Small town fair continues in traditions

For the last 85 years, the citizens of Caruthers have come together in order to celebrate their community’s unity and achievement. From Sept. 24-27 several hundred people from Caruthers as well as outlying communities convened on Tahoe Street for their annual county fair.

Toby Alvares, Director of first aid, security and safety for the Caruthers Fair was raised in the town and has been a part of the fair board for the last 38 years. He says that the event provides a social outlet for Caruthers residents and connects those who once lived there.

“You see people who you haven?t seen in years,” Alvares said. “It?s like coming home for a lot of people. They come to the Caruthers Fair to rekindle relationships that they haven?t had for years and years. There are people here who haven?t seen each other in thirty or forty years and come here to get reacquainted with their friends.”

During these four days, spectators were able to partake in various rides, contests and games. More than 2 dozen independent and church sponsored food booths were available for public enjoyment, boasting an abundance of diverse menus.

Agriculture and live stock from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) was also presented and judged in addition to the valley?s arts and crafts.

Vanessa Subuin, ’16, attends the fair annually with her family. This year she enjoyed the animals and fair rides most.

“I liked to poke the animals,” Shubin said while laughing. “I liked the food too, they have really good corndogs. I also liked the fair rides. My nieces and I went on the Farris Wheel. It?s a family tradition to go every year and I am excited to go back next year.”

On Sept. 27 the fair unleashed its grand finale. FC’s music department has been involved in the Caruthers Parade for several years. This year Color Guard and the Percussion Ensemble marched the streets alongside bands from across the valley and lines of colorful floats.

FC’s new Instrumental Director, Lesley Bannister says that the Caruthers parade was an opportunity for her students to further develop their skills.

“I think it was a great learning experience for the students,” Bannister said. “This was the first parade and marching experience for several of our students. It also gave us some time outside of class to get to know each other better, and to just let loose and have a little fun.”

According to three year color guard member, Rory Culton, ’17, the group performed better than in previous years and conquered their initial fears.

“It was a pretty fun experience,” Culton said. “This year we did way better than last year so it made everyone feel really happy. My favorite part was walking through the competition zone, because we were pretty nervous and we had to overcome that fear.”
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After completing the 40 minute march, color guard and percussion ensemble were allotted time to enjoy the fair’s numerous attractions. They then attended the band award ceremony where FC received a plaque of participation.

Although band and color guard members continue to struggle with rhythm and unity, Bannister believes that the Caruthers parade was a major milestone in their learning experience. She says that the skill growth in these individuals was visually evident at the event.

“My favorite part was seeing how far the students have come,” Bannister said. “Watching them progress over the last seven weeks has been so exciting. Their movements are getting better, and they’re really working on keeping the beat steady, moving together as one.”

For information on the 84th Caruthers fair, be sure to check out Caruthers Fair presents small-town attractions.

For more features, read the Sept. 23 article, Guest speaker tells story, delivers powerful message.

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