The annual Hometown Country Fair promises something for everyone.

By Charly SHELTON

The time is almost upon us once again for the kick-off event of Crescenta Valley’s summer season, the Hometown Country Fair. This annual event invites guests to come relax at Crescenta Valley Park and take in some entertainment showcased on the pop-up stage, enjoy some shopping in the vendors’ bazaar while sharing some good times with friends and family.

“I love the fact that we can bring the community together for a day and have a great time. The biggest reward for me is to see smiles on people’s faces, laughing and having fun,” said Calvin “Kaipo” Chock, president of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the event’s organization team. “Families come together, take time out from their busy schedules, put their phones down and enjoy each other’s company. If I see that with the people that come to the fair, then the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce and everyone who helped put the fair on did a great job.”

This year is the 12th annual event, and each year brings something new. The stage has a new location this year, facing east, to give a better view of the performers to a larger audience. There will also be karaoke for the first time to allow “people to show the community their true talent … or not!” Chock said. And, thanks to new CVCoC team member Wells Fargo, guests will have the opportunity to see and take pictures with one of the Wells Fargo stagecoaches that took part in the Rose Parade in January.

“I think each year we learn more of how to do it – how people like the booths set up, where they want to be,” said Jean Maluccio, past executive director of the CVCoC and its current advisor. “We just try and keep improving every year.”

For the gearheads, there will be an Early Rodders-sponsored event to satisfy to the need for speed. The annual “Legends of Hot Rod Forum” will be held in the community center at the edge of CV Park on Dunsmore Avenue from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

“Since its conception four years ago, the forum has been a success,” said Dwight Sityar, vice president of the CVCoC, organizer of the forum and member of the Early Rodders. “Grown-ups and young kids get to meet and talk with people who made or contributed to the history of drag racing, Nascar, Bonneville Salt Flats racing and historians who have documented such events. The best part of all is that the event is free and everyone is welcome.”

The fair will be held on Saturday, April 29 at Crescenta Valley Park, 3901 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and “guests should look for a great day to spend with the family, a free family event with something for all ages, old and young,” Chock added.

  Charly Shelton