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Kicking Off July In Fortuna!

Kicking Off July In Fortuna!

Check out Fortuna's July Events- AutoXpo, Rodeo, And More!

Emma Coleman
July 03, 2024

Welcome to July! One of the busiest months of the year here in Fortuna, which means you should get ready for a month full of fun!

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we’re going into a heat wave for the first week of July- reaching over 80 degrees this week in Fortuna. Jeremy Ward, Battalion Chief for the Humboldt – Del Norte Unit has already put out a warning regarding the high temps and 4th Of July creating a dangerous combo of dry brush and fireworks. So be sure to take extra caution this year with your fireworks, no one wants a visit from the Fortuna Fire Dept- nor do they want to be the cause of a Fortuna Happenings Facebook post thread.

Fortuna Fabrics & Crafts- Celebrating 30 Years In Business:

Gif by theoffice on Giphy

Fortuna Fabrics and Crafts, owned by Kathy Comerer is celebrating a huge milestone as a long-standing business here in the Fortuna community. After purchasing the business in 2017, Kathy has become a pillar of our community from her time in Downtown Fortuna- moving recently to a new location at 2150 Drake Hill Road. Providing our community with Alteration services, crafting supplies, quilting fabrics, yarns, notions, and a great chat whenever you stop by. The business (and by that, I mean Kathy, as the sole owner operator of this party on a bolt) has been a key supporter for bringing in events like Trunk or Treat to downtown, supporting the Police Department, K9s, and Volunteer Fire Department (who do you think fits their patches on their sleeves so well?) and so much more.

If you haven’t been to the new location, consider stopping by and giving a congrats on being in Fortuna for 30 years.

Upcoming Events:

Fireworks Festival- July 3rd:

“Fireworks Festival Launches into Action at Fortuna's Newburg Park
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 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! 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 two lots in the the field right past Newburg Park and in the Gean Lucas Community Center Parking Lot 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.

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 various 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 16 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!” - Facebook Event

Fortuna’s First Fridays- July 5th:

Come enjoy the sounds of our street band- ROLAND ROCK !

Stroll down Main and Enjoy our Talented Vendors , Artists and Musicians while HONORING OUR VETERANS ! Test your skills on the Mechanical Bull, Enjoy our delicious Food Vendors and Restaurants, Win Special Prizes and Giveaways, Family Fun For Everyone! -Facebook Event

Jaripeo Rancheo- July 6th:

“Our second year of JARIPEO RANCHERO here in Humboldt County Saturday, July 6 at Fortuna Rodeo Grounds. Professional bull riding by the # 1 bucking bulls of Mexico on their US tour. There will be lots of local and Mexican food vendors ready to serve you. As well as treats/desserts for the kids and alcohol/ beer for the adults! After the live bull riding rodeo show a entertainment party will continue with a live concert + dance! Live music perfromance brought to you by internationally known Banda Renovacion from Mazatlán Sinaloa followed with Los Cadetes Linares, Banda Mazactiva. Kids 12 and under enter from. Make sure not to miss this family’s event.” -Facebook Event

Line Dancing With Amanda- July 12th:

“Kick off Rodeo Week with a fun night of line dancing with Amanda! No experience necessary.” -Facebook Event

Chili Cookoff- July 15th:

“Save the date!!! 2024 Fortuna Chili Cookoff Monday July 15th, 2024 5pm-7pm Free to attend

Hosted by: The Fortuna Chamber of Commerce

Live Music: Sequoia Rose

Who's ready for some creative and tasty chili?

A huge Thank you to

Lotus Mountain for Judges Aprons & Ferndale Jewelers for Trophies!

Don't feel like Chili? Come enjoy the festivities, grab some tasty lemonade by Easy Squeezy Lemonade or delicious food from Fat Anne's Food Truck!!!”- Facebook Event

BULLFIGHTERS ONLY- July 19th

5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

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

The world’s top Freestyle American Bullfighting returns to Fortuna. Fortuna Rodeo Presents Bullfighters Only – the Annual Sequoia Cup Championship! Do not miss – one of only 2 west coast appearances this year for Bullfighters Only!

Gates open at 5:00 PM

Location: Rodeo Grounds in Rohner Park

Music! Quadiators! Bullfighters Only Show! “ - Website

Fortuna Rodeo & AutoXpo Pancake Breakfast- July 20th, 27th & 28th:

“We’re over the moon to roll out the red carpet for you at our 27th Annual Pancake Breakfast! This isn’t just about the most delicious pancakes in town. It’s a community fiesta, a joyous jamboree, and a fundraising frenzy! Every single penny raised will be channeled into local activities for our amazing youngsters!

For a suggested donation of just $9 for adults and $6 for kiddos under 8, you can join in the fun! And guess what? This year, we’re popping the cork on excitement with MIMOSAS for just $8!

So, come one, come all! Let’s make some memories over pancakes and mimosas!” -Facebook Event

BULLS, BRONCS, BANDS, & BREWS- JULY 20

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

“At the rodeo grounds.

Gates open at 6:00 PM
Music Starts at 6 :00 PM
Mutton Bustin and Steer Riding at 7:00 PM
CONTESTANT SIGNUP HERE!
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: $15 Adults, $5 under 12. Get tickets here!” - Website

Fortuna Rodeo BBQ- July 21st:

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

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

The Fortuna Rodeo Barbecue is legendary, and it’s delicious, thanks to an all-night effort by the crew.
At 7:00AM Saturday the Seasoning Crew meets at the Fortuna Fire Hall to season the beef. The Fire Crew starts at 4:00 p.m. Saturday with lighting the fires. Wood is added each hou

r until 1:00 a.m. – with the bed of coals just right, the beef is added, pits covered with plywood and sealed with canvas tarps. The meat cooks until 10:00/10:30 a.m. Sunday when the meat comes out. The meat seasoning and bean recipe are closely guarded secrets, but here’s what we can tell you about the Rodeo Barbecue components:

• 4,000 lbs. of Beef
• 80 gallons of Potato Salad
• 1,800 Rolls
• 80 to 100 gallons of Beans

The Serving Crew dishes up the salads, beans, rolls and always makes you feel welcome.
Next is the Meat Servers who will dish you up the best BBQ Beef of the year!

Time: 11:00 a.m. • Location: Rohner Park – Live Music Tickets: $25. Get tickets here!” -Website