Fortuna Rodeo 2018

(707) 725-3959

WWW.FORTUNARODEO.COM

97TH

L A U A NN

JULY 16-22, 2018 OFFICIAL PROGRAM • FREE

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FORTUNA RODEO 2018

CONTENTS 2018 Rodeo Committee .........................................................4 President’s Message.................................................................5 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors .........................................6 Schedule of Events ..................................................................7 Cover Artist Claudia Lima .....................................................9 2017 Rodeo Winners ............................................................... 11 2018 Fortuna Rodeo Grand Marshal: Ed Tanferani .........................................................................13 Current CCPRA Standings .................................................... 15 Food Events All Week ...........................................................17 Kids Events All Week ........................................................... 19 Bullfighters Only and Motorsports on Friday Night ................................................................. 21 Honoring the Legend and the Legacy of Dennis Wendt ...............................................................25 Saturday Night Bulls, Broncs, Bands and Brews ...........27 Fortuna Parks and Rec Department ................................ 29 Rodeo Events............................................................................31 Bull Riding............................................................................33 Saddle Bronc.......................................................................34 Bareback Riding .................................................................35 Steer Wrestling ................................................................. 36 Calf Roping......................................................................... 36 Team Roping .......................................................................37 Breakaway Roping ............................................................ 38 Barrel Racing .......................................................................39 2017 Fortuna Rodeo Fun Run Results ............................... 41 Saddle and Buckle Awards .................................................43 The History of the Fortuna Rodeo .................................. 44 Eel River Valley Guide: Services, Lodging, Dining and Attractions ....................................................47

T HE O T !

E L M A O C U L N WE 97TH A N

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he theme of this summer’s 97th Fortuna Rodeo is “Home of the Champions,” in honor of the Fortuna High School Huskies football team. In 2017, the team witnessed more heartbreak and triumph than anyone could have imagined. At the season’s close, the Huskies returned to Fortuna with the Division 5A State Championship trophy. “We were really proud to represent our community,” says Mike Benbow, Fortuna High School’s head football coach and athletic director.

During the season opener last August, senior Bailey Fales suffered a traumatic head injury that sent him into a medically induced coma and subsequent brain surgery. With overwhelming support from the community and Fales’s incredible spirit, the young athlete’s family is still working towards his recovery today. “Our young men went through a lot of turmoil,” explains Coach Benbow, who reflected on his own path as football coach after the accident. “But we decided to keep playing together and went on to win a state championship. … We commit to each other and work really, really hard. That’s the cornerstone of what we’re about,” says Benbow proudly.

The Fortuna Rodeo is thrilled to honor the Fortuna High state champs throughout the entire 2018 “Home of the Champions” rodeo. Look for young players dressed in blue and white in the parade and throughout the week’s festivities.

Benbow believes that “Home of the Champions” is all about Fortuna and its incredible community.

“We don’t have kids that are going on to play college football, says Benbow, “but we have kids that are going on to be great people.”

310 F St., Eureka CA 95501 • 707 442-1400 fax 707 442-1401 • www.northcoastjournal.com OFFICIAL FORTUNA RODEO PROGRAM 2018 is a publication of the North Coast Journal Weekly. © 2018 Entire contents copyrighted. No portion may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.

Arts and Features Editor Jennifer Fumiko Cahill Contributing Writer Nora Mounce Production Manager/ Art Director Holly Harvey Graphic Design/Production Miles Eggleston, Jacqueline Langeland, Amy Waldrip, Jonathan Webster Creative Services Manager Lynn Leishman

Advertising Manager Melissa Sanderson Advertising Linus Lorenzen, Tyler Tibbles, Kyle Windham Social Media Coordinator Sam Armanino Classified Advertising Mark Boyd Office Manager Annie Kimball Bookkeeper Deborah Henry

On the Cover 2018 Fortuna Rodeo poster art by Claudia Lima.

Read more about the artist and this year’s poster on page 9.

Official photographer of the Fortuna Rodeo

Photo by Carol Niles Photography

Publisher/General Manager Chuck Leishman

— Nora Mounce

WWW.FORTUNARODEO.COM

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2018 Rodeo Committee

Photos by Carol Niles Photography

Back row, left to right: Wayne Tomasini – Beverages Mike Johnson – Grounds Shannon McWhorter – President/Tickets Jim Hinrichs – Parade Ricky Ruud – Street Entertainment Dave Jackson – Secretary Roy Curless – Carnival/Concessions Dave Victorine – Vice President/Security Todd Fulton – Merchant Contributions Cody Waddell – Beverages Jessie Renner – Friday Night Dave Nicholson – Barbecue Front row, left to right: Ben McWhorter – Sponsorships/PR Chad Lake – Saturday Night Hec Wood – Street Entertainment Russ Renner – Friday Night Bob Natt – Grounds Robb Foley – Barbecue Missing: Patrick Whitchurch – Treasurer Brad Glass – Parade

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Fortuna Rodeo Association, Inc. (a nonprofit organization) is sponsored jointly by the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce and the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department.

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President’s Message

his year marks the 97th anniversary of the Fortuna Rodeo. It is a tradition that has met the test of time and continues stronger than ever because of the hard work of the Fortuna Rodeo Board of Directors, Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department, city of Fortuna and the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce.

The business community is also a critical part of the success of Fortuna Rodeo Week. Without their contributions and support, there is a good chance the Fortuna Rodeo would not be the viable event it is today.

We honor two special people this year at the 2018 Fortuna Rodeo. Our Grand Marshall is Ed Tanferani. Ed has been a business and community leader in Fortuna for many years and is an all-around good guy who loves this place we call home. Next is Dennis Wendt, who we are dedicating this year’s rodeo to. Dennis passed away in a tragic accident last year and his absence still reverberates through the community. Dennis was a very successful businessman, although you would never know it. He gave back to our community like no other and asked nothing in return.

Fortuna Office (707) 725-4465 926 Main Street Fortuna, Ca 95540

Our Fortuna Rodeo theme this year is “Fortuna, Home of Champions”. We chose this theme to honor the accomplishments of the Fortuna Huskies student athletes. The Huskies had a fantastic year in many sports, individually and as teams. The icing on the cake was the Huskie football team winning the CIF D5 State Championship for the first time in school history.

Nice job everyone!

Friday night, July 20 is the return of the Bullfighters Only to the Tom McWhorter Arena.

I guarantee you won’t want to miss this exciting and dangerous performance. The Fortuna Rodeo is proud to bring Humboldt County one of only two Bullfighters Only shows in California this year. Hope to see you there.

As always, we have a fun-filled week of inexpensive or free activities for the whole family.

So get on down to the Friendly City and have yourself a good time!

Happy trails,

Shannon McWhorter President

Arcata Office (707) 822-4851 1907 Heindon Road Arcata, Ca 95521

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Welcome Rodeo Fans!

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Thank You to All of Our 2018 Sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

• Bear River Casino – Saturday at the Rodeo • Mercer-Fraser Co. – Bullfighters Only and Bulls, Broncs, Bands & Brews • • • • •

Gold Sponsors

Lithia Chrysler Dodge of Eureka – Friday at the Rodeo Humboldt Fence Co. – Bullfighters Only Del Reka Distributing – Sunday at the Rodeo Redwood Capital Bank – Electronic Score Board Sequoia Gas Company – Saddle Co-sponsor

Silver Sponsors

• Whitchurch Engineering – Saturday Night Bulls, Broncs, Bands and Brews • Grocery Outlet – Saturday Night Bulls, Broncs, Bands and Brews • Mercer-Fraser Co. – Saturday Night Bulls, Broncs, Bands and Brews • Law Office of Tom Herman – Saturday Night Bulls, Broncs, Bands and Brews • Fortuna Ace Hardware – Downtown Kids Games and Penny Scramble • Renner Petroleum – Band Sponsor, Gas Cards for Event Winners • Northwood Auto • Redi-Rents – Quadiator Sponsor

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Saddle Co-Sponsors

• American Ag Credit • Sequoia Gas Company

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Community Sponsors

• Fortuna Chamber of Commerce • City of Fortuna • Fortuna Fire Rescue

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Bronze Rodeo Award Sponsors

• Eel River Brewing – Breakaway Roping • Bear River Casino/Pump and Play – Bull Riding • Edward Jones Hec Wood/Scott Wheeler – Women’s Barrel Racing • Redwood Memorial Hospital – Tie Down Roping • DCI Builders – Team Roping • The Playroom – Team Roping • Wyckoff Plumbing – Bulldogging • Tri Counties Bank – Bareback Riding • Humboldt Fence Co. – Saddle Bronc • Mobley Construction (MCI) – Tom McWhorter Memorial All-around Buckle • Law Offices of Patrick J. Barry – Fred Barry Memorial Buckle

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Media Sponsors

KRED

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• KIEM News Channel 3 • Big Red Country KRED 92.3FM

Schedule of Events Please Note TICKETS for most Fortuna Rodeo events are available online. CASH ONLY will be accepted at the gate. ATMs will be on site.

PETS: Fortuna Rodeo Week events are pet free. Please leave your pets at home.

Sunday • July 15 FORTUNA RODEO RUN/WALK 2018.

9 a.m. Redwood Cafe parking lot, 12th and Main streets. Rodeo Week starts early with the 5K run/walk presented by Six Rivers Running Club. Contact Matt Kidwell, matthew5513@yahoo.com.

Monday • July 16

CHILI COOKOFF Sponsored by the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce. 5-6:30 p.m., Main Street, 725-3959. Free admission. Hundreds of folks flood Main Street each year for the Chili Cook-off and live music. Entry forms at www.fortunarodeo.com.

