2017 North Country Fair
September 16 & 17

A Humboldt County tradition since 1974

This year’s North Country Fair has been declared a A Celebration of Sanctuary For All. The two-day event, now in its 44th year, will feature even more local crafts and foods, plus its usual abundance of music and entertainment, but with a message for the present times.

The North Country Fair, like many of the town’s oldest institutions and businesses, was founded by people who came here seeking sanctuary, and by those local folks willing to provide it. A Proclamation to be issued by the City Council recalls that “the City of Arcata and The Same Old People, sponsors of the North Country Fair, have worked to foster a cultural and political refuge that has provided sanctuary for threatened humans as well as flora and fauna.”

This year’s North Country Fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, from 10 am to 6 pm at the Arcata Plaza. This free and family-friendly festival features 170 art and craft vendors, three music and entertainment stages, local food booths, activities for kids, and a daily parade at 1 pm. Bring your two-legged friends and families, but please leave your dogs and pets at home.

The All Species Parade will take place on Saturday this year, led by the Northcoast Environmental Center and celebrating the theme Sanctuary for All! Dress up in your favorite animal, creature, or species costume and join in on the fun! A free costume making workshop will be held prior to the Fair at The Sanctuary at 13th and J Streets on Friday, September 8 at 6 pm. The weekend will feature 18 local bands, dancers, martial artists, Zumba, and more. The Annual Samba Parade lead by Samba da Alegria will take place on Sunday at 1 pm and always promises to be a highlight of the Fair.

The North Country Fair has been leading the way in Zero Waste Event efforts, inspiring other events locally and regionally to join the reuseable and refillable revolution. We diverted a large amount of festival waste from the landfill last year, and we’re trying to get that number even higher this year! To help reach our goals, we ask that you bring your own pint cup for beer and a refillable bottle for water.

The North Country Fair is brought to you by The Same Old People, a nonprofit group of community members dedicated to presenting this arts and crafts, community-centered festival for years to come.

For more information visit www.northcountryfair.org.