The Victorian Village of Ferndale, California: Events and Festivals

April fool's day pranks notwitstanding,
the 30th Annual Bicycle
Tour of the Unknown Coast rolls on May 10
with events for the whole family!

Ferndale Farmers' Market. The Southern Humboldt Farmers' Market Assn.'s certified farmers' market takes place every Saturday through the last Saturday in October, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Main and Ocean. Early season markets feature plants and baked goods; later markets will add vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more.

May 5-8: Quilters' Escape! Classes with major instructors each day in Ferndale's halls. For information, call Dixie McBride: 707-442-0081.

May 7: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for tumbling, coordination games, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

May 9: Family Night at St Mark’s. The whole community is invited to celebrate fellowship and family with games and food provided free, the second Friday of each month. 6:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Fern & Berding Sts.

May 10-11: 84th Annual Portuguese Holy Ghost Celebration. Celebrate the history and music of Portugal with dinners, a dance, auction, and a Sunday parade to mass. Schedule: 6:30 p.m. Saturday rosary, bean & linguica dinner. Sunday, line up for parade (9:30 a.m.) to 10:30 a.m. mass; noon dinner, Portuguese Hall; 2 p.m. auction, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, followed by dancing; evening meal at Portuguese Hall, 7 p.m. Since 1936, in its only annual appearance as a marching band, Scotia Band serenades celebrants on Sunday as they parade between the Portuguese Hall and the Assumption Church with a Portuguese repertoire specific to each stage of the celebration. The public is invited; persons of Portuguese descent are especially welcome. Contact: Ida Toste, 707-786-4346

May 10: 30th Annual Bicycle Tour of the Unknown Coast. (Don't believe the e-mail hoax sent by an April fool's prankster; there has been no slide on the course!) Events for the whole family! 10-, 20-, and 50-mile courses plus California's toughest "century," the 100-mile loop through the redwoods, tracing the Lost Coast to the Victorian Village of Ferndale. Start times: 100-mile, 7 a.m.; 50-mile, 8 a.m.; 20-mile, 10 a.m.; 10-mile, 11:30 a.m. Tour Director Vic Armijo, director@tucycle.org, 707-269-0235

May 11: Kinetic Klassic. People-powered sculptures built within the previous 30 days compete in a reenactment of the original race down Ferndale's Main Street. Family friendly event with machines competing in age classes: 3-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-16, and Adult, followed by awards ceremony. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. at Fireman's Park, 100 South Berding St., Ferndale. It's all for the glory! 707-499-0643 or email the Rutabaga Queen

May 11: Sunday Night Supper & Show. Everyone is welcome to share a free 4:30 supper and 5 p.m. film, "Tea With Mussolini," at Our Savior's Lutheran Church Social Hall, 4th & Shaw. 786-9196

May 14: Springtime Tea. Be sure to wear your favorite hat! Ferndale Garden Club fundraiser supports local scholarships and projects. Tea, scones, sandwiches and other homemade goodies. Admission $15; tickets available at Nilsen's, Ferndale; Ace Hardware, Fortuna; Pierson's Garden Center, Eureka. Seating is limited; buy your ticket early. There will be prize drawings and a mystery garden drive-by tour. Ferndale Town Hall. 834 Main St., 1 p.m.

May 14: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

May 18: Sunday Night Supper & Show. Everyone is welcome to share a free 4:30 supper and 5 p.m. film, "Guilty by Suspicion," at Our Savior's Lutheran Church Social Hall, 4th & Shaw. 786-9196

May 21: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for crafts, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

May 22-June 15: Theatre, "Rashomon." Evenings Friday / Saturday; Sunday matinee. Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 707-786-5483.

May 25: Sunday Night Supper & Show. Everyone is welcome to share a free 4:30 supper and 5 p.m. film, "Charlotte Gray," at Our Savior's Lutheran Church Social Hall, 4th & Shaw. 786-9196

May 26: Memorial Day Parade. Ferndale veterans and other organizations coordinate the 10 a.m. parade and solemn remembrance of the day.