Tuesday • July 17 CHILDREN’S GAMES Sponsored by Redwood Village Shopping Center. 6-8:30 p.m. Activities include wax hands, cotton candy, snow cones, face painting, a Western-themed kids’ costume contest with prizes, HealthSPORT demonstrations, sidewalk chalk, Fireman’s Muster for the kids and more! Costume Contest registration at 6:30 p.m. Contest starts at 7:15 p.m.

CARNIVAL Noon, Rohner Park.

BULLFIGHTERS ONLY NIGHT Sponsored by Humboldt Fence Co. and Mercer-Fraser Co. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Rodeo Grounds in Rohner Park.

Live music, Quadiators, Bullfighters Only Show. Sign-ups start at 5 p.m. at the Rodeo Grounds.

Saturday • July 21 FORTUNA KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST 7 a.m., Rohner Park Cook Shack.

CARNIVAL Noon, Rohner Park. All-day wrist bands available.

Bullfighters Only runs with the bulls on Friday night. Facebook

PARADE: Sponsored by Northwood Auto Plaza.

Noon, Main Street. Entry forms at www. fortunarodeo.com.

Park St

16th St

15th St

14th St

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12th St

RODEO: Del Reka Distributing Day. 1:30 p.m., Rodeo Grounds.

PARADE ROUTE 13th St

K St

CARNIVAL Noon, Rohner Park. All-day wrist bands available.

12th St

BARBECUE: K St 11 a.m., Rohner Park. Live music.

9th St

Sunday • July 22

L St

N St

16th St

O St

MAIN ST

ROHNER PARK

Scenic Loo p

P St

11th St

RODEO Bear River Casino Day 2 p.m., Rodeo Grounds. P St BULLS, BRONCS, BANDS, & BREWS: Sponsors: Fortuna Grocery Outlet, Tom O St Herman-Attorney at Law, Mercer-Fraser Co., Whitchurch Engineering. Gates N St open at 6 p.m., bands play at 7 p.m. Bull to HWY and bronc riding at 8 p.m.

At 101 the Rodeo Grounds.

RODEO GROUNDS

8th St

JUNIOR RODEO 10 a.m. Rodeo Grounds in Rohner Park. All admissions are free this year. Contact Kris, 498-9388. Details and entry forms at www. fortunarodeo.com. Jackpot Roping follows the Junior Rodeo.

Friday • July 20

7th St

STREET GAMES Sponsored by Fortuna Ace Hardware 6-8:30 p.m., Main Street. Stick horse race, egg toss, kids’ bounce house, kids’ dummy roping, Tony Johnston Penny Scramble (age 3 and under with parents, 4-5 years, 6-7 years), rock climbing wall, face painting and more.

Hamburgers and hot dogs provided by Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department’s Muster Team.

FIREMAN’S GAMES 6:30 p.m., Main Street.

10th St

CARNIVAL Noon, Rohner Park. All-day wrist bands available for $25 each day.

CARNIVAL Noon, Rohner Park.

15th St

Wednesday • July 18

JUNIOR RODEO 9 a.m., Rodeo Grounds in Rohner Park.

All admissions are free this year. Contact Kris, 498-9388.

9th St

CARNIVAL Opens Tuesday evening, Rohner Park.

Thursday • July 19

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Cover Artist

Claudia Lima

Over 20 Years Experience

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Starting at

oving to Humboldt County as a young woman, Claudia Lima felt right at home among the redwoods, loggers and cowboys. Raised by tree farmers in San Diego County, Lima’s husband, John, is a third-generation Humboldt County logger who has operated Redwood Forest Products since the 1970s. “I love everything about the lumber and timber industry,” says Lima. “The country, the smells, the lifestyle, the deals, but most of all, I love the people.”

Lima took up painting many years ago after taking summer art classes at Humboldt State University. Her primary medium is oil paint, though she occasionally uses acrylics and watercolors, and her favorite subject, as Lima describes it, is “the people of Humboldt County and what they do.” Over the years, Lima has produced an incredibly rich collection of oil paintings that subtly showcase the beauty and nuance of logging and its associated labors. “I hope that my paintings convey the hearts and souls of these good men,” explains the artist.

Knowing Lima’s skill in crafting colorful, distinctive Western imagery in her paintings, the Fortuna Rodeo Board selected her to paint the 2018 Fortuna Rodeo Guide cover art. The painting, titled “Dreaming,” is a 24-by-20-inch image done in oil paints on a linen canvas. Depicting a softer side of the rodeo, Lima painted

two small children — a cowboy and a cowgirl — watching the rodeo.

Each child, dressed in Western duds, quietly clutches a farm gate separating them from the action. Looking at the image, it’s easy to sense their wonderment and imagine the children’s eyes wide with a mix of excitement, fear and dreamy Claudia Lima’s “Dreaming.” Courtesy of the artist awe. “In my experience, I think the best part of the rodeo is the kids,” Lima gram. “It’s a big part of his life,” says Lima. explains. “Rodeo is a big family event, so Lima’s original artwork will be aucthat’s what I wanted to focus on.” tioned off during Bulls, Broncs, Bands, Lima used an old photograph of her and Brews on Saturday, July 21 between son Christopher, snapped while the 7 and 8 p.m. at the Rodeo Grounds in the doctorswill names like old Lima family attended the Fortuna Rodeo Fortuna.make All proceeds be used forad, not so big and to not Rohner all capitalized, focus should nearly 20 years ago as inspiration. She improvements Park inmain Fortuna. be north coast vet logo and good luck to all painted on the braids to transform young Additionally, 100 signed prints are availparticipants Christopher into the silhouette of a able for a donation of $100. Contact the little girl, while a photo of her friend’s Sequoia Gas Co. at 926 Main St., Fortuna grandson, Brennan Hunt, was the model or 725-4465 to order. for the young cowboy. Today, horses are Claudia Lima frequently shows her still in Christopher’s dreams; born with work throughout the North Coast. To Down’s Syndrome, Christopher rides with learn more, visit her website at www.

Dr. Terri Jennings every week at Healing claudialimaart.com or email claudiaStrides, an equine-assisted therapy projlima@gmail.com. ✪

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2017 Fortuna Rodeo Winners

Gary Edgmon Memorial Tri County All-Around Saddle J. Cody Jones Sponsored by American Ag Credit and Sequoia Gas Company

Fred Barry Memorial Humboldt Top Hand Buckle Ad Bugenig Sponsored by Law Office of Patrick J. Barry

Tom McWhorter Memorial All-Around Buckle Brushton Minton Sponsored by Precision Intermedia

Local Team Roping Ben McWhorter and Quintin McWhorter Sponsored by Hennessy Funds

Local Ribbon Roping Kala Moore Sponsored by Hohman and Associates

Calf Roping J. Cody Jones Sponsored by St. Joesph Health

Steer Wrestling Brushton Minton Sponsored by Wyckoff Plumbing

Break-Away Roping Jessi Preyer Sponsored by Les Schwab Tire

Barrel Racing Nina Moore Sponsored by Edward Jones Scott Wheeler & Hec Wood

Team Roping Preston Burges and Joseph Shawnego Sponsored by The Playroom and DCI Construction

Saddle Bronc Riding Dustin Moody Sponsored by Humboldt Fence Company

Bareback Casey Meroshnekoff Sponsored byTri Counties Bank

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FORTUNA RODEO 2018

Grand Marshal Ed Tanferani

By Nora Mounce

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he tradition of honoring a community figure with the title of grand marshal originated in Pasadena, California, where the Rose Parade has been an iconic event since 1890.

In the early years, several skilled horsemen were solicited as marshals; they held the functional role of keeping people safe and the horses marching forward. In the gilded era of 1920s, the Tournament of Roses began awarding Hollywood actors and politicians the grand marshal title to rev up the crowd and build prestige. Over the years, Shirley Temple served as the Rose Parade’s grand marshal three times, sharing the honor with Richard Nixon, Arnold Palmer, Buzz Aldrin and Jackie Robinson.

In the Friendly City of Fortuna, the history of the rodeo is nearly as storied, dating back to 1921. In 1927 the Humboldt Stockmen’s Association added a parade to the festivities, calling it a “historical pioneer pageant.” Nearly 50 years ago, Ed

Tanferani participated in his first Fortuna Rodeo parade, pushing a grain cart from Loleta Dairy and carrying a shovel and a sign reading, “Fortuna Motors: We Aim to Please.” Since his humble beginnings as an official pooper scooper, Tanferani and his family business, Fortuna Motors, have participated in the rodeo parade every year.

This July, Ed Tanferani will proudly lead the parade down Main Street as the grand marshal of the 2018 Fortuna Rodeo.

Born at Eureka General Hospital in 1944, Tanferani was raised on dairy ranch in Loleta and was a member of the Fortuna High School class of 1961. After graduating from Shasta Junior College, Tanferani joined his father, Eligio Tanferani, at the brand-new family business, Fortuna Motors, located in the heart of downtown Fortuna. Today, Tanferani remembers this as a pivotal change in his life and the beginning of “a deep rooted journey of satisfying commitment to community service.”

A former president of the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, Tanferani was also a member of the initial investment team behind the River Lodge Complex, a key economic development in Fortuna.

A member of the Fortuna Rodeo Board for 32 years, Tanferani is best known for chairing the parade committee. “The parade has always been my passion,” he explains. “I mean, who doesn’t want to be in a parade?” This July, Ed Tanferani’s legacy of service and Fortuna-style showmanship will be on display as he finally leads the Fortuna Rodeo Parade down Main Street.

