Celebrate fall at Roaring Camp’s Harvest Fair on Oct. 5-6
Join Roaring Camp Railroads as it welcomes the fall season with its annual Harvest Fair this weekend, Oct. 5-6.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic steam train ride through majestic redwood forests to Bear Mountain. Each child with a train ticket will have the opportunity to choose, decorate and take home a pumpkin, or participate in creating and taking