May 28: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

May 31-June 1, 7-8: North Coast Open Studios. Humboldt County's participating artists invite art lovers into their creative spaces. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 4: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for tumbling, coordination games, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

June 7: Pet Parade. Children 12 and younger parade costumed pets down Main Street to Firemen's Park for prizes at 10:30 a.m. 786-4477

June 7: Ferndale Kiwanis Cow Pie Bingo & Barbecue. Lunch of tri-tip, macaroni salad and holstein sundaes for $7; $3 for kids' lunch of hot dogs, mac. salad and holstein sundaes. Noon. At the end of Main Street (Francis Street and U.S. Bank parking lot) in Ferndale.

June 11: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

Summer TBA: Fern Cottage Open for Tours. Built in 1866 for the cattle ranching Russ family, Fern Cottage is a picturesque farm house on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic integrity. Historic home tours Wed. - Sun. 11 to 4, through Labor Day, and by appt. $7. Three miles west of Ferndale at 2121 Centerville Road; from Ferndale's Main Street, take Ocean Avenue west (Ocean becomes Centerville). 707-786-4835

June TBA: Tri-tip Dinner. The Perfect Palate caters this dinner fundraiser for Ferndale Youth Football at Ferndale Veterans Hall. Silent auction and prize drawing. Dinner served 5-7 p.m. Adults $12; children (10 and younger) $8. Tickets available at the door or by calling 499-8311.

June TBA: Redwood Coast Amateur Radio Convention. The national association for amateur radio, the American Radio Relay League (San Francisco Section) and Humboldt Amateur Radio Clubs present a convention at the fairgrounds in Ferndale. ARRL forum - guest speakers - seminars - VE testing - commercial dealers, DX station - swap meet - geocaching - fox hunt - women’s (non-radio) program - hourly door prizes. Social hour Friday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by banquet (reservations required). Admission $4. Bellotti Hall, Humboldt County Fair Assn. Talk-In Frequency, 146.700 MHz – 600. Contact: Marci (KE61AU), conven05@humboldt-arc.org 707-442-3866

June TBA: Ferndale Elementary School 8th Grade Graduation. Belotti Hall, Humboldt County Fairgrounds.

June TBA: Ferndale High School Graduation / Safe & Sober Grad Night. Belotti Hall, Lath House & Art Buildings, Humboldt County Fairgrounds.

June 18: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for crafts, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

June 25: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

June 26-29: Dance Theatre, "La Marionnette." Ferndale Dance Academy's young dancers, choreographed and directed by Laura East, in an original dance adaptation on stage at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre, Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets: 707-496-0805.

June 28-29: The Lost Coast Kennel Club Show, AKC Licensed Dog Conformation, Obedience & Rally Trials. More than 500 entries and a wide selection of vendors for dog lovers. Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or whenever Best in Show judging is completed). Free Admission; parking $3. Contact: Irene Hetrick, 707-574-6505

July 2: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for tumbling, coordination games, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

Model A cars parade for the 4th of July. Photo by John Nagle

4th of July Celebration: Rides - Parade - Picnic - Show - Fireworks!

Independence Day Fire Engine Rides. Ferndale Volunteer Firefighters celebrate independence with an old-fashioned treat for the kids: a free ride on a gleaming fire engine. 10 a.m. to noon. 707-786-9515

Parade. Ferndale Repertory Theatre organizes an artful Independence Day parade at noon. 707-786-5483

Picnic. Ferndale Rotary Club cooks up an Independence Day picnic at 1 p.m. Hot dogs or burgers (including veggie burger option), potato salad, beans and Humboldt Creamery ice cream with chocolate syrup. Hot dog meal, $4; burger meal, $6.