No one could imagine a more fitting grand marshal.

In 2016 Tanferani and his wife, Marlene, retired to Santa Rosa, California, to be closer to their grandchildren. Being removed from the daily rhythm of Fortuna has been a hard transition but Tanferani’s heart has never left the green hills of the Eel River Valley.

Ed Tanferani served on the Rodeo Board.

Photo by Carl Niles Photography

“The best part of this community has always been the positive people and the great community atmosphere. Everyone was always willing and able to help each other,” says Tanferani. “That’s what I miss most.” ✪

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WELCOME RODEO FANS!

Current CCPRA Standings

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he California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association (CCPRA) is the nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping rodeo a safe, family-friendly event. The Fortuna Rodeo is widely known as one of CCPRA’s most popular rodeos on the California circuit. Visitors from all over the western states trek to Humboldt County to enjoy the pleasantly mild weather and authentic rodeo culture of Fortuna. As competition for the 2018 buckles heats up, here are the 2017 CCPRA winners who defend their titles this July in Fortuna. Aside from the glory of taking home a silver saddle (and winning big money), these hotshots will put their raw talent and bravery on display in every competition in Fortuna — it’s the rodeo way.

GRUNDMAN’S INC. Photo by Carol Niles Photography

All-Around Champion – Brushton Minton ($18,201.61) Calf Roping – J. Cody Jones ($9,904.25) Saddle Bronc Riding – Jesse Williams ($6,728.35) Bareback Bronc Riding – Casey Meroscnekoff ($7,078.70) Bull Riding – Colby Demo ($7,763.54) Steer Wrestling – Billy Holland ($5,419.20) Team Roping (Heelers) – Brushton Minton ($8,951.06)

Team Roping (Headers) – Casey Minton ($6,713.34) Ladies Break-Away – Suzanne Williams ($9,849.64) Ladies Barrel Race – Vicky Cook ($5,513.87) Check the updated 2018 CCPRA standings at www.ccpra.com to track the winners – the rankings will fluctuate based on how competitors fare at other CCPRA events leading up to Fortuna’s Rodeo in July. ✪

2018 CCPRA Top Ten Standings STEER WRESTLING 1 Billy Holland .................... $1,507.76 2 Edgar Machado................$1,165.60 3 Tucker Allen.......................$985.12 4 Grant Peterson ................. $925.90 5 Sterling Humphrey ...........$867.44 6 Dillon Hushour ..................$799.00 7 Ronan Hice.......................... $791.48 8 Kyle Davilla .........................$703.12 9 Brushton Minton ..............$639.20 10 Dillon McNaney ................$629.74

TEAM ROPING- HEADING 1 Ryan Reed ....................... $1,880.00 2 Spencer Mitchell.............$1,747.37 3 Billy Holland ....................$1,288.17 4 CJ Deforest........................$1,227.55 5 Waylon McCurley ............$1,114.48 6 Chant Deforest ...............$1,056.56 7 Caden Lehman ..................$940.00 8 Troy Murray .......................$845.72 9 Colton Campbell...............$839.61 10 Corey Fitze ..........................$752.00

BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 Suzanne Williams...........$3,527.63 2 Abigale Hampton............$1,447.60 3 Courtney Wood ............ $1,425.32 4 Chelsey Bushnell ............. $1,421.28 5 Rylee George.....................$1,191.26 6 Kate Amarant ...................$1,041.03 7 Brittany Dias........................$817.80 8 Liz Cupples..........................$782.08 9 Gianna Cianfinchi..............$744.48 10 Jane Wood ..........................$744.48

BARREL RACING 1. Cathey Vallerga................$4,137.33 2 Mary Jo Camera.............$3,464.09 3 Angie Hardin................... $2,057.66 4 Jessica McBain............... $2,000.70 5 Sami Jo Morisoli .............. $1,531.07 6 Vicky Cook .......................$1,289.31 7 Katrina Dugo ...................$1,222.37 8 Bridgette Walliman- R...$1,071.06 9 Cheyenne Hattesen ......$1,042.65 10 Julie Martin ......................$1,029.12

TEAM ROPING- HEELER 1 Wyatt Hansen ................ $1,880.00 2 Mike George....................$1,809.32 3 Cody Cowden ..................$1,747.37 4 Justin Davis.......................$1,653.65 5 Joseph Shawnego............$1,577.71 6 Andy Holcomb ................$1,227.55 7 Lane Wheeler....................$940.00 8 Tyler Forsberg ...................$845.72 9 Todd Hampton ..................$839.61 10 Joe McCurley..................... $785.46

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The pit crew hauls up the beef.

File photo

Y’all Hungry?

By Nora Mounce

U

pholding the tradition of rodeo culture and community, food vendors at the Fortuna Rodeo are only allowed to pitch their tents if raising money for a local nonprofit or community group like the Fortuna Kiwanis Club, High School Football Boosters or the Chamber of Commerce. Use this schedule to know when and where to score your favorite grub for a good cause!

And please remember that while beer and wine are available for purchase, underage drinking will not be tolerated.

Monday, July 16 – Sponsored by the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce and the Fortuna Chili Society, the Chili Cook-Off is back. According to Bob Judevine, the committee chair, the Fortuna contest is the largest chili cookoff in the world outside of Texas. Participating teams are required to make enough chili to serve 700 souls and each team’s members MUST eat 3 ounces of their own chili before turning over their spicy samples to the judges.

Keep this in mind if you’re vying for the Hottest Chili title! While offsite prep is allowed, it needs to take place in a com-

More Vittles …

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Will be available at the Rodeo Grounds on Friday night, Saturday night Bulls, Broncs, Bands and Brews, and Saturday and Sunday during the Rodeo from Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department, Womens Auxilliary, Fortuna High Football Boosters and Humboldt County Cattlewomen.

707-725-3726

mercial kitchen and adhere to all health department guidelines. Once cook-off day arrives, registered competitors start mixing their secret recipes at noon, closing off a few city blocks of downtown Fortuna. After the chili simmers all day, a public tasting begins at 5 p.m. — and not a moment sooner! Tasting is free (while supplies last) but members of the public can purchase People’s Choice tickets to vote for their favorite entry. Last year, Siana Emmons and Debbie Egger took home “Fortuna’s Best Chili,” while Lithia Motors had the spiciest concoction. Think you can cook up a good contender? Application forms and a $25 entry fee must be submitted to the Chamber of Commerce by 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 12. Questions? Call the Chamber at 725-3959 or Bob Judevine at 726-7718. Email entry forms or questions to erin@fortunachamber.com.

On Wednesday night on Main Street, the Eel River Valley Technical Rescue Team will serve up dinner for the whole family from 5:30-8pm with an all-American menu of hamburgers ($5), hot dogs ($3), soda and water ($1.50).

Saturday from 7 to 11 a.m., rise and shine with a hearty pancake breakfast cooked up by the Fortuna Kiwanis Club at the Rohner Park Cook Shack. Fill your plate with hot pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk and juice — at a good price for any cowhand’s budget. Adults eat for $7 each, while kids 12 under are $5 per plate.

Sunday morning is the pinnacle of deliciousness for Humboldt foodies and loyal rodeo fans. A longstanding tradition, the Fortuna Rodeo Board BBQ committee takes its job quite seriously — come taste for yourself! On Saturday morning, the beef is unpacked and rolled in white wine before being coated in top-secret rodeo barbecue mix. Next, the pit fires at Rohner Park are lit and the meat roasts until well after midnight. Bright and early Sunday morning, another crew arrives to finish off preparations for the feast: At 11 a.m. 4,000 pounds of beef, 80 gallons of potato salad, 1,800 rolls and 100 pounds of beans are ready to serve. Of course, nothing but Jell-O parfait for dessert would do! At $15 per plate, all proceeds support the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department. ✪

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FORTUNA RODEO 2018

Kids’ Events

By Nora Mounce

F

or young’uns growing up in Fortuna, July can be more exciting than Christmas. With real-live cowboy and cowgirl sightings daily, five nights of action-packed entertainment and a carnival, the Fortuna Rodeo is Humboldt County’s Disneyland. This July, get your kiddos to Fortuna for a week of family-friendly fun in the Friendly City.

On Tuesday, trot across town to the Redwood Village Shopping Center from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for a night of free activities and treats, including face painting and cotton candy. The Fortuna Fire Department will host a “mini-muster” for the kids. A fireman’s muster is traditionally an opportunity for firemen to show off their skills in competitions like the hose roll, ladder climb and bucket brigade. Be sure to wear your best boots and hats — minicowboys and cowgirls can compete in a Western-themed costume contest at 7:15 p.m. Register by 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, the Junior Rodeo takes center stage with two full days of competition and entertainment. The largest junior rodeo in Northern California, 2018 proudly marks 25 years since the Fortuna Junior Rodeo Committee was established “for the development and growth of youth in rodeo.” Kris Williamson heads up the Junior Rodeo Committee and

Wednesday night Main Street games feature stick horse races, the Tony Johnson Penny Scramble, dummy roping and more.

Photo by Carol Niles Photography

is proud of how Fortuna’s Junior Rodeo has grown to support talented youth up and down the West Coast. “We have kids compete from Oregon to Nevada and give awards down to sixth place,” says Williamson. On Wednesday at 5 p.m., contestants will compete for serious cash in the Breakaway and Team Roping jackpots.

After watching the Junior Rodeo, head over to Main Street from 5:30 to 8 p.m., where the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department hosts another night of family fun.

