Rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits at last weekend’s 10th annual Hometown Country Fair. While the festivities had to be cut short due to a rainstorm at 2 p.m., the first half of the day was filled with lots of fun and great entertainment.

Twelve-year old Dana Lee Ryan kicked off the day’s events with a stirring rendition of our national anthem. The CV jazz band kept things going as hundreds of fairgoers wandered the fairgrounds. There were colorful carnival rides, fresh-cooked food, the biggest car show to date and close to 100 vendors exhibiting and selling all sorts of interesting things. I personally bought organic cosmetics, a Juice Box phone charger, 1600-thread count sheets and the best pillow I’ve ever slept on. I also learned I’m glaucoma-free courtesy of the Lion’s Club mobile eye exam unit.
Children everywhere were having a great time sliding down giant inflatables and spinning in the Ferris wheel. Some gathered around Clark Magnet High School’s Team 696’s Snapdragon robot as it catapulted giant fitness balls to the group of expectant kids. Youngsters and adults got to pet lemurs and see a wolf over at the Wildlife Waystation exhibit. Folks danced to the classic pop music of Faith Alone Band and had their photos taken with Gibby the Dog who roamed the park giving free hugs. Later Gibby led the dog parade, a smaller event this year due to rain, but just as adorable. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised went straight to the Pasadena Humane Society.

The pie-eating contest was, of course, messy fun. Less messy but even more delicious were the fire-grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Some local schools earned money when students redeemed meal coupons at The Chamber Kitchen. Other delicious food was provided by Hang Ten Tacos, All American Softy Cones and Frozen Crush Shaved Ice.

Fairgoers were treated to a colorful program courtesy of Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute. Young women in traditional garb performed a graceful fan dance and a troupe of drummers played Korean Buksori. The Rosemont Middle School cheerleaders put on a rousing performance and a number of soloists serenaded the crowd, including 6-year old Jenae Domingues who sang a heartwarming version of “Over the Rainbow.”

The CV Chamber team as well as volunteers from the American Legion, Prom Plus Club, CV High’s CSF club and others worked together to keep things running smoothly and to make sure participants, entertainers and vendors were well taken care of. Thanks to all who helped including members of the CV High’s CIF champion football team who helped with muddy cleanup at the end of the day. Many participants had nice things to say: “It was a fun event and so well organized,” said Carolynn Lyons of the Glendale Federal Credit Union.

“It was a great event despite the rain,” said Jennifer Becker from Renewal by Andersen, “and we look forward to participating again next year.”

Mike Napolitano from Dilbeck Real Estate said, “Great job!”

We were just able to announce raffle winners before the heavens opened and the rain poured down. We gave away valuable prizes donated by Dream Dinners, YMCA of the Foothills, Merle Norman, Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital and the CV Chamber Golf Tournament (coming up June 26). Mary B. from La Crescenta learned she was the lucky winner of an iPad Mini 3! Congratulations, Mary, and thanks to all our prize donors, participants, attendees, sponsors and volunteers. You helped make the 10th annual Hometown Country Fair an affair to remember.

Lisa Dupuy, executive director
CV Chamber of Commerce
3131 Foothill Blvd. ‘D’
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 248-4957

  Lisa DUPUY