Patriotic Musical Revue, "Celebrate America." Popular 4th of July show begins at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre at 3 p.m. and features the Scotia Band under the direction of Michael McClimon and Betty Diehl conducting the Chameleon Singers. 707-786-5483

Fireworks! Bear River Casino organizes a fireworks display for the family to watch from the grandstands at the fairgrounds in Ferndale. Pay the $5 parking fee (proceeds to Native Sons of the Golden West) and receive a $5 chip to play at the casino.

July 7-11: "God's Big Back Yard," St. Mark's vacation bible school, 6-9 p.m. daily.

July 9: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

July TBA: Assumption Parish Annual Rummage Sale at Parish Hall, 546 Berding St. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 to 1:30. Lunch available both days.

July TBA: Cow Town Film Fest. The Ferndale Repertory Theatre organizes its fourth annual showcase of independent films and shorts at the Winema Theatre in Scotia. 707-786-5483

July 11-13: S.T.A.R. Theatre. Senior Theatre Acting Resource program show at Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 707-786-5483.

July TBA: Chamber Officers' Installation Mixer. Socializing replaces the regular business meeting as the Chamber installs its slate of officers for the next term. Share potluck appetizers with members and friends. Victorian Inn Conference Room, 248 Francis Street, 5:30 p.m. 707-786-4477

July 16: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for crafts, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

July 23: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

July TBA: 16th Annual Young Actors' Workshop Show. Four-week summer theatre workshops for 6- to 17-year-olds culminates performances Friday at the Winema Theatre in Scotia and Saturday at the Ferndale Rep Theatre. Students also participate in Ferndale's 4th of July parade. Workshop, $95; scholarships available. Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 707-786-5483.

August 7-September 7: Musical Theatre, "Godspell." Evenings Friday / Saturday; Sunday matinee. Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 707-786-5483.

August 8: Family Night at St Mark’s. The whole community is invited to celebrate fellowship and family with games and food provided free, the second Friday of each month. 6:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Fern & Berding Sts.

August 13: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

August 20: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for crafts, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

August 24: An Afternoon at a Country Estate. Wine, food, music and a tour of the Grizzly Bluff home and gardens of Herb and Terry Russ is a fundraiser for The Ferndale Museum. Noon to 4 p.m. 707-786-4466

August 27: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

September 3: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for tumbling, coordination games, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

September 6-7: Bargain Lovers' Weekend. IT'S A GARAGE SALE... IT'S A BARN SALE... IT'S A SIDEWALK SALE... IT'S A... BARGAIN LOVERS' WEEKEND! It's the biggest sale of its kind in the history of Humboldt County. From Main Street to side streets the whole town is getting in on the act! More than 100 different locations offering everything from antiques to zithers. New and used merchandise... toys... tools... gadgets galore... clothing... household... plants and garden... games... puzzles... kids' stuff! WOW!!! Just look for the BRIGHT YELLOW SIGNS that mark each location! Shop 'til you drop in and around the business district. Food, fun and shopping... it doesn't get much better than BARGAIN LOVERS' WEEKEND! Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 to 4. 707-786-4477

September 6: Family Fun Day at the Ferndale Farmers' Market. The Southern Humboldt Farmers' Market Assn.'s certified farmers' market will be in the U.S. Bank parking lot at the end of Main Street from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with crafters, food, music, entertainment, contests, activities for children, giveaways, etc. For additional information contact Chris Arnold, 707-834-4325, arnochi@yahoo.com, or Robin Paschall, 707-834-2690, surfergirl03@wildmail.com.

September TBA: Ferndale Museum Rummage Sale fundraiser takes place in the Ferndale Museum parking lot707-786-4466, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

September 6: Ice Cream Social on the Village Green is a fundraiser for the Ferndale Tennis Association. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

September 6-7: 4th Annual Mineral & Gemstone Fest. Wildcat Mineral & Gemstone Society's fundraiser for Ferndale High Athletics uniform fund takes place in the Ferndale Community Center Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 707-943-1575

September 6-7: Friends of the Ferndale Library Book Sale fundraiser takes place outside the library, Saturday and Sunday, as part of Bargain Lovers' Weekend. 707-786-9559

September 10: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

September 12: Family Night at St Mark’s. The whole community is invited to celebrate fellowship and family with games and food provided free, the second Friday of each month. 6:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Fern & Berding Sts.