The kiddos can compete in stick horse races, jump in a bounce house and take home pocket change in the annual Tony Johnston Penny Scramble. Dine on hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by the Eel

River Valley Technical Rescue Team and you’ll support its annual fundraiser. And in case snow cones weren’t exciting enough, the Fortuna Rodeo Board will hand out free ice cream.

On Thursday, free admission to the Junior Rodeo continues with the grand finale Open Barrel Race at 7 p.m. The Junior Rodeo Board has kicked in an additional $500 to the jackpot this year, which the winner will take home along with entry fees, a trophy buckle and the glory. Williamson and the Junior Rodeo Committee would like to recognize that American Ag Credit, Coldwell Banker Eureka and Great Western Clothing for each being saddle sponsors for all 25 years of

the Fortuna Junior Rodeo. The committee adds, “Rodeo events such as these teach children responsibility and sportsmanship, as well as fostering family support as they compete.”

At noon on Saturday, Fortuna favorite and this year’s Grand Marshal Ed Tanferani will lead a lively parade down Main Street.

Get there early for a good seat to watch the Fortuna High School football team celebrate the Home of the Champions.

Finally, the carnival will be in full swing Tuesday through Sunday, starting at noon each day. Carnival admission is free at Rohner Park, though ride tickets and wristbands must be purchased separately. ✪

Welcome Rodeo Fans!

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Over the top moves from Bullfighters Only. Facebook

Bullfighters Only and Motorsports on Friday Night

Your Dealership Alternative

By Nora Mounce

A

ll the way from San Antonio, Texas, Bullfighters Only will return to the Fortuna Rodeo Friday, July 20 at 7 p.m. Thanks to Fortuna’s nearly 100-year rodeo history and the country western culture of The Friendly City, the Rodeo Board was able to wrangle the big-city act back to Fortuna again this summer. Fortuna Rodeo Board President Shannon McWhorter says this

year will be an even bigger and better production.

Boasting 12 of the most daring bullfighters in the country, Bullfighters Only (BFO) is a professional rodeo team formed to promote the popularity and acceptance of freestyle bullfighting. Instead of hailing from the Spanish mountains, the BFO athletes are natives of Texas, Oklahoma continued on page 23 Âť

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Friday Night Bullfighters Only and Motorsports continued from page 21

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www.crosbiechiropractic.com Quadiators battle with bats and balloons. Photos by Carol Niles Photography and California. During the show, the bullfighters will compete against one another by scoring up to 100 points for “control, style, difficulty, creativity and aggression,” while facing the fighting bulls. To keep it a fair fight, the bulls can earn points, too, based on their aggression, speed and ability to track the bullfighter.

While Bullfighters Only may steal Friday night’s show, they’ll get a run for their money from the high-intensity Quadiators. In this Fortuna Rodeo favorite, pairs of riders attempt to whack balloons off competitors as they careen around the arena. Finally, southern country band The Remedy returns to Fortuna to wrap up a night of excitement. Comprised of Ryan Rice, Michael Norton, Garrett Lansing and Trevor Enright, The Remedy plays contemporary country mixed with classic rock and originals. Admission to Friday night events is $20 per person (all ages) with VIP arena seating for $35. ✪

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Honoring the Legend and the Legacy of Dennis Wendt

By Sue Long

I

Dennis Wendt Submitted

t’s July 14, 2017, and the Wendt Construction employees are in a mandatory meeting at 7 a.m. Dennis has just announced that he is going to start cutting back and Ron Brown and I are going to be running the company. There is laughter and snickering from the long-time employees because we know him well and he will never be able to step back. At the end of the meeting everyone heads off to work with smiles and the comradery that has been built up through the years in the “Wendt family.”

One week later Denny and Roger Harwood were tragically taken in an automobile accident.

It’s July 24, 2017, and once again the employees are meeting at 7 a.m. but the laughter has been replaced with tears, hugs and efforts to comfort each other.

The atmosphere is surreal; we are all in a daze. Ron and I are attempting to hold it together and let everyone know that Dennis had a succession plan, and the company will continue on. The employees once again head out the door to job sites but with heavy hearts. The laughter is gone and life has changed in ways that we can’t even comprehend yet, but we are all determined to make him proud and keep

Wendt Construction’s vital role in the community alive.

Dennis had a huge heart and left a legacy of giving for us to carry on. He loved to be able to get people into homes and often broke even or took a loss in order to meet their budgets. It was enough for him to keep the crew working through the winter months and the recession. He was always striving to “make something happen” and get new projects started. The local cities and special districts looked to him for emergency repairs, parts and manpower, and he always responded.

I have heard people call him a greedy developer. Those people obviously did not know him. He attended almost every fundraiser in town especially when they were supporting youth. There were often several desserts in the office the day after an event because he made sure every kids’ item had a bid. He was generous to a fault, always wanting to help others and was often taken advantage of. He was also stubborn, impatient and set in his ways, but we all knew his bark was worse than his bite. He made the rounds to the job sites most mornings delivering donuts. He took a portion of his crew to lunch every day and spent most of the time talking

725-2608

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on his phone while his food got cold. He would talk your ear off one-on-one but in crowds he was more subdued. He liked to operate behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight. He was truly an unsung hero.

He loved the hunt for “a good deal” and truck loads of random “stuff ” would be delivered after an auction weekend in Vallejo. As an avid sports fan he traveled throughout the county to watch high school teams. He was a fixture at Newburg Park during baseball season and would often help in the snack bar and take a team to pizza after a game. He loved NASCAR and attended races a few times a year.

He raced at the Samoa Drag Strip in his younger years and was a dedicated fan at Redwood Acres Raceway.

He enjoyed rodeo week and AutoExpo immensely. Those are the only two weekends that the company did not work. He purchased hundreds of carnival wristbands to hand out to his crew and members of the community. He and I would walk through the carnival looking for kids we thought were not going to be able to purchase a wristband and we both delighted in the smiles generated when they realized they were going to be able to ride the rides all day long! He donated equipment,

labor and anything else needed for city events for more than 30 years.

He started the Third of July event about 15 years ago when he invited employees and their families to Newburg Park to play softball, barbecue and enjoy fireworks. Eventually, the city mandated that the fireworks display be performed by a licensed pyrotechnical company. It was the end of June and he got on the phone and convinced the company that was going to be at Benbow on the Fourth of July to come to Fortuna on the third.

We just celebrated the 10th year of the official Fortuna Fireworks Festival and it is now the largest event in town. Wendt Construction is still involved in organizing and making sure all the logistics are taken care of.

Dennis loved to work and built Wendt Construction into the diverse company it is today. As all good leaders do, he shared his knowledge and taught us well.

July 21 will be the anniversary of his death and we ask ourselves every day WWDD (What Would Dennis Do)? We continue to donate to the community, help out the cities and special districts, and strive to continue his legacy in a way that would make him proud. ✪

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Photo by Carol Niles Photography

Bulls, Broncs, Bands and Brews

By Nora Mounce

N

ew to rodeo? Not sure what it’s all about? On Saturday night, the Fortuna Rodeo Board proudly presents Bulls, Broncs, Bands and Brews, a great opportunity to enjoy variety pack of cowboy culture and family fun! You’ll watch professional cowboys wrangle massive broncs and enjoy original Humboldt County western music under the Fortuna midsummer night sky.

The gates at the rodeo grounds will open at 6:30 p.m. with $10 admission for all ages. Kicking off the show at 7 p.m., the members of Lone Star Junction are excited to share their “outlaw country” brand of music with the crowds. This is their Fortuna Rodeo debut, and lead guitarist James McBride says the band is “a reflection of where we come from.” Lone Star Junction is a dot on the Humboldt County map — literally — but McBride thinks the far-flung outpost is the perfect

mythical home for his band’s outlaw stylings. Rounded out by Surya Sardonicus on drums and vocals, and Jon Casey Murdock — “bass player extraordinaire,” says McBride — the two-year-old band is inspired by country greats like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Lone Star Junction will also play a few originals and keep the crowd bumping with its modern take on old-school country. “We’re a party band,” says McBride. “We try to get people going. We’ll even do a few Beatles songs.”

From 7 to 8 p.m., the original artwork gracing the Fortuna Rodeo Guide cover will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Painted by Humboldt County artist Claudia Lima, the oil painting, entitled “Dreaming,” depicts a pair of small children quietly watching the rodeo with wide eyes and big dreams.

At 8 p.m., all eyes are on the main arena continued on next page » FORTUNA RODEO 2018

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Bulls, Broncs, Bands and Brews continued from previous page

Photo by Carol Niles Photography

for a hotly contested showdown of bull and bronc riding. While bulls are much larger and more substantial animals for the cowboys to wrangle, the bucking broncs are known for whipping around the arena at top speed. Both events are historically classic rodeo competitions but it’s a rare opportunity to see riders compete in both bull and bronc riding at an amateur rodeo.

Leading riders can improve their standings in the California Cowboy Professional Rodeo Association 2018 standings, but winners in Fortuna will also go home with a full coin purse.

To round out the evening’s line-up,

youth rodeo contestants will compete in mutton busting and steer riding. All this excitement might make you a little thirsty.

Plenty of ice-cold beer will be on tap from North Coast Mercantile, including microbrews from Eel River Brewery, Lost Coast Brewery and Mad River Brewery.

