Saturday & Sunday: 2 more days of Fair time fun in Yreka

Pee Wee Showmanship at the Siskiyou Golden Fair

Well folks, we’ve got 2 days left of the annual Siskiyou Golden Fair in Yreka, and if you haven’t been then you’d better go. Yes, it will be hot, but it’s pretty comfortable sitting under the many shade trees and we found yesterday that the photography building had, far and away, the best air conditioning. Saturday’s big event is the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association (CCPRA) Rodeo, which draws cowboys and cowgirls from around the West to compete in this professional rodeo. The rodeo starts at 7pm and you’ll need to buy tickets. The Siskiyou County Mutton Busting Championship (that’ where little kids ride sheep) will kick off the event. Local teams will also compete for the Siskiyou Saddle Cow title, so before the pros come out you can watch the locals do their best in saddle cow.

There is plenty more entertainment throughout the day, including one of the favorites: Peewee Showmanship in the Sedg Nelson Judging Arena at 5pm. Come see these little guys show their animals that often tower over them. The carnival will run from noon to midnight, so you and the kids will have plenty of time to ride the rides (my favorite was always bumper cars and the zipper). The exhibit buildings will be open late, where you can see photos, paintings and floral arrangements by local folks. In the Ag/Hort building you can see locally grown produce, canned foods and the Siskiyou Harvest Food Center cooking demonstrations. Saturday’s big cooking demo will be the barbecue demo at 4pm (samples will be given out) featuring meats grilled with a variety of rubs and wood chips. One of Sunday’s demos will be on making healthy snacks for kids: the banana, sweet potato, marshmellow dip is just too yummy (I can say from experience).

Throughout the fairgrounds there are informational demonstrations, performances on the mall stage, lots and lots of food vendors and shady places to sit. You can walk over to the Collier Pavilion to watch the horse show or wander down to the other end of the fair to watch livestock judging. While you’re down there try to catch the Sea Lion performance – if you’re there at the right time you might even get a kiss from the sea lion. Humphrey’s Barnyard of Fun, the Great American Petting Zoo and the Great American Pony rides will be open all day to give the kids something to do.

Saturday evening’s events include a performance by cowboy poet Tony Argento, square dancing by the Circle and Square club and an encore performance by Summer Schappell on the mall stage.

Sunday the Fair continues with more livestock judging, the carnival and exhibit buildings. Humphrey’s Barnyard will have a magic show at 1pm for the kids and the diaper derby takes off at 2pm on the mall stage. Sunday’s main attraction is the Destruction Derby, starting at 4pm in the grandstand. Live music continues into the evening until the Fair closes at 8pm.

So, it you haven’t gone, get there soon.

You are here: The Mythical State of Jefferson

State of Jefferson flag

You may see the XX flag, or hear mention of the State of Jefferson. While you’re visiting far Northern California you may notice that the public radio station is Jefferson Public Radio. Why is Jefferson so popular, you may wonder. Well, it’s not homage to a past president, but to an idea and movement that lives on today in the hearts and minds of her residents: in 1941 a handful of counties in far Northern California and Southern Oregon attempted to become the 51st state – Jefferson. While the secession movement died with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the identity of the region as Jefferson has lived on. While you’re visiting Siskiyou County you are in the heart of Jefferson, where the county seat (Yreka) was designated as the state capitol during the secession movement.

Mt. Shasta and the Shasta Valley

Today you can experience the (now mythical) State of Jefferson by touring its vast geographic area and talking with its people. You will see bumper stickers proclaiming residency of the State of Jefferson, the occasional flag and t-shirts for sale in gift shops. Yreka, Fort Jones and Montague are likely spots for finding your own t-shirt or bumper sticker. The State of Jefferson Scenic Byway winds through the region, from Yreka to the coast. Visit Siskiyou’s scenic drive page provides some info about the Byway and other shorter drives in the area. You can read about it in the new magazine Jefferson Backroads, which shares history, coming events and advertisements from local businesses.

Mostly, the State of Jefferson is something to be searched for as you explore the rugged land and small towns that make up the region, a sense to be discovered as you stretch your own independence and self reliance. It’s a mythology you can build on as you create your own experiences here, whether you drive down backroads or head for the hills.

Ready for the next bike ride? Siskiyou Century is Sept. 11th in Yreka

The first climb of the day on the Siskiyou Century 100-mile ride

The Summit Century out of Mt. Shasta had another wonderful year (see the post below), and now it’s time to think about fall bike rides. The Siskiyou Century, headquartered in Yreka, offers a different kind of ride: plenty of valley views along hay fields and pastures on routes that don’t provide nearly as much climbing as the Summit Century. Don’t get me wrong, the 100-mile century is still a challenging ride, but you’ll be looking at different settings on this ride. For folks who just don’t want to pedal that far, the metric 1/2 century (37 miles) and the metric century (64 miles) head out to the beautiful Little Shasta Valley, where you will have to push up some small hills, but mostly you’ll be cruising the flats and enjoying the scenery.