September 17: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for crafts, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

September TBA: Lost Coast 4x4s 8th Annual River Bar Clean-up. Volunteers gather underneath Fernbridge to clear debris from the banks of the Eel River, beginning at 9 a.m. Free barbecue lunch sponsored by Blue Lake Casino. All participants eligible for prize drawing. Gloves and trash bags provided. For additional information contact Robert McInroy, 707-786-0723.

September 24: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

October 1: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for tumbling, coordination games, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

October 3-5: North Coast Stand Down. The North Coast Stand Down reaches out to local veterans and their families with community-based, grassroots programs. A comprehensive support system designed for returning vets to transition successfully from military to civilian life begins Friday at 8 a.m. and ends Sunday at noon. Volunteers and sponsors sought. Contact: Redwoods Vet Center, (707) 444-8271, or the Director of North Coast Stand Down, Kim Hall, at (707) 616-4311. Humboldt County Fairgrounds, Ferndale.

October 8: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

October TBA: Fern Cottage Harvest Tea. Fern Cottage is a picturesque farm house on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic integrity. 2 p.m. tea includes a talk, homemade cookies, tour of the historic home built in 1866 for the cattle ranching Russ family. $15 per person. Space limited; reservations required. Three miles west of Ferndale at 2121 Centerville Road; from Ferndale's Main Street, take Ocean Avenue west (Ocean becomes Centerville). 707-444-8559

October 10: Family Night at St Mark’s. The whole community is invited to celebrate fellowship and family with games and food provided free, the second Friday of each month. 6:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Fern & Berding Sts.

October TBA: Assumption Parish Bazaar is old fashioned fun at Portuguese Hall Friday and Saturday. Bingo, fish pond, country store, fancy work booth, etc. Dinner served 6 to 8 p.m. Games begin at 7 p.m. Chairman: 786-4582

October 15: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for crafts, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

October: Halloween Costume Rentals. Ferndale Repertory Theatre has costumes to rent from a wide variety of historical periods and occupations including military, police, Oriental, Medieval, fantasy and Victorian, 1920s, through '60s. Advance appointments required. Call 786-5483

October TBA: Ferndale High School Homecoming. Parade starts at 9 a.m. with the JV football game at 11:30 p.m. and Varsity beginning at 2 p.m.

October 22: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

October 25: Halloween Carnival & Chili Feed. Haunted house, dime-a-chance carnival games for the kids, cake walk, bingo, silent auction, and more good, clean Halloween fun. Fundraiser for the Ferndale Elementary class trip. Chili Feed (chili, salad, hot dogs, desserts), 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Carnival, 6-9 p.m. Adults (ninth grade & older), $5; 3-year-olds through eighth graders, $4; younger than 3 eat free. Belotti Hall, Humboldt County Fairgrounds. Information: 707-786-5300

November 12: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

November 14: Family Night at St Mark’s. The whole community is invited to celebrate fellowship and family with games and food provided free, the second Friday of each month. 6:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Fern & Berding Sts.

November 19: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for crafts, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

November 26: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

November TBA: St Mark’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner. Fundraising dinner supports educational needs. Open to all, usually the second or third Saturday in November. Check with the church for exact date: 707-786-9353. Adults, $6.50; ages 6-12, $2.50; free to children 5 and younger. 4-7 p.m. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Fern & Berding Sts.

December TBA: Danish Hall Christmas Craft Fair. 4-9 p.m. Contact: Christian Nielson, 707-268-3729 (wk) or 707-445-8264 (hm).

December 6: 10:30 a.m. Santa Claus arrives in Ferndale! St. Nick and his jolly elf bring bags of goodies for youngsters on Main Street. Carriage rides for the kids, too! 10:30 a.m. 707-786-4477

December 6: Christmas Brass Band strolls Main Street from 2-4 p.m. for your holiday entertainment.