Saturday night’s festivities are proudly sponsored by Whitchurch Engineering, Les Schwab Tires, Thomas M. Herman Attorney at Law, Grocery Outlet and Mercer-Fraser Co. All the sponsors hope to see y’all at Bulls, Broncs, Bands & Brews on Saturday, July 21 at the 97th Fortuna Rodeo! ✪

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Photo by Sam Armanino

Fortuna Parks and Rec Department

By Nora Mounce

W

hen the Rodeo rolls into town each July, it’s no small job getting the city of Fortuna and the Rohner Park rodeo grounds in ship shape for a long week of crowds, food, animals and action. Quietly working behind the scenes for weeks in advance is the Fortuna Parks and Recreation Department. “They do everything in the parks around the city,” explains Rodeo Board President Shannon McWhorter. “They’re wonderful to work with,” McWhorter adds appreciatively, “and very helpful to the rodeo.”

Fortuna Parks and Recreation Director Cameron Mull oversees a heavily staffed

crew of city employees throughout rodeo week. “We need to make sure everything is functioning properly and safe before all the crowds arrive,” explains Mull. “We also make sure the parks look aesthetically pleasing and meet the needs of all ages.”

On the statewide rodeo circuit, Fortuna is known for having the mildest temperatures and most pleasant weather in cowboy country. During the rodeo, families can take respite under the redwoods in Rohner Park and enjoy the historic legacy of the Fortuna Rodeo — all thanks to hard work of Fortuna’s Parks and Recreation department. ✪

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Rodeo Events Home of the Champions for 97 years

W

elcome to the 97th annual Fortuna Rodeo, the centerpiece of the Friendly City’s weeklong summer celebration! Fortuna is proud to offer the largest rodeo in the region, giving cowboys up and down the state a chance to show off the skills that built the American West.

In addition to competing in the individual events, which are described in the following pages, each cowboy’s individual scores are totaled together to make them eligible for three all-around cowboy prizes — the rodeo’s top honors. They are:

Tom McWhorter Memorial All-Around Cowboy Award given to the cowboy who has won the most money overall across all events of the rodeo.

Sponsor: Mobley Construction (MCI)

The Fred Barry Memorial Silver Buckle Award for the Humboldt County Top Hand. Given to the Humboldt Countybased cowboy with the highest overall standings in all events of the rodeo.

Sponsor: Law Offices of Patrick J. Barry

Fortuna Rodeo Local All-Around Cowboy Gary Edgmon Memorial Saddle. Awarded to the top cowboy from Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity or Del Norte County.

Sponsor: American Ag Credit and Sequoia Gas Company Photo by Carol Niles Photography

continued on page 33 »

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Rodeo Events continued from page 31

Bull Riding

Welcome Fortuna Rodeo Fans

Maybe the most popular event and probably the most dangerous, bull riding is a battle of wits and brute strength between a cowboy and the most dangerous of ranch animals. The cowboy attempts to ride for eight seconds, strapped to a bucking, whirling 1-ton bull, holding on with only one hand. This is a judged competition: Points are awarded for the cowboy’s form and for the difficulty of the ride. But if the rider is bucked off, or if he touches the bull with his free hand, he is disqualified.

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Rodeo Events continued from previous page

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FORTUNA RODEO 2018

Photos by Carol Niles Photography

Saddle Bronc Bronc riding comes from the essential cowboy skill of taming (or “breaking”) a horse for use. As in bull riding, a contestant must stay atop the wild animal for eight seconds using only one hand. But the bronc rider has additional considerations — he is also judged on how well he spurs the horse to action with his boots, and he must keep his feet in the stirrups at all times. Bronc riders come out of the chute with their legs over the horse’s shoulders in order to give the animal the initial advantage.

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SHER

Bareback Riding

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Like the saddle bronc event in many ways — but more slippery. In the bareback event, the bronc rider goes into action with one hand in a simple rigging and nothing at all between him and the horse except a pair of blue jeans. Once again, the contest is judged on the skill and form of the rider as well as the liveliness of the animal.

Contestants must stay on for eight seconds to qualify for a score.

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home of champions!

Give 'em the boot.

Have a great time during the 97th annual Fortuna Rodeo!

Good luck to all the riders, ropers & wranglers during the events this week!

Fred Robinson, Agent Insurance Lic#: OL46707 1040 Main St. Fortuna, CA 95540 707.617.2501

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

FORTUNA RODEO 2018

35

Rodeo Events

Photos by Carol Niles Photography

continued from previous page

Steer Wrestling

Calf Roping

Steer wrestling (or “bulldogging”) tests the cowboy’s strength as well as his skill at handling both horse and cattle.

In this timed event, the steer leaves the chute at a run, tailed by one horseman (“the hazer”) who keeps the animal running in a straight line. After a head start, the barrier holding back the mounted contestant is tripped, and the steer wrestler races after his quarry. When he catches up, he dismounts his horse at a run and transfers his weight to the steer, which he then wrestles to the ground.

Quickest time wins, but as with all timed events the contestant gets a 10-second penalty if he leaves the chute too early.

Calf roping — also called “tiedown roping” — introduces another element into the mix. Not only must the cowboy rope the animal, as in breakaway roping, he must also bring it to a full stop and immobilize it. After the animal is lassoed, the cowboy dismounts and runs to the calf carrying a small rope in his teeth. He then throws the calf to the ground and binds three of its legs, after which he signals to the judges and time is called. The event isn’t over, though — if the calf kicks off the rope on its legs within six seconds, the contestant is disqualified.

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Team Roping

Photo by Carol Niles Photography

The only team event in the rodeo, team roping features two different styles of lasso work. A steer leaves the chute running. After a short head start, two cowboys follow on horseback. The first must rope the animal’s head or horns to stop its forward progress, moving it into a turn. Then the second — the “heeler” — attempts to lasso the animal’s rear legs. A five-second penalty is assessed if he manages to rope only one leg. The clock is stopped when the steer is fully roped and the contestants’ two horses face one another.

Sponsor: The Playroom and DCI Builders

continued on next page »

FORTUNA RODEO 2018

37

Rodeo Events continued from previous page

Breakaway Roping

Photos by Carol Niles Photography

This fast-paced event is the purest test of a cowgirl’s lasso skills. As in steer wrestling, a calf leaves the chute at a run and after a head start trips the barrier holding back the cowgirl. The contestant then gives chase and attempts to lasso the calf’s head. She has the rope tied to her saddle horn with a string and halts her horse. Time is called when the calf, which is still running, breaks the string.

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The premier women’s event in the rodeo, barrel racing is the ultimate test of speed and agility. Riders attempt to run a cloverleaf pattern around the three barrels in the fastest time possible. The quickness of the clockwise and counterclockwise pivots around the barrels are crucial, as is the final sprint back to the starting line.

Riders are penalized five seconds if they tip over a barrel.

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2017 Fun Run Results 5K TOP 50 RESULTS

One hundred and six racers participated in last year’s race. For all results and more photos,

visit www.6rrc.com.

5K Rodeo Run/Walk

By Nora Mounce

Karen Kidwell was the fastest woman in last year’s race with a time of 20:53.

Photos courtesy of Six Rivers Running Club

T

o kickstart a healthy week of rodeo fun, this year’s 5K Run/Walk will start bright and early at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 15.. Hosted by the Six Rivers Running Club (SRRC), racers will start and finish in the Redwood Café parking lot at the corner of 12th and Main streets. SRRC members can participate for free, while the general public can put on a bib for only $5. It’s a communityoriented event that encourages all ages to participate but serious runners will appreciate that the downtown Fortuna course is U.S. Track and Field certified.

SRRC Vice President Matthew Kidwell explains that this means special procedures have been taken to certify the distance for accuracy. “It is also one of the flattest and straightest 5K races put on the by the Six Rivers Running Club,” adds Kidwell. In 2017, seasoned racers Brent Ritschel and Karen Kidwell took home the men’s and women’s titles with respective times of 16:49 and 20:53. Let’s see if any cowboys or cowgirls give them a run for their money.

J

Brent Ritschel was the first to cross the finish line last year at 16:49.

PLACE NAME G/AGE 1 Brent Ritschel . . . . . . . . . . . . . M/23 2 Agustin Garcinuno . . . . . . . . . M/16 3 Ben Davenport . . . . . . . . . . . . M/42 4 Optimus Prime . . . . . . . . . . . .M/36 5 Kenneth Pocasangre . . . . . . .M/26 6 Clay Lynch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M/39 7 Anthony Leon. . . . . . . . . . . . .M/24 8 Jeff Faulk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M/24 9 Bo Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M/14 10 Richard Roybal . . . . . . . . . . .M/40 11 Dave Ryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M/60 12 Chris Christianson . . . . . . . .M/40 13 Karen Kidwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . F/32 14 Alicia Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F/39 15 Jacob Rojeski . . . . . . . . . . . . . M/21 16 Rachel Cardoza . . . . . . . . . . . F/29 17 Sheri Culver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F/52 18 Andrew Hansen . . . . . . . . . . M/14 19 Yoshi Uemura . . . . . . . . . . . . M/62 20 Mark Bernards . . . . . . . . . . . M/52 21 Laura Bringhurst . . . . . . . . . . F/45 22 Maggie Stacy . . . . . . . . . . . . F/14 23 Josh Quintal . . . . . . . . . . . . . M/41 24 Rachele Gundlach . . . . . . . . F/42 25 Shawn Magnuson. . . . . . . . . M/47 26 Jasper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M/20 27 Amanda Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . F/25 28 Paul Kraus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M/56 29 Martin Magnuson . . . . . . . .M/26 30 Angel Diaz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M/13 31 Chloe Cox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F/11 32 Carlos Diaz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M/40 33 Uriel Matias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M/18 34 Enrique Ullog . . . . . . . . . . . .M/34 35 Elizabeth Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . F/49 36 Michaele Whiteley . . . . . . . F/57 37 Corbin Eichin. . . . . . . . . . . . . M/13 38 Amber Transou. . . . . . . . . . . .F/41 39 Katrin Lemmon . . . . . . . . . . F/27 40 Jose Ornelas . . . . . . . . . . . . .M/29 41 Ellie Bustin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F/60 42 Perlita Kilinski . . . . . . . . . . . . F/43 43 Juan Reyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M/35 44 Joe McManus . . . . . . . . . . . .M/54 45 Candee Mooslin. . . . . . . . . . F/54 46 Rigoberto Matias . . . . . . . . . M/52 47 Fernando Matias . . . . . . . . . M/19 48 Maggie Kauffeld . . . . . . . . . . .F/31 49 Tom Eckvahl . . . . . . . . . . . . .M/60 50 Jason Freitas . . . . . . . . . . . . .M/22

