Fortune Fortuna- July 2023

It’s July! And there is so, so much going on!

Summer is in full swing! Welcome to July’s issue of the Fortune Fortuna Newsletter!

Fortuna Fireworks Festival

From the Fortuna Fireworks Festival’s Facebook Page:

“Fireworks Festival Launches into Action at Fortuna's Newburg Park

Monday, July 3rd, 2023 Event starts at 5:30pm, Fireworks Start at Dark.

FFF is ready to light up the night sky with Pyro Spectacular and family fun with the biggest night dance party on the North Coast!

Fortuna invites the public to celebrate Independence Day a day early with kids’ activities, food and fireworks!!! The family festival starts at 5:30 pm with kids activities, music, food and vendors. Admission into the event is free.

Kids wristbands are $10 each for three hours of unlimited fun (5:30 pm to 8:30 pm) and includes 15 bounce houses, petting zoos; clowns; balloon animals; sand art and old fashion picnic games. All kids purchasing wristbands must be accompanied by an adult at all times and have a parent or guardian sign a liability waiver.

At 8:30 pm the kids activities wrap up for the evening and the dance party begins with DX3 Productions doing a light show and dance party until 9 pm when (NEW this year) Lost Coast Flow Fusion brings their group of exciting fire dancers to the stage from 9 pm - 10 pm! Dance until the fireworks start at dark around 10ish!

Everyone is encouraged to bring your own chairs, blankets, or sit in the bleachers.

Please be considerate and use the trash/recycling receptacles provided around the park.

Bathrooms are located by the playground.

Families are allowed to bring their own LEGAL fireworks to light off and enjoy with friends. Fireworks are ONLY allowed in the paved Newburg parking lot behind the stage . Organizers ask that all attendees keep safety in mind and DO NOT light off fireworks, sparklers or BBQ grills in any of the parks grassy fields or playground. With families sitting close together with small children, we ask that everyone respects the public space and keeps our park beautiful.

Parking will be in the the field right past Newburg Park for $5 a car. There is NO parking in the Newburg parking lot to allow for emergency fire vehicles, and a safe place to light off fireworks. Help keep our roadways safe during the event and check out the updated closures schedule for the surrounding areas on the Fortuna Police Departments Facebook Page.

The McLean community center will also have parking available for a $5 donation.

This year there will be no parking allowed on both the north and south side of Rohnerville Road in between Newburg Road and North Loop. At the conclusion of the event the traffic leaving the parking field will be directed South on Rohnerville Road. There will be no westbound traffic on Rohnerville from North Loop and Senestraro Way. There will also be no parking on Newburg Road from Shay Ct to the Entrance of Newburg Park. The parking lot of the Police Patrol Operations Division will be closed to Emergency Vehicles.

This year we will have plenty of things to do for the kido's along with 13 food vendors and food trucks selling everything from cotton candy to wood fired pizza.

Everything for this year’s event, from the cost of the fireworks to the lights in the parking field, have been donated. It takes an incredible amount of work and money to offer this event to the public and a whole city’s worth of support! The dedication and generosity of the people of Fortuna bring the small town spirit out in a true sense of community. Local businesses are the true stars and have generously donated to make this festival come to life for the last 15 years!!! Without their support, none of this would be possible! Special thanks to the City of Fortuna, Parks & Rec, FPD, FBID, Fortuna Volunteer Fire Dept and numerous volunteers who work behind the scenes to make all this possible!

Please note* This event is geared towards families so we ask you to leave your pets, alcohol drugs and drama at home. Please do not come to the event intoxicated or smoke marijuana at the event. K9 officers will patrol throughout the night. Please don't leave trash for volunteers to pickup until midnight, everyone is tired! We look forward to an amazing FFF!

Donations are still needed. If you would like to donate, please make checks payable to FFF and mail to PO Box 491 Fortuna, CA 95540.

For more information, volunteer opportunities or vending please e-mail [email protected] “

Fortuna Fabrics & Crafts Say Farewell To Downtown

This coming Friday (July 7th) Fortuna Fabrics & Crafts will be having their farewell party during the Fortuna’s First Fridays festivities. Come stop buy, make your final sale purchase and come say goodbye to the Downtown Location!

Don’t worry though, Fortuna Fabrics & Crafts won’t be gone forever! They are just relocating!

RSVP for the party at this Facebook Event!

Chili Cook Off

The Chili cook off is kicking off once more in Downtown Fortuna during the Rodeo Week. Sponsored by Redwood Capital Bank, Recology, and Humboldt Redwoods Co. Go and vote for your favorite chili!

When?

Monday Jul 10, 2023
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM PDT

CHILI PRIZES:
• Fortuna’s Best Chili
• People’s Choice Award
• Best Beef Chili
• Best Professional Entry (restaurants)
• Rookie of the Year (first time entries only)
Huge shout out to this year's sponsors:
Premier Sponsor- Redwood Capital Bank
Live Music Sponsor- Recology
Raffle Sponsor- Humboldt Redwoods Co.

The Rodeo Is Here!

The Rodeo is only 5 days away, which means it is time to bust out the cowboy boots and your wrangler jeans. Marking the 102nd year of the Fortuna Rodeo, this years poster is designed by local artist Michelle Murphy-Ferguson

Click here to see the full schedule of Rodeo events!

Sunday • July 9th

Fortuna Rodeo Run: 5K, presented by Six Rivers Running Club. 9:00 a.m. at 12th & Main in Fortuna. Get Details Here from Six Rivers Running Club.

Monday • July 10th

Fortuna Chamber of Commerce presents the 2022 Chili Cook-off!