December 6: 39th Annual Christmas Celebration in Song. An eclectic selection of sacred and inspiring music from across the centuries and around the world, plus readings to inspire your holiday spirit. With more than 60 voices, The Ferndale Community Choir ushers in the Christmas season as it has for three generations of listeners. Ferndale Community Church, 8 p.m. 707-786-4477

December 7: "Come Home for Advent" Service and Brunch. Our Savior's Lutheran Church invites visitors and friends to 9 a.m. worship services followed by an old-fashioned (in other words, really, really good food) brunch at 10 a.m. They would love their pews to fill with visitors to Ferndale!

December 7: 39th Annual Christmas Celebration in Song. The Ferndale Community Choir gives an encore performance, concluding in time for everyone to attend the lighting of America's tallest living Christmas tree. An eclectic selection of sacred and inspiring music from across the centuries and around the world, plus readings to inspire your holiday spirit. With more than 60 voices, The Ferndale Community Choir ushers in the Christmas season as it has for three generations of listeners. Assumption Church, 3 p.m. 707-786-4477.

December 7: Lighting of America's Tallest Living Christmas Tree. Decked with colored lights by Ferndale's intrepid volunteer firemen, the huge, radiant Spruce at the end of Main Street is visible for miles, a beacon to herald the Christmas season. The whole town turns out, along with the Booster Band, Chameleon Singers, 4-H, Scout Troops, etc., for a ceremony to rekindle the Christmas spirit, then gathers over free cookies and punch. A Ferndale tradition since 1934. 5:30 p.m. 707-786-4477
Photo copyrighted by Matt Knowles of Aesthetic Design & Photography. If you would like a high quality print please contact Matt at 707-786-4643
December 7: Portuguese Linguica and Beans Dinner features food and friendliness on tree lighting night at Portuguese Hall, 5-8 p.m. 707-786-4222

December TBA: Matinee Holiday Theatre. An original holiday production is available to elementary school groups for $1 per ticket, thanks to sponsorship from the Bertha Russ-Lytel Foundation. General admission $5. Tuesdays through Thursdays at 10 a.m. Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 707-786-5483

December 10: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

December 12: Family Night at St Mark’s. The whole community is invited to celebrate fellowship and family with games and food provided free, the second Friday of each month. 6:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Fern & Berding Sts.

December 13: Victorian Christmas. Step back in time to enjoy the warm feeling of an olde-fashioned Victorian Christmas in Ferndale. Shopkeepers, town folk and visitors are encouraged to dress in Victorian fashion and stroll Ferndale's Main Street. Wear actual vintage clothing, sew your own outfit or use your imagination to create something fun with an olde-time flare. Entertainment by Mirth First Barbershop Quarter, strolling carolers and brass band. Newsboys offer the scoop on the day’s activities as youngsters peddle Lavender Tuzzy Muzzies, Tea Cakes, Hand-pressed Apple Cider, etc. Enjoy youthful artistry on decorated paper fans and parasols displayed in Main Street businesses. Main Street will be lit up – including the living Christmas tree at the end of town. Make your holiday shopping something out of the ordinary. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Informal sidewalk costume parade at 3 p.m. 707-786-9500 (Fashion information/hints -- evenings only -- Lori, 707-786-9753)

December 14: 16th Annual Christmas Lighted Tractor Parade. Local farmers and ranchers parade fancifully decorated tractors and tractor-drawn wagons depicting holiday scenes down the Victorian Village's historic Main Street for a sparkling country Christmas celebration! Kiwanis' Pie Auction and singing from the Salvation Army Kid's Choir before the tractors begin parading at 7 p.m. 707-786-4299 or 707-786-4477

Photo copyrighted by Matt Knowles of Aesthetic Design & Photography.