TIME 16:49 17:38 17:55 18:45 19:07 19:23 19:50 20:02 20:19 20:22 20:29 20:41 20:53 21:04 21:13 21:35 21:38 21:48 22:22 22:30 22:33 22:35 22:36 22:42 22:45 22:56 23:23 23:50 24:13 24:18 24:21 24:22 24:26 24:34 24:56 25:14 25:34 25:37 25:43 25:56 26:10 26:17 26:51 27:01 27:10 27:15 27:50 28:06 28:12 28:24

Welcomes You To the Rodeo FORTUNA RODEO 2018

41

Saddle & Silver

By Nora Mounce

T

here are plenty of reasons to mount up for rodeo competition, practice for countless hours and risk injury in the dusty arena.

But long after the cheering has subsided and the purse is spent, the trophies taken home by champion cowboys shine on.

Here are the the storied prizes riders are shooting for at the Fortuna Rodeo.

Gary Edgmon Memorial Saddle

s w u k! o l l Fo eboo ac on F

LANDMARK R E A L

E S T A T E

www.landmarkhumboldt.com

Celebrating 26 Years of Service

The Gary Edgmon Memorial Saddle is awarded to the top local all-around cowboy. Competitors must reside in Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity or Mendocino counties to qualify for this award.

Edgmon was the owner of Ferndale Meat Co. and a member of the Fortuna Rodeo Board for many years. He was in charge of the rodeo’s deep pit barbecue while on the board and he served up a great meal. Edgmon passed away in 1998 and a memorial saddle has been given in his name ever since. Gary was a lifetime Fortuna resident known for his lighthearted humor and giving personality. American AgCredit and Sequoia Gas Co. are proud to sponsor this award.

Fred Barry Memorial Buckle

Visit Us at landmarkhumboldt.com LIC# 01857152

42

FORTUNA RODEO 2018

The Fred Barry Memorial Buckle, named after one of the larger figures in Fortuna Rodeo lore, is awarded yearly to the Humboldt County top hand.

Born and raised in Humboldt County, Barry was a cowboy and rancher. He won the all-around cowboy award at the 1941 Fortuna Rodeo and would later go on to have a successful rodeo career on the national circuit, competing in many of the big rodeos, including the Cheyenne Frontier Days, Pendelton Roundup and the Calgary Stampede. After retiring from rodeo, Fred ran a successful cattle ranching operation in Loleta and continued to be a

big supporter of the Fortuna Rodeo. The Fred Barry Memorial Buckle carries on his spirit, sponsored by his son Patrick Barry.

Tom McWhorter Memorial All-Around Buckle This buckle is presented to the Fortuna Rodeo’s all-around cowboy. Mobley Construction proudly sponsors this award.

Rodeo has always been a McWhorter family tradition. For 54 years, Tom McWhorter served on the Fortuna Rodeo Board, enjoying the sport and camaraderie that are part of the cowboy way of life. From 2005 until 2012, Tom’s family granted the Tom McWhorter Rodeo Scholarship to local high school rodeo participants in the California High School Rodeo Association.

Tom grew up on a ranch in Yager Creek and always enjoyed going to the high school rodeos, watching the young people develop their skills and grow into world-class athletes. “District Two has had a number of state and college champions who started in the local high school rodeo circuit,” said McWhorter’s son Ted, who continues the family’s rodeo tradition working for West Coast Rodeo Co. “We have an excellent reputation for outstanding competitors from our district.” ✪

2017 Saddle and Buckle Winners are Featured on Page 11.

Photo courtesy of the Depot Museum

The History of the Fortuna Rodeo

By Alex Service & Susan O’Hara

I

n 1921 the recently formed Humboldt Stockmen’s Association decided that its annual picnic in Fortuna would include a rodeo to provide entertainment for the stockmen and their families.

From this beginning, the Fortuna Rodeo has grown and changed with the times, but remains the focal point for summer entertainment in the Eel River Valley.

The roots of the rodeo lie in both the stockmen’s history of raising cattle to feed the various timber company crews and in the everyday transportation by horse that was gradually being replaced by automobiles. The rodeo also harkened back to a romanticized version of the Old West promoted in wild west shows by entertainers like Buffalo Bill Cody.

Cattle-based industries have a rich history in Humboldt County. One of the first cattle drives in Humboldt was in 1852, when Joseph Russ brought a herd to Bear River Ridge where he started his ranch.

Those cattle fed the many lumber company crews in the county. The rich delta farmlands of the valley also became the sites of many dairies.

In 1915, the Humboldt Stockmen’s Asso-

ciation formed to help improve the quality of stock raised by the ranchers. Further goals of the association were to provide protection for their animals and prevent stock being stolen. The Stockmen’s Association became very popular and 300 people attended its picnic and rodeo in 1921. Some of the association’s charter members were Tim Barry, Henry Devoy, Fred Hinkley, Stanley Hunt, Dr. J.W. Logan, Ted Lytle, Jack McClelland, Harry McWhorter, Charles Moore, Doug Prior, Rupert Porter, Joe Russ, William Russ, Fred Smith, Ben Snodgrass, Glen Timmons and Jack Tamboury.

The 1921 picnic and rodeo was not the first rodeo-type event held in the valley. In 1912, Jess Stahl, an African American from Ferndale, held a rough riding demonstration at the Rohnerville Fairgrounds, riding “outlaw” horses famed for being difficult to ride. Stahl was destined to become recognized in the Cowboy Hall of Fame for his exploits as a bronco rider and rodeo participant. At the 1919 Humboldt County Fair, the Oakland Tribune reported “Seaman John Kelly of the destroyer Boggs carried off the honors of the wild west

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The History of the Fortuna Rodeo continued from previous page

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Photo courtesy of the Depot Museum

show of the Humboldt County Fair here by riding an outlaw bronco to a standstill.”

During the 1910s several “rough riding festivals” were held in the valley. Most people during that time used horses for transportation and appreciated the skill necessary to ride an untamed one.

None of these events were held annually and it was not until the Stockmen’s event of 1921 that a formal rodeo was held in Humboldt County. Rodeos were becoming popular in California in the late 1910s, with events being held in Salinas beginning in 1911 and in Hayward, Willits and Red Bluff in 1921. The Fortuna event quickly became popular both on the rodeo circuit and with local residents. Many planned to come to Fortuna to see the parade and the rodeo and to dance. By 1925 the rodeo had become a three-day event, with dancing Friday and Saturday nights. In addition to the regular rodeo events, there was horse racing on the newly built racetrack around the arena. It was also a “must” for politicians of the era to stop by the rodeo to visit with their constituents.

The Redwood Rodeo, as it became known, was only one of the attractions of that weekend. The parade became a part of the rodeo by 1927, when it was billed as a “historical pioneer pageant.” One of the parade participants that year was William Sofer, dressed as a Spanish Californian padre driving an old-time ox team. The organizers of the rodeo have always kept in mind that the rodeo is both a partici-

pant and a spectator event. One of the attractions of the 1938 rodeo was 2-year-old “Baby Lee Persico and his pony Buck.” The two put on a riding demonstration that was very popular with the audience.

From 1942 through 1945, during World War II, there was no rodeo. It resumed in 1946, with more than $3,400 in prize money for the contestants. The rodeo events were limited to two days, a tradition that has continued. The 1940s also saw the institution of a Rodeo Queen. In 1948, for example, the Rodeo Queen was Stella James, outfitted in western attire courtesy of the rodeo directors. The 1950s saw additions to the festivities, like the pancake breakfast and carnival. A pit barbecue dinner also became part of the event in the 1950s.

Over the decades, other highlights, such as the firemen’s events, chili cook-off and quad riders, have been added. The core of the event remains the celebration of the Old West, our local history and Fortuna. With the parade, dances, pancake breakfast and barbecue, the rodeo has become a celebration of Fortuna and the people who live here. The Stockmen’s Association continued to host the event until the late 1920s, when the rodeo was organized and operated by the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce and the Fortuna Fire Department. And the Rodeo Association formed in 1952. Today the Fortuna Rodeo continues its legacy as a beloved annual celebration that gives back to its community. ✪

Cattle grazing on Eel River bottom land.

Eel River Valley Guide

Photo by Drew Hyland

Services and must-see attractions Area code (707) unless otherwise noted

Lodging

Dining

BEAR RIVER CASINO & HOTEL 11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta. 733-9644. www.bearrivercasino.com.

Ferndale/Fernbridge

Services

BEST WESTERN COUNTRY INN 2025 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna 725-6822, (800) 679-7511.

FORTUNA LIBRARY 753 14th St., Fortuna.

725-3460.

COMFORT INN AND SUITES 1583 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna. 725-7025.

B,L,D,V Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Vegetarian • Average Entrée: $ under $8, $$ $8-$13, $$$ $14-21, $$$$ $21 and up • Area Code (707) unless noted

Farmhouse On Main 460 Main St., Ferndale.

