Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Forest Festival Is Big Success

By JOHN MILLER

Rain had been predicted for Saturday.

Had the prediction been accurate, the 16th Annual Gurdon Forest Festival may not have been as successful as it was.

Instead, the skies were overcast, the temperatures moderate and the crowds heavy. In fact, according to Freddie Horne, festival coordinator, more than 5,000 people visited the festival, making it one of the largest ever.

Gurdon's Main and Second streets were blocked off for the revelry, and stayed packed all day long.

Horne said 137 vendor spaces were sold for the event, and coordinators had to go to two overflow areas for arts and crafts booths.

In fact, he said there were vendors from Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and one from Iowa. "It's really expanded," Horne said of the arts and crafts show.

Visitors could find almost anything they wanted at these booths, from sports trading cards to handmade knives.

There were booths filled with wood crafts, all kinds of food, temporary tattoos, air brushed license plates, Halloween items, Christmas ornaments along with a demonstration booth from International Paper.

More than 40 classic cars were in the car show this year, with a 1955 Packard taking best of show. Other cars on display included a 1948 Rolls Royce and several antique Corvettes in mint condition.

Horne said the IP log contests went well under the direction of Jesse Runyan, who has the results.

In fact, Horne praised all the contests and directors, saying they were some of the best in the festival's 16 year history.

The stage shows, he said, went off without a hitch and kept the crowds entertained throughout the day.

Young people of all ages enjoyed the street dance, which lasted until 11:30 p.m. when the festival officially closed.

The dance was followed by the clean up contest, which also went well, Horne said, as students of Gurdon High School pitched in and cleaned up the streets after the festival.

"Everything went smooth," Horne said. "The shows were great, the auction was superb and we appreciate everyone who helped.

"There were no problems and the weather cooperated. It was a good all round festival.

"People stayed all day. The vendors were satisfied as sales were average or above for arts and crafts."

He said the Eric Griffin Memorial Run went well and next year the festival coordinators will try and incorporate the Jaycees 5-K into the festivities as well.

City, state and county officials pitched in and were a great help, Horne said. "They all believe in the festival," he said.

At this time, all receipts are not in, so it is not known exactly how successful the festival was financially.

However, plans for the 17th annual Forest Festival will begin soon.