 "Photo: Arcata Main Street")
You might think that Humboldt State University's summer recess means the town of Arcata dies. But to the contrary, the beautiful weather and fun-loving people come out en masse, making the Humboldt summer like none other. In this summer festival guide you will find 9 reasons to stick around.
The 17th annual Arcata Bay Oyster Festival, at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on June 16 at the Arcata Plaza. Come celebrate during peak oyster harvest time in historically beautiful weather. Over 30 food vendors, including Abruzzi's, Hurricane Kate's, Jambalaya, Tomo, and Mazzotti's, and others prepare our local delicacy in ways you never imagined. Beverages of all kinds are served, have a few drinks and muster up the courage to participate in the traditional Oyster Calling Contest. Performers Earl Thomas, Kulica and the Bayou Swamis will play throughout the day, while as many as 10,000 to 15,000 people stroll through our small little plaza.
This event attracts people from all over, and is fun for both adults and kids. Face painting booths, wax hands, hot dog stands, balloon animals will keep your little ones satisfied, while entertainment and educational booths set up by local non profits will unwittingly make them smarter. Admission is free, but food and drinks are modestly priced. For more information go to www.arcatamainstreet.com.
The 24th Annual Reggae on the River Festival is August 3, 4, and 5 at French's Camp/Dimmick Ranch. Arguably, this festival is why Humboldt County is internationally recognized. An amazing line up of performers come together from all over the world to bring you serious roots. The lineup includes: Angelique Kidjo, The Roots, Shaggy, Ky-Mani Marley, Luciano Dean Frasier, Lutan Fyah, Prezident Brown, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Marlon Asher, The Solid Foundation Band featuring Andrew Diamond, Tarrus Riley, Jimmy Riley, Wailing Souls, Culture featuring Kenyatta Mill, The Itals, Mad Professor, Norris Man, Eek-A-Mouse, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, Neutral Sisters, Dubconscious, Natty King, Little Hero, Dr. Israel, Albino, and Lionvibes. More performers to be announced. Tickets are $165 for 3 days. For more information go to www.reggaeontheriver.com.
Reggae Rising is also on August 3, 4, and 5 at Dimmick Ranch. This all new festival will happen for the first time this year. Join a community of international reggae fans in a 3 day campout for renowned reggae acts including: Abyssinians, Anthony B, Collie Buddz, Damian Marley, Fantan Mojah, Freddie McGregor, Morgan Heritage, Ishi Dube, Heavyweight Dub Champion, Queen Omega, Richie Spice, Richie Stephens, Sly Robbie and the Taxi Gang with Horace Andy, Steel Pulse, Stephen Marley, Tanya Stephens, Wisdom, and Ziggy Marley. More artists will be announced. $175 for a 3 day festival pass. For more information go to www.reggaerising.com.
Arts! Arcata is happening on the second Friday of each month, from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Arcata plaza. Live music, food, and art abound for your enjoyment. For more information go to www.arcatamainstreet.com Summer Music and Art Series. Every Sunday in August and September you'll find live music and artwork from local artisans and performers. For more information go to www.arcatamainstreet.com.
The Fourth of July Celebration on the Arcata Plaza is happening on July 4 at the Arcata Plaza. Join the town in a celebration of independence as the Steve Watts Band, Joanne Rand and the Rhythm of Open Hearts, Moo Got 2, Ishi Dube and Massagana, and blue Turtle Seduction rock out. Food vendors and 2 beer trucks from local breweries and distributors keep the goods coming, while people dance and kids play in the children's area. Attend the evening after party at Mazzotti's, where Ishi Dube and Massagana will open for the Itals.
North Country Fair September 22-23 at the Arcata Plaza. Join 10,000 people as the community gathers to enjoy the works of crafters, non-profits, and food vendors for a weekend of fun. Everything at this fair is locally made, including arts and crafts, all kinds of food and a half-dozen different types of beers from local breweries. On one day you might catch the All Species Parade, with some seemingly inhuman participants, or you might catch the Samba Parade and dance all day. Local bands will have the two stages busy all weekend, and kids can enjoy appropriate crafts and music as well. Entry is free and the weather is usually superb. Email questions to info@sameoldpeople.org Humboldt County Fair August 9-19 at the Ferndale Fairgrounds. This fair will feature cloned mule racing, sheep dog trials, carnival rides and games, death-defying stunts, competitive exhibits, live and satellite horse racing, livestock events, fair-time foods, and duck races in the picturesque and sunny setting of Victorian Ferndale. Email questions to humcofair@frontiernet.net.
Kinetic Sculpture Race May 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Arcata Plaza. The 39th annual race from Arcata to Ferndale is put together by local artists, non-profits, and wacky folks of all types. Dress up as outrageously as possible and see off the kinetic sculptures. The sculptures are made locally, and usually start off with a bike for a base. From there, the designers and architects paper Mache and build structures of unreal proportions, like giant crabs, fish, and cats. This event is free. For more information go to www.kineticuniverse.com.
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