786-9222, www.facebook.com/Farmhouseonmainferndale. Traditional American fine dining.

Thu-Sun 11:30 am-2 pm, 5-7:30 pm. V, L, D. $-$$$.

HUMBOLDT GABLES MOTEL 40 West Davis St., Rio Dell. 764-5609.

Ridgetop Cafe & Coffee Barn 623 Fernbridge Drive, Fortuna. 786-3900. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, American fare, signature items. At foot of Fernbridge. Mon-Fri 8 am-2 pm, Sat-Sun 7 am-2 pm. $$.

REDWOOD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 3300 Renner Drive, Fortuna.

725-3361.

THE REDWOOD FORTUNA RIVERWALK HOTEL 1859 Alamar Way, Fortuna. 725-5500, (800) 483-9446.

Ferndale Meat Company 376 Main St., Ferndale.

786-4501. Meat market and sandwich deli. MonSat 8 am-5 pm. L. $.

POLICE & FIRE, FORTUNA 725-7550.

REDWOOD SUITES 332 Ocean Ave., Ferndale. 7865000, (888) 589-1863.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU www.visitredwoods.com 443-5097, (800) 346-3482.

THE SCOTIA INN 100 Main St., Scotia. 764-5338.

Ferndale Pizza Company 607 Main St., Ferndale.

786-4345, Italian family restaurant serving pizza, pasta and sandwiches. Tue-Thu 11:30 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11:30 am-9:30 pm, Sun noon-9 pm, closed Mon. L, D. $.

FERNDALE LIBRARY 807 Main St., Ferndale.

786-9559.

FERNDALE ART AND CULTURAL CENTER 580 Main St., Ferndale. 786-9634.

FORTUNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 735 14th St., Fortuna. 725-3959, (800) 426-8166. www.fortunachamber.com, www.discovertheredwoods.com.

RIO DELL/SCOTIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 406 Wildwood Ave., Rio Dell. 506-5081. www.riodellscotiachamber.org.

FORTUNA TRAVEL INN 275 12th St., Fortuna.

725-6993.

HUMBOLDT REDWOOD INN 819 Main St., Fortuna. 725-5136.

RIVERWALK RV PARK & CAMPGROUND 2189 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna. 725-3359, (800) 705-5359.

SIX RIVERS MOTEL 531 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna.

725-1181.

SUPER 8 MOTEL 1805 Alamar Way, Fortuna.

725-2888, (800) 800-8000.

TRAVEL INN MOTEL 275 12th St., Fortuna.

725-6993.

Frog Alley Cellars 1436 Ambrosini Lane, Ferndale.

786-4353. Winemaker.

Ivanhoe Restaurant & Hotel 315 Main St., Ferndale. 786-9000, www.ivanhoe-hotel.com.

American dining with steaks, seafood, Italian entrees and a full bar. Wed-Sun 5-9 pm. D. $$$.

Mind’s Eye Manufactory And Coffee Lounge 393 Main St., Ferndale. 834-2186, www.mindseyemanufactory.com. Pour-over and espresso coffees,

loose-leaf teas and baked goods. Daily 6:30 am-7 pm. V, B, L, D. $.

No Brand Burger Stand 1400 Main St., Ferndale.

786-9474. Burgers, sandwiches and shakes. Daily 11 am-4 pm. L, D. $.

The Palace 353 Main St., Ferndale. 786-4165. Bar. Sun-Thu 11 am-1 am, Fri-Sat 11 am-2 am.

Poppa Joe’s 409 Main St., Ferndale. 786-4180, www.facebook.com/PoppaJoes. American country breakfast and brunch. Mon-Fri 6 am-2 pm, Sat-Sun 6 am-noon. B, L. $.

Tuyas 553 Main St., Ferndale. 786-5921. www. tuyasferndale.com. Contemporary Mexican fine dining. Fri-Wed 11:30 am-8:30 pm.

Valley Grocery 339 Main St., Ferndale. 786-9515.

Deli sandwiches, homemade foods. Daily 7 am-10 pm. L. $.

Victorian Inn Restaurant 400 Ocean Ave., Ferndale. 786-4950, www.victorianvillageinn.com.

New American dining with steak, seafood and a full bar. Daily breakfast 8 am-10:30 am, lunch 11 am-3 pm, dinner 4:30-9 pm, closed for lunch on Mon B, L, D. $$$. continued on next page

FORTUNA RODEO 2018

»

45

WATER AND SEPTIC TANKS SALES AND SERVICE LIC #837004

Water and Septic Tanks

Eel River Valley Guide continued from previous page

Loleta Artisan Cheese Factory 252 Loleta Drive, Loleta.

733-5136. Uses local milk to produce small batch artisanal cheeses. Tasting room and tours available. V, Local ingredients. $.

Bear River Express, Bear River Casino Resort 11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta. 733-9644, www.bearrivercasino.com/eureka-casino-hotel-dining/ bear-river-express. Deli sandwiches, subs and light pub fare. Sun-Thu 10 am-12 am, Fri-Sat 10 am-2 am. V, B, L, D. Loleta Meat Market 351 Main St., Loleta. 733-5319.

Specialty grocery store and deli. Tue-Sat 8 am-5 pm, closed Sun and Mon. V, B, L, D. $.

From 50 gal-5400 gal Monday thru Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

1315 Fernbridge Dr., Fortuna, CA 95540

(707) 725-0228

Queso Kings 252 Loleta Drive, Loleta. 733-5470, www.quesokings.com. Grilled cheese sandwich bar. Espresso and cafe goods, located inside the Loleta Cheese Factory. Daily 9 am-5 pm. V, Local ingredients, B, L, D. $-$$.

River’s Edge, Bear River Casino Resort 11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta. 733-9644, www.bearrivercasino.com. American dining with views of the Eel River Valley. Daily 8 am-3 pm, Dinner Sun-Thu 5 pm-9 pm, Fri-Sat 5 pm-10 pm, Sunday Brunch 10 am-3 pm. V, Local ingredients, B, L, D. $$.

Thirsty Bear Lounge, Bear River Casino Resort 11 Bear Paws Way. Loleta. 733-9644, www.bearrivercasino.com, Full-service bar with food and live entertainment. Daily. B, L, D. $$.

Rio Dell/Scotia

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CC Market & Deli 1328 Eeloa Ave. Rio Dell. 7643073, www.fortunachamber.com/cc-market-deli, Market and deli with hot and cold prepared food. Catering available as well. Daily 8 am-9 pm.

V, B, L. $-$$.

Dj’s Burger Bar 509 Wildwood Ave., Rio Dell. 7642924. Made-to-order burgers. Mon-Wed 10 am-7 pm, Thu-Sat 7 am-7 pm, closed Sun. B, L, D. $.

Hoby’s Market And Deli 105 Main St., Scotia. 7643623, Famous sandwiches, salads, soups. M-F 6 am-10 pm. Sat-Sun 7 am-10 pm. B, L, D. $.

Monument Mountain Vineyards 2330 Monument Road, Rio Dell. 764-3752, www.facebook.com/ MonumentMountainVineyards. Winery with vineyard tours. Call for hours.

Pizza Factory, Rio Dell 185 Wildwood Ave., Rio Dell. 764-2233, riodell.pizzafactory.com. Pizza, pasta, salad bar and sandwiches. Daily 11 am-9 pm, Sun 4-9 pm. L, D. $-$$.

Rolling h Throug Humboldt

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FORTUNA RODEO 2018

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The Green Bean 281 Wildwood Ave., Rio Dell. 6014205. Coffee, tea, comfort food and smoothies.

B, L. $-$$.

Wildwood Waffles 770 Wildwood Ave., Rio Dell.

506-3071. Scratch-made waffles, topped, folded and wrapped to go. Espresso drinks. B. $-$$.

Carlotta/Hydesville Murrish Market 3415 State Route 36, Hydesville. 768-3604. Grocery, deli, sandwiches and barbecue. Mon-Sat 6 am-9 pm, Sun 7 am-9 pm.

V, B, L, D. Tornado Dave’s 5427 State Route 36, Carlotta.

851-3501. Barbecue, seafood and steaks. Tue-Thu 11 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 11 am-9 pm.

V, D. $$$.

Fortuna Auction Yard Café 603 Third St., Fortuna. 725-5188.

Hamburgers and weekly specials. Cash only. Daily 8 am-5 pm. B, L. $.

Bob’s Footlongs 505 12th St., Fortuna. 725-2016.

Burgers, dogs, fries and shakes since 1949. MonSat 10 am-8 pm, closed Sun L, D. $.

Burger King, Fortuna 925 South Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 725-1706, www.bk.com. Fast food. Mon-Sat 6 am-midnight, Sun 7 am-midnight. B, L, D. $.

Clendenen’s Cider Works 96 South 12th St. Fortuna. 725-2123, Apple orchard and cider press with baked goods. Open mid-August through January: Mon–Sat 9 am-5:30 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm.

V, Local ingredients. $.

Double D Steak & Seafood 320 Main St., Fortuna.

725-3700. Steak, seafood, pasta and full bar.

Tue-Thu 4-9 pm, Fri-Sat 4-10 pm, closed Sun-Mon D. $$$-$$$$.

Eel River Brewing Co. 1777 Alamar Way, Fortuna.

725-2739, www.eelriverbrewing.com. American pub dining and brewery. Daily 11 am-11 pm. Local ingredients, L, D. $$.

Fat Anne’s Bakery & Bistro 939 Main St., Fortuna.

617-2506. Local ingredients, B. $-$$.

Funky Monkey 1875 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna.