Tuesday • July 11th

Carnival Opens At Noon Tuesday in Rohner Park Wrist Bands $35.00

Wednesday • July 12th

Carnival – Opens: 12:00 noon • Location: Rohner Park

Street Games – ALL Children’s events are FREE!

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.• (Activities: Stick Horse Race, Egg Toss, Kid’s Bounce House, Tony Johnston Penny Scramble – Age 3 & under with parents – 4 & 5 Years – 6 & 7 years & more)

Refreshments: Hamburgers & Hotdogs – provided by Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department’s Muster Team.

Junior Rodeo – All Admissions Are Free This Year!

Time: 9:00 a.m. til end

Location: Rodeo Grounds in Rohner Park

Visit the Fortuna Junior Rodeo on Facebook!

Thursday • July 13th

Junior Rodeo – Time: 9:00 a.m. until over

All Admissions Are Free This Year!

Location: Rodeo Grounds in Rohner Park

Visit the Fortuna Junior Rodeo on Facebook!

Barrel Racing Jackpot following the Junior Rodeo! Signup on site!

Carnival – Time: 12:00 noon • Location: Rohner Park

Fireman’s Games – Time: 6:30 p.m. on Main Street!

Friday • July 14th

Carnival – Time: 12:00 noon • Location: Rohner Park

Bullfighters Only Night at the Rodeo Sponsored By Bear River Casino and Resort

Gates open at 5:00 PM

Location: Rodeo Grounds in Rohner Park

Music & Quadiators

Bullfighters Only Show! Tickets: $25 Adults, $15 under 12, $50 VIP Arena Seating. Get tickets here!

Registration for Quadiators! CLICK OR TAP HERE

Saturday • July 15th

Fortuna Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

Time: 7:00 a.m. • Location: Rohner Park Cook Shack

Carnival – Time: 12:00 noon • Location: Rohner Park

All day wrist bands available, $35.

Parade:

Time: 11:00 a.m. • Location: Main Street

Theme: Western Fun Along the 101

Rodeo:

Sponsor: Lithia Chrysler Dodge Day at the Rodeo!

Time: 1:30 p.m. • Location: Rodeo Grounds Tickets: $10 Adults, $5 under 12. Get tickets here!

Bulls, Broncs, Bands, & Brews:

At the rodeo grounds.

Gates open at 6:00 PM

Music Starts at 6 :00 PM

Mutton Bustin and Steer Riding

Mutton Bustin and Steer Riding at 7:00 PM

Rescue Race and Hyde Race – $500 added, $50 entry fee per team, call Chad 707-498-1411 to enter.

Bull and Bronc riding at 8:00 PM Tickets: $10 Adults, $5 under 12. Get tickets here!

Sunday • July 16th

Barbecue (BBQ): Sponsored by Pacific Pastures Grass-fed Beef!

Time: 11:00 a.m. • Location: Rohner Park – Live Music Tickets: $20. Get tickets here!

Carnival – Time: 12:00 noon • Location: Rohner Park

All day wrist bands available $35.

Rodeo:

North Coast Mercantile Day at the Rodeo

Time: 1:30 p.m. • Location: Rodeo Grounds. Tickets: $10 Adults $5 under 12. Get tickets here!

NOTE: Tickets for all events will be available at the gate, cash only, with an ATM on site!

Along with that, there is a new bag policy in effect for the Rodeo this year, so beware! Don’t get turned away at the door.

Fortuna Skatepark Update

Since last issue, the Fortuna Skatepark has made headway and announced that the approval to develop & install a large, permanent half-pipe behind the current pump track in Newburg Park was approved at the June 21st City Council meeting.

Auto Expo Is Right Around The Corner!

Here’s the Schedule!

Friday

Artisans Faire & Swap Meet Set Up 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Registration 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Participant Only Cruise 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Outdoor Movie (American Graffiti) 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday

Swap Meet 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Artisans Faire 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Show & Shine 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hit & Miss Antique Engine Gas Up 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Antique Tractor & Farm Equipment 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Antique Tractor Pull 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Poker Run 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Grab & Go Tri Tip Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Outdoor Movie (Smokey & The Bandit) 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday

Swap Meet 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Artisans Faire 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Show & Shine Trophy Presentation 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Hit & Miss Antique Engine Gas Up 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Antique Tractor & Farm Equipment 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Burnout Contest 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fortuna Police Fundraiser

The Fortuna Police Department posted on their Facebook announcing a new fundraiser to support the K9 units!

“🚨CALLING ALL HEROS🚨

Fortuna’s Rodeo week is approaching and the Fortuna Police Department has a phenomenal Police K9 fundraiser! Tickets are $25 a piece or 5/$100, cash only. Tickets are available at the Fortuna Police Department.

Prizes include:

🔹Whetherby Rifle donated by Wildwood Saw Fortuna

🔹Bersa Pistol donated by Broese's Firearms

🔹Four All Day Passes to Waterworks Park

🔹Chocolate Lab Puppy donated by Warnow Labradors

🔹Cord of wood WITH delivery donated by Tony Leonardo

All proceeds benefit the care, training and equipment needed to keep our furry friends safe.”

Humboldt Gift Co. Grand Opening!

Yesterday, July 1st, Humboldt Gift Co. opened with Lost Coast Laser at 1253 Main Street. Lost Coast Laser has been seen recently at Fortuna events like First Fridays selling their high-quality wooden laser printed designs. The shop plans to sell their own products, as well as work with other local creators and entrepreneurs in selling their creations in store.

Welcome to Fortuna!

Fortuna’s First Fridays

First Fridays is back! So many local vendors & artists, happening in Downtown Fortuna this Friday at 6pm!

Learn more about the giveaways, vendors, and businesses on the First Fridays Facebook Page!

Thank you for reading! If you like Fortune Fortuna, and what we are working towards, share us on social media!