FORT BRAGG, CA — Locals and visitors alike will have many activities to check out this coming weekend, September 1-4, as Fort Bragg celebrates its annual Paul Bunyan Days. Dating back to 1939, the celebration has grown to span over four days with thirty free (or almost free) events. It claims the title of “the oldest and largest festival on the Mendocino Coast.”
The festival is named in honor of the legendary logger Paul Bunyan, the tall tale hero who owns a giant blue ox named Babe. Some skill events are noted for rowdy fun in honor of the old logging days. There will be much to appeal to almost anyone’s fancies and enjoy while joining the Fort Bragg community.
On Friday, September 1, the focus will be on the local community. 11:00 a.m. is the women’s Fort Bragg High School Soccer Program Alumni Game kick-off at Timberwolf Stadium. The field is next to Fort Bragg High School at 300 Dana Street. Later at the stadium, Fort Bragg High School Football hosts Ferndale for a Junior Varsity game at 5:30 p.m. and a Varsity game at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, September 2, thirteen events span the day. A Classic Car Show at Main and Pine Street opens at 9:00 a.m. Also beginning at 9:00 a.m. is the First Presbyterian Church Pie Sale at 367 South Sanderson Way and the Horseshoe Tournament at Shoreline Riders at 30601 Turner Lane.
The Tricycle Race, located at North Franklin and East Laurel Streets, starts at 10:00 a.m., with sign-ups at 9:30 a.m. Also starting at 10:00 a.m. are the Soroptimist of Fort Bragg Craft Fair at the CV Starr Center located at 300 South Lincoln Street, the Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Society Show at Town Hall located at 363 North Main Street, and the Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Fort Bragg Library located at 499 East Laurel Street.
At 10:30 a.m., visitors can view the Historic Model Trains on display at the Skunk Train Depot located at 100 West Laurel Street. Sign-up for the Fort Bragg Library Kiddie Parade is at 11:00 a.m., and the Parade begins at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of East Laurel and Harrison Streets.
At 2:00 p.m., the Old Fashion Dress Review will be held at Saint Michael’s Church on North Franklin and Fir Streets and the Fireman’s Water Fights on the corner of Stewart and Spruce Streets. Registration for the Ugly Dog Contest starts at 2:00 p.m., and the event begins at 3:00 p.m. at the CV Starr Center Dog Park at 300 South Lincoln Street.
Finally, the annual Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department Fireman’s Ball will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Pentecost Hall, located at 822 Stewart Street. Free rides home will be offered as well.
On Sunday, September 3, the Logging Show & Expo will open at noon, and the entrance is on West Oak Street. Four events from Saturday will also continue. Visitors can return to the Friends of the Library Sale, the Soroptimist of Fort Bragg Craft Fair, the Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Show, and the Historic Model Trains display.
On Monday, September 4, some Paul Bunyan Days events continue. The Gem & Mineral Show and the Historic Model Trains display will be open. However, the big event of the day will be the Paul Bunyan Days Parade, held at noon. The Parade route extends from Pine Street to Franklin Street, then from Franklin Street to Oak Street, then Oak Street to Main Street, and finally, from Main Street back to Pine Street.
The weekend’s final event will be the men’s Fort Bragg High School Soccer Program Alumni Game, held at the Timberwolf Stadium at 3:00 PM.
For street maps and more detailed information about the events, go to paulbunyandays.com or visit their Facebook page.