725-1600. American food, bar and games. Daily 4-11 pm. D. $$.

Hoppy’s Froyo 1151 Main St. Fortuna. 682-6187.

Self-serve frozen yogurt and hot and cold drinks.

Mon-Thu noon-7 pm, Fri-Sat noon-8 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. $.

@northcoastjournal

B,L,D,V Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Vegetarian • Average Entrée: $ under $8, $$ $8-$13, $$$ $14-21 , $$$$ $21 and up • Area Code (707) unless noted

Hot Brew 904 S Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 725-2361.

American breakfast, sandwiches and salads.

Mon-Fri 6 am-3 pm, Sat-Sun 7 am-3 pm. B, L. $.

Hunan Village Fortuna 1468 Main St., Fortuna. 7253459. Chinese dining and take-out. Mon-Thu 11:30 am-9:30 pm, Fri 11:30 am-10 pm, Sat noon-10 pm, Sun noon-9:30 pm. L, D. $$.

Round Table Pizza, Fortuna 759 South Fortuna Blvd. Fortuna. 725-4459, www.roundtablepizza. com, Pizza, salad bar and beer. Sun-Thu. 11 am-10 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-11 pm. L, D. $$.

Safeway, Fortuna 701 South Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna.

443-8004. Sandwiches, soups and hot and cold prepared foods. Daily 24hr. V, B, L, D. $-$$.

Jitter Bean Coffee, Fortuna 466 North Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 725-4594, www.jitterbeancoffee. com. Drive-thru coffee, espresso drinks, pastries and fruit drinks. Mon-Fri 5:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat 6:30 am-4:30 pm, Sun 7 am-4:30 pm. $.

Shotz Coffee And Drive Thru 1665 Main St., Fortuna. 725-8000, www.facebook. com/169376916430531. Espresso drinks, smoothies and baked goods. Mon-Sat 6:15 am-5:30 pm, Sun 7:15 am-5 pm. B, L. $.

Kome Restaurant 679 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna.

725-8899, www.komefortuna.com. Sushi, Japanese dining and take-out. Mon-Thu 11:30 am-9:30 pm, Fri 11:30 am-10 pm, Sat noon-10 pm, Sun noon-9:30 pm. V, L, D. $-$$$.

Starbucks Fortuna 1 095 South Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 726-7870. Coffee and espresso drinks, baked goods and sandwiches. Daily 5 am-9 pm.

V, B, L. $-$$.

L’s Kitchen 1260 Main St. Fortuna. 726-7779, www. facebook.com/LauronsKitchen. Country-style American family dining. Daily 6:30 am-2:30 pm.

B, L, D. $$.

La Costa Mexican Restaurant 664 South Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 725-9416. Traditional Mexican and seafood dining. Daily 10 am-9 pm. V, L, D. $.

Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Cantina 435 North Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 725-2431. Traditional Mexican dining and full bar. Daily 11 am-9 pm, closed Sun. V, L, D. $.

Subway, Fortuna 741 South Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna.

725-6218, www.subway.com. Made-to-order sandwich chain. Mon-Thu 7 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 7 am-10 pm, Sun 9 am-9 pm. B, L, D. $.

Sushi Boat Buffet 751 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna.

725-9988, sushiboatbuffet.webs.com. Chinese buffet and all-you-can-eat sushi on floating boats. Tue-Fri 11 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun 11:30 am-9 pm, closed Mon. L, D. $$.

Taco Loco 955 Main St., Fortuna. 725-5546, www. tacolocofortuna.com. Traditional Mexican dining.

Mon-Sat 10 am-9 pm, closed Sun. V, W, L, D. $.

Little L’s Kitchen 2865 School St., Fortuna. 7267885. American dining with soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Wed-Sun 6:30 am-2:30 pm. V, B, L. $$.

Timeout Sports Pub And Wine Bar 1095 South Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 725-9100. Full bar with flat-screens and American pub fare. Sun-Thu. 11 am-10 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-11 pm. $-$$.

McDonald’s Fortuna 761 South Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 725-9530, www.mcdonalds.com. Fast food. Daily 5 am-2 am. B, L, D. $.

Tom’s Sourdough Pizza Villa 101 12th St., Fortuna.

725-1123. Pizza delivery available. Sun-Thu. 11 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm. V, L, D. $$.

Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza, Fortuna 709 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 725-9391, www. papamurphys.com. Take-and-bake pizza and desserts. Sun-Thu 11 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-9:30 pm. L, D. $$.

Westside Pizza 432 South Fortuna Blvd. Fortuna; 600 F St., Arcata. 725-9990. Pizza, pastas and salads. Take-out and delivery available. Sun-Thu 11 am-11 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-1 am. V, L, D. $-$$.

Pepper’s 719 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 725-5580.

American family dining. Daily 6 am-10 pm. B, L, D. $$.

Philly Cheese Steak Shoppe, Fortuna 1095 South Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna. 617-2502, www.phillycheesesteakshoppe.com. Cheese steaks, hoagies, salads and garlic fries. Mon-Sat 11 am-7 pm, Sun 11 am-6 pm. L, D. $.

The Playroom 1109 Main St., Fortuna. 725-5438. Bar. Daily 10:30 am-2:30 am.

Ray’s Food Place, Fortuna 2009 Main St., Fortuna.

725-3835, www.gorays.com. Grocery with deli, bakery and prepared foods. Daily 7 am-10 pm.

W, B, L, D. Redwood Café 1206 Main St., Fortuna. 725-3998.

American family dining. Daily 7 am-3 pm. B, L. $.

Must-See Eel River Valley Attractions Fortuna

“The Friendly City” is a classic, rural American town with a nostalgic Main Street, annual street fairs and festivals and old-time hospitality.

Attractions include antique shops, the Fortuna Depot Museum, Rohner Park and rodeo grounds, River Lodge Conference Center and heather garden, the Fortuna Dog Park, Newburg Park’s BMX bike park and the Riverwalk Trail along the Eel River.

Fortuna Farmers Market.

Every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. from mid-May through October, you’ll find the weekly local market in downtown Fortuna at 10th and Main streets. The farmers market brings the bounties of local farms and nurseries to the tables of the Eel River Valley. All the produce and plants at the Fortuna market are locally grown and nearly all are organically produced.

Ferndale

From Fortuna: U.S. Highway 101 north to Ferndale exit; approximately eight miles west on State Route 211.

The “Victorian Village” is a short drive west from Fortuna. Attractions include Victorian architecture, unique shops on Main Street, the Ferndale Museum, Ferndale Cemetery, Fern Cottage and the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. The entire town has been designated a historic landmark.

Centerville Beach West of Ferndale. U.S. Highway 101 to Ferndale/Fernbridge exit to Ferndale, turn right at Shaw Ave. then left to Centerville Road (about three miles).

This quiet beach is flanked by spectacular cliffs of gray sandstone carved into unique formations by the ocean, enjoyed by a variety of birds and sea life.

Ferndale Walking Tour Take a self-guided walking tour of the town’s historic Victorian architecture.

Beautifully restored homes and buildings have made Ferndale a popular destination spot for those travelling the North Coast.

Maps for the walking tour are available in most of the shops in Ferndale.

Loleta & Vicinity About 10 miles north of Fortuna, Loleta exit off U.S. Highway 101.

Artisan Cheese Factory From Fortuna: about 10 miles north off U.S. Highway 101 in Loleta, 733-1871. Visitors welcome Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See where the cheese is made through large viewing windows and try it in the tasting room.

Bear River Casino U.S. Highway 101 to Ferndale exit. 11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta, (800) 761-2327 Open seven days a week, it boasts more than 300 slot machines, the Grizzly Bear Den poker room, nine table games, a restaurant and sports bar.

Cannibal Island Beach/Hookton Beach From Fortuna: about 20 miles northwest via Loleta.

Two popular beaches in Loleta are Cannibal and Hookton. Cannibal Island Beach is a good launching spot for kayakers where the Eel River forms an estuary and the water is mellow and flat. A popular fishing spot is the public pier on the South Jetty at the end of Hookton Beach. It’s a good place to catch kelp bass, snapper, ling cod and perch.

Rio Dell & Scotia

Located on U.S. Highway 101, about five miles south of Fortuna.

Scotia was an original “company town” built around the redwood sawmills. Across the Eel River is Rio Dell.

Be sure to visit the Scotia Inn, Scotia Museum and take a self-guided tour of Scotia Fishery’s freshwater aquarium.

Surrounding Region

Avenue of the Giants (State Route 254) From Fortuna: about 12 miles south off U.S. Highway 101.

As you drive along this two-lane, 31-mile scenic highway lined by giant redwoods, look for turnouts and footpaths that take you from the Avenue to secluded beaches and swimming holes on the Eel River.

Carlotta From Fortuna: about 6 miles east off State Route 36.

Just east of Fortuna on State Route 36, in Carlotta at the 6.3-mile marker, is a popular swimming hole. Park at the turnout and walk down to the river.

Richardson Grove State Park From Fortuna: about 52 miles south on U.S. Highway 101, Garberville, 247-3318 Richardson Grove State Park is where you first encounter significant old growth redwood forest when coming north. The ninth tallest coast redwood, a fallen tree ring study conducted in 1933, and a walk-through tree are immediately available.

The park also features a 1,000-acre day-use park with picnic areas, swimming, fishing, nature trails, a visitor center, summer campfire programs, food concession and camping.

Van Duzen County Park From Fortuna: about 12 miles east on State Route 36.

Enjoy old-growth redwoods, two drive-in campgrounds, picnic sites and group camping. Swimmers Delight offers year-round facilities. J FORTUNA RODEO 2018

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