If you would like a high quality print please contact Matt at 707-786-4643

December 17: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for crafts, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

December 31-January 1: New Year's Barrel Bash. Two days of fun for barrel racers include 4D payouts, average awards and saddle awarded by drawing. Sign-ups and time-only runs, Dec. 31, 6-7 p.m. and Jan. 1, 10-11 a.m. Calcutta auction, 11 a.m. Racing begins after the auction. Presented by Barrels by the Bay and sponsored by North State Barrel Racing Assn. and Barrel Racers National 4D. Time only runs, $5. Open entry fee $50 + $5 office fee. +$5 for nonmembers. Covered Arena, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, Ferndale. Information: Christine Huston, 707-845-0291, or Cork Pickle, 707-407-6635.

December 31: New Year's Eve Triple-Feature. Check back for more info about sharing a free supper and film triple-feature. Our Savior's Lutheran Church Social Hall, 4th & Shaw. 786-9196

January TBA: St Mark’s Baked Potato Feed with all the trimmings. Fundraiser for St. Mark's women's group supports scholarships for conventions, etc. Call St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for time and prices: 707-786-9353

First Wednesdays: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for tumbling, coordination games, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

Second and Fourth Wednesdays: Support Group. Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Adult Day Care Center) of Eureka and Fortuna sponsors free meetings at St. Mark's Fellowship Hall for caregivers and anyone who has a loved one enduring Alzheimer's, dementia or other related brain diseases. 4 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

Second Friday: Family Night at St Mark’s. The whole community is invited to celebrate fellowship and family with games and food provided free, the second Friday of each month. 6:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Fern & Berding Sts.

Third Wednesdays: Tiny Toddlers at St Mark’s. 1-5 year olds are invited to bring mom or dad to St Mark’s for crafts, story time and snacks. Free to the public. 9:30-10:30am. 707-786-9353

TBA: Wednesday Night Barrel Racing presented by Barrels by the Bay. Sign-ups at 7 p.m. Covered Arena, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, Ferndale.

February TBA: Rotary Club Steak and Lobster Dinner. Annual fundraiser. Advance tickets required. Belotti Hall, Humboldt County Fairgrounds.

February 15: Firemen's Games. Ferndale's volunteer firemen compete in old fashioned firefighting techniques: bucket brigade, quick dressing, hose coupling. Main Street, noon to 3 p.m.

TBA: Redwood Region Gymkhana Riders Play Day begins with 8 a.m. sign-ups. Sponsored by Region 13, California State Horsemen's Assn. Speed events -- pole bending, barrel racing -- plus the possibility of bi-rangle, single stake, keyhole or hurry scurries. Humboldt County Fair Association Covered Arena, Ferndale. Information: Alisa Capik, 707-845-9733

March TBA: Repfest 2009. Ferndale Repertory Theatre fundraiser dinner features celebrity waiters, live and silent auctions. Costumes welcome. Tickets $50 each. Ferndale Pavilion/Community Center. 707-786-5483.

March TBA: 32nd Annual Foggy Bottoms Milk Run. A family run conducted by the Six Rivers Running Club with three different courses through Ferndale farmlands to the Main Street finish line, starting at 1:30 p.m. Race director: 707-822-1861

March TBA: Frey of Ferndale. Slot car racing teams gather for a two-day marathon at the Fairgrounds' Belotti Hall.

TBA: Portuguese Pre-Easter Dance includes choosing of the Holy Ghost Queens for the May/June celebration. Portuguese Hall, 7:30 p.m. 707-786-4346

March/April TBA: Ferndale Rotary sponsors Youth Wrestling Tournament. A sanctioned tour for State Championships. 300-500 participants from Oregon and California meet at Ferndale High School, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 11: Easter Egg Hunt. Youngsters hunt for treasured eggs hidden by Ferndale Scouts. Prizes in 4 categories, by age. 10:30 a.m. Firemen’s Park. (If raining, check at Valley Lumber, Shaw & Berding Sts.) 707-786-4477