The Sept 11th ride tours both the Shasta Valley and the Scott Valley (for the 100-mile ride). Here you’ll get to see the heart of Siskiyou County’s agricultural production in valleys where farming families have been here for generations. The two shorter rides leave Yreka for Montague, a quiet town that used to be a bustling hub for cattle and goods moving on the railroad. From there the routes go out the Little Shasta Valley where the quaint church is the subject of many a photo. This valley ride is just beautiful, with green pastures along side the roads and Mt. Shasta towering over the scene.

The 100-mile leaves Yreka to climb Forest Mountain to the west, where you get to enjoy a long downhill into the Scott Valley. At Greenview riders make a right hand turn that sends them out to the tiny hamlet of Mugginsville and the beauty of the Quartz Valley. You’ll return to Fort Jones, then head down Eastside Road, my favorite part of the ride (until you hit the rollers at the end of the road when it’s usually really hot). Lunch in the cool shade at the fire station in Callahan gives you a rest before you tackle the 14-mile climb up to the Gazelle Mountain summit. They’ve promised to have beer at the top (but that was probably a joke) and the ice pops are always welcome. Coming down Gazelle Mountain is a downhiller’s favorite before the last flat 20 miles back to Yreka.

This is a wonderful fall ride that explores gorgeous, quiet roads of Northern California. Come check it out!

Fair time is coming – Siskiyou Golden Fair August 11-15th

Bumper cars - always fun!

Every year the Siskiyou Golden Fair has a new slogan, but the one I remember from my childhood is “Fair time is fun time”. There is always something new to discover at the Fair, whether this is your first time to the Fair or an annual event. This year’s Siskiyou Golden Fair is August 11th -15th at the fairgrounds in Yreka. There are grandstand events, like the headline concert with Jack Ingram and the CCPRA/NPRA Rodeo, along with the daily entertainment at the Mall Stage. If you’re an animal person, be sure to check out the livestock buildings where 4-H kids will be showing cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, etc. Every day there is a contest that anyone can enter: I’m dreaming up a “car” for the Veggie Derby Races in the Ag-Hort
Building on Thursday where you build a racecar using a vegetable and race it against other “drivers”.

The Siskiyou Golden Fairbook has lots of info about the various events, shows, and displays throughout the Fair. It’s full of info, so look carefully. You’ll learn that if you missed Shasta Taiko in Mt. Shasta, you can catch a show Friday on the Mall Stage. Catch the location for the petting zoo, pony rides, the Barnyard of Fun and cooking demonstrations. There is too much to talk about here, so go to the Fair website to download the Fair Book.

Gate Admission & Parking:
General Admission (13 -61 years): $6.00
Senior Admission (62 years & over): $4.00
Child Admission (7-12 years): $2.00
Child Admission (6 years & under): FREE!
Parking: FREE!
Pre-Sale Admission (Pack of 5 tickets): $20.00
Hours of the Fair:
Wednesday: 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday: 8 .m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Exhibit Building Hours:
Wednesday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Carnival Hours:
Wednesday: 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Thursday: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Friday: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Carnival “Pay-One-Price” Wristbands:
Pre Sale: $18.00
During Fair: $28.00

Shasta Mini Donkeypalooza July 23rd – 25th: don’t miss it

Residents at When Lil' Donkeys Fly Ranch near Anderson, CA

The Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds in Yreka is hosting the Shasta Mini Donkeypalooza this weekend, July 23-25th. Donkeypalooza is going to be a hoot: mini donkeys will compete in a number of halter, carting and jumping events and be available for petting and snuggling (if you’re into it). The Beaver family of When Lil’ Donkeys Fly Ranch, outside of Anderson, is one of the event sponsors – you can see more lil’ donkey photos on their website.

Donkeypalooza begins Friday afternoon at 4pm with the in-hand trail classes, which test the donkey’s skill, intelligence and trust in the handler. The weekend competition schedule is packed, with classes all day Saturday and Sunday, going into the evening. Adults and children will handle donkeys for high point competitions. Handlers and animals will range from professional competitors to ranch owners.

Saturday’s classes begin at 8am and include showmanship, halter, in hand jumping, a versatility class, driving classes, and evening game classes like the hurry scurry. Sunday classes kick off at 9am with game driving classes. Competitors are expected to come from Washington to southern California, with handlers ranging from age 5 to 80.

Admission is free and this sounds like so much fun that you just can’t miss it. The stable are will be open for folks to stroll through to visit with the donkeys and their handlers. Food and beverage vendors will be onsite to keep you fed and watered.

The Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds are easy to find: use the southern most Yreka exit from I-5 and head east. You can see the fairgrounds from the freeway, and the the frontage road (Fairlane Road) takes you right to the entrance. The Donkeypalooza events will be held in Collier Pavilion, which is near the fair ground main gate. While you’re thinking about the fairgrounds, remember that the Siskiyou Golden Fair is coming up – August 11-15th.

Saturday morning, July 26th: things to do

It’s a beautiful Saturday morning here in Siskiyou County and it finally feels like summer has set in. Plenty of options for things to do this weekend –

cream tea at Ms. Lynn's Tea in Montague

My first pick for the weekend: heading out to the Montague Farmers Market Saturday morning. It’s at Railroad Park in downtown Montague from 9am to noon. I’m looking for fresh veggies, cheese, and maybe some buffalo meat. Other things to do in the Montague area: check out Shepherd’s Dream wool bed store, slow down for lunch at Ms. Lynn’s Tea, go to the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area or drive (or bike) through the Little Shasta Valley because it’s just so darn pretty. If you find yourself heading for Little Shasta then you might as well head up to the Mt. Shasta Lavender Farms to see if the lavender’s blooming yet in this odd summer.

If you’re in Yreka on Saturday, the Siskiyou County Museum is hosting Black Bart at 2pm for a first person presentation of the life and times of the infamous stage coach robber and his counterpart, nemesis, Wells Fargo detective, James Hume.

If you like water events, Saturday at 10 am the River Exchange is holding a Family Fun Event at the Lake Siskiyou Marina. From 10am to 3pm you can grab your paddle and kayak or canoe for a wet poker run. Paddle your craft to five stations around the lake to pick a card – best hand wins! Kayak and paddle board demos, prizes, BBQ and more. The fun starts at 10 am. $10 for adults, $6 children under 12, or $20 for a family. To register or for more information go to www.riverexchange.org or call 530-235-2012.

So there  are some suggestions for enjoying Siskiyou County this weekend.

Humbug Hurry-Up & Gold Rush Days in Yreka June 19th

Mountain bike riders will come from around the region next Saturday, June 19th for the Humbug Hurry-Up race in Yreka’s Greenhorn Park. The race offers classes for beginners to experts with courses to suit those skill levels. For the experts, the 24-mile long course promises climbs, chutes, “the Monster Mile” and smooth single track. Beginners will get a sorta-friendly 10-mile ride that includes the smooth single track of the Big Ditch and service roads, along with the climbing that you just can’t avoid in Greenhorn Park.

The race takes place on the trails around and behind Greenhorn Park, a community resource that honors the Gold Rush history of the area. If you’re at the Park and not riding as fast as you can on a mountain bike, you can take time to look at the Gold Rush era buildings.

Also set for Saturday, June 19th is Yreka’s Gold Rush Days, which includes a horseshoe tournament, a chili cook-off, a watermelon eating contest and box car races at Miner Street Park, just a few blocks from the historic downtown district. An historic home tour, Street Theatre featuring Cowboy Action Shooter, and Hard Luck Lin – Gold Rush history storyteller are also part of the celebration.
To learn more about the Humbug Hurry-Up, or to register, go to the website or call 530.842.9622. To learn more about Gold Rush Days, call the Yreka Chamber of Commerce at 530.842.1649

Summer Concert Series kicks off in Lake Shastina June 11th

The Cheeseburgers in Miner Street Park last summer.

The Scott Valley Bank Summer Concerts in the Parks Series begins this year in Lake Shastina when The Cheeseburgers play their brand of shrimpboat rock at Hoy Park on Friday, June 11th. The Cheeseburgers, a local band, played in the Concert Series last year. The Summer Concert Series, now in it’s 15th season, is sponsored by Scott Valley Bank and several other community businesses and organizations to bring free entertainment to residents and visitors.

The rest of this year’s lineup includes:
• Country rock artist Dan Daniella with Oregon Rain on Friday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Miner Street Park in Yreka;
• Celtic rock group Tempest on Friday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Miner Street Park;
• Original high energy rock and funk group the Frankie Moreno Band on Friday, July 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Miner Street Park;
• Funk, rhythm and blues band The Essentials on Friday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Miner Street Park;
• Blues band the Karen Lovely Band on Friday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Miner Street Park;
• Classic rock band Gimme Shelter on Friday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Miner Street Park. The Siskiyou Arts Bus will offer arts and crafts for children, and the event will also feature the Siskiyou Arts Council in the Park, with arts demonstrations, poetry and vendors;
• Americana and country band One Horse Shy on Friday, Sept. 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fort Jones Big Ball Park; and
• The Blackberry Music Festival featuring Chick Music with Paula Reynolds, Allison Scull & Victor Martin, and Rockit on Sunday, Sept. 5 at Mt. Shasta City Park from noon-6 p.m. Food and games will also be available.
Admission to all concerts is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to sit on and to pack a picnic to enjoy during the concerts.

