunt across the grounds for five VIP tickets to the upcoming Scaregrounds Halloween event.

Daily midway entertainment featured raptor demonstrations—including a rare spectacled owl—performances by master mentalists Rich and Marielle, and Bella Gantt's unique blend of archery and acrobatics. Banjo Man Bill Thompson also entertained guests. Vendors filled Hindley Hall with jewelry, music boxes, and artwork, while other booths offered caricatures, face painting, and even camel rides from Arteaga's Camel Encounter.

Food offerings ranged from traditional burgers, BBQ, kettle corn, and funnel cakes to Thai food, tacos, carne asada, boba tea, and lobster rolls from Mainley Lobster. Popular options included Steamboat Mickey burgers and Christina's Filipino Cuisine's Boba Delight.



The carnival, provided by Johnston Amusements of Elk Grove, featured family, kiddie, and thrill rides such as the Expo Wheel, carousel, Zipper, Yo Yo, and Spin Out.

Admission was $16.50 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $10 for children ages 5–12. Special promotions included free admission for all on August 20 between 1 and 3 p.m.; free admission for veterans and first responders on August 21 with ID; kids under 12 free on August 16; and free entry for seniors on August 22. Carnival ride wristbands were available for $44 in advance, with individual ride tickets priced at $2.

While horse racing was a “neigh,” the fair itself proved to be a resounding “yay” for the community. Attendance figures were not available at press time, but crowds enthusiastically supported the 2025 Humboldt County Fair.