April 12: Sunrise Easter Service annually at Ferndale Cemetery, 6:30 a.m., includes music and homily. Hosted by St Mark’s Lutheran Church (at the church if weather is inclement). Rides to the top of the hill are available, if needed. 707-786-9353

April 12: 39th Annual Easter Concert. The 50-voice Ferndale Community Choir performs sacred songs of the season. Easter Sunday: Ferndale Assumption Church, 546 Berding St., Ferndale, 8 p.m

April TBA: Encore Performances of the 39th Annual Easter Concert. The 50-voice Ferndale Community Choir performs sacred songs of the season. Saturday: Calvary Lutheran Church, 716 South Ave., Eureka, 8 p.m. Sunday: Ferndale Community Church, 712 Main St., Ferndale, 3 p.m. 707-786-4477

April TBA: 4th Annual Fig Twig Reunion. Dance to Merv George, 8 to 11:30 p.m. Fundraiser for the Ferndale Community Center, at the center in Firemen's Park, end of Main and Berding Sts. Must be 21 or older. $15 admission. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Info: 707-786-9721

April TBA: 4-H Pancake Breakfast fundraiser in the Turf Room at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale. 8 a.m. to noon

April TBA: Ferndale Fantastic Flea in Belotti Hall at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April TBA: The California Mille visits Ferndale. 75 historic racecars manufactured from l927-l957 will be on display from ll:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Main Street. Free. Organizers: 4l5-479-9950

May TBA: Ride for Life. Humboldt Equestrian Relay Organization (HERO) teams will ride from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to earn money for the American Cancer Society. Race track, Humboldt County Fairgrounds. To help or form a Ride for Life team, contact Holly LaCount, 707-476-1632, herodirector@yahoo.com.

May TBA: Ferndale Quilt Walk welcomes participants to the Quilters' Escape. Enjoy local quilts in Main Street businesses.

May 5-8: Quilters' Escape! Classes with major instructors each day in Ferndale's halls. For information, call Dixie McBride: 707-442-0081.

May 30-31: 85th Annual Portuguese Holy Ghost Celebration. Celebrate the history and music of Portugal with dinners, a dance, auction, and a Sunday parade to mass. Schedule: 6:30 p.m. Saturday rosary, bean & linguica dinner. Sunday, line up for parade (9:30 a.m.) to 10:30 a.m. mass; noon dinner, Portuguese Hall; 2 p.m. auction, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, followed by dancing; evening meal at Portuguese Hall, 7 p.m. Since 1936, in its only annual appearance as a marching band, Scotia Band serenades celebrants on Sunday as they parade between the Portuguese Hall and the Assumption Church with a Portuguese repertoire specific to each stage of the celebration. The public is invited; persons of Portuguese descent are especially welcome. Contact: Ida Toste, 707-786-4346

June 27-28: The Lost Coast Kennel Club Show, AKC Licensed Dog Conformation & Obedience. More than 500 entrants. Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or whenever Best in Show judging is completed).

May 9-13: Quilters' Escape! Classes with major instructors each day in Ferndale's halls. For information, call Dixie McBride: 707-442-0081.

May 22-23: 86th Annual Portuguese Holy Ghost Celebration. Celebrate the history and music of Portugal with dinners, a dance, auction, and a Sunday parade to mass. Schedule: 6:30 p.m. Saturday rosary, bean & linguica dinner. Sunday, line up for parade (9:30 a.m.) to 10:30 a.m. mass; noon dinner, Portuguese Hall; 2 p.m. auction, Humboldt County Fairgrounds, followed by dancing; evening meal at Portuguese Hall, 7 p.m. Since 1936, in its only annual appearance as a marching band, Scotia Band serenades celebrants on Sunday as they parade between the Portuguese Hall and the Assumption Church with a Portuguese repertoire specific to each stage of the celebration. The public is invited; persons of Portuguese descent are especially welcome. Contact: Ida Toste, 707-786-4346