Concert Series starts Friday in Yreka

The 2009 Scott Valley Bank Concerts in the Parks Series:

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 • 6:30 p.m. • Miner Street Park, Yreka
The Housecats  Rock n Roll
Lalo’s Mexican Restaurant • Law Office of Darrin W. Mercier • Medical Center Pharmacy & Compounding/MC Medical Equipment
 
Friday, June 19 • 6:30 p.m. • Miner Street Park, Yreka
The Cheeseburgers  Shrimpboat Rock
McDonald’s of Yreka & Weed • Black’s Home Furnishings • Simas’ Green Thumb Landscapes/Ernie Rizzardo Landscaping

Friday, June 26 • 6:30 p.m. • Miner Street Park, Yreka
Tempest  Celtic Rock
Etna Brewing Company • Edward Jones • West Coast Paving and Chip Sealing

Friday, July 3 • 6:30 p.m. • Miner Street Park, Yreka
5 a.m.  Original Rock
Shasta Forest Products, Inc. • Sears, Yreka • Hanon’s Floors

Friday, July 10 • 6:30 p.m. • Miner Street Park, Yreka
The Essentials  Funk, R&B
Weed Building Supply, Inc. • Bruce Riger, MD • ABY Petro, Inc./Yreka Valero

Friday, July 24 • 6:30 P.M.• Miner Street Park, Yreka
One Horse Shy  Americana/Country Rock
Les Schwab Tire • Alpine Business Equipment • Gold Nugget Printing

Friday, July 31 • 6:30 p.m. • Miner Street Park, Yreka
Gimme Shelter Classic Rock
SPECIAL for Children - this concert only – all aboard the Siskiyou Arts Council Mobile Art Studio
John Durney, DDS, Inc.- A Family Dentist • Girdner Funeral Chapel • Yreka Paint & Decorating

Saturday, Aug.1 • Ft. Jones Ball Park • 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Boyz Nite Out Contemporary A Capella
Siskiyou Telephone • Scott Valley Auto Parts • Fort Jones Lumber Yard

Sunday, Sept. 6 • Mt. Shasta City Park• Noon til 6 pm
Blackberry Music Festival
Live Music, Fun, Food & Games • An Annual Project of Mt. Shasta Rotary Club

Veterans Appreciation Day in Yreka on May 16th, Memorial Service on 24th

The traditional event to honor veterans in Siskiyou County is the Memorial Day service at the Hot LZ Wall at the Living Memorial Sculpture Gardens, outside of Weed. But this year a new event, the Siskiyou County Veterans Appreciation Day, held on Armed Forces Day (May 16th), will be held to help living veterans to understand their benefits and available services. The event will also include a bit of show: the American Legion Post #260 of Etna will do colors, and the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors will be at the opening ceremony. The Young Marines of Northern Calif. and Southern Oregon will do the Pledge of Allegiance and a drill team presentation, to be followed by a seven-man rifle volley and the echo playing of Taps. There may even be a fly-over as Taps is playing. Barbara Ward, Deputy Director of the Women’s Veteran’s Affairs of California, will be the keynote speaker and Marge Wheeler of Mount Shasta, a Vietnam veteran and nurse, will provide musical entertainment along with the local band Rockit, who will also be performing at lunch and to end the day’s events.
The City of Yreka, Human Services, UC Davis, VA Northern California Health Care, Siskiyou Ministerial Association, Siskiyou VFW Posts and Madrone Hospice are participating in the event, and there will be informational booths from various veteran and service organizations that offer things like healthcare options and help with heating costs. One booth, called Horses for Heroes, offering horse therapy for vets, will include someone in the booth to explain their program. The Redding Outpatient Clinic/VA Clinic of Northern California will have a doctor on hand to talk to vets about a new clinic that will be opening in Yreka in the near future, and the VA in White City, Ore., will also have a booth to answer eligibility and other questions for local vets.
The Armed Forces Day event will be held at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds in Yreka. A breakfast, free to vets and $3 otherwise, is from 8-10am. The music and resource fair is from 9am to noon with the appreciation ceremony at noon. Lunch is from 1-2pm with the closing at 2pm.

The Memorial Day service at the Hot LZ Wall at the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden is set for 2pm on May 24th and will include the reading of names of new veterans to be added to the Wall, a color guard, Taps and a gun salatue (bring a chair if you need to be seated). The Hot LZ Wall is part of the sculpture garden, which features poingnant sculptures created by a Vietnam vet, and can be toured on foot or by car (don’t miss this!). The Living Memorial Sculpture Garden is located just off Highway 97 13 miles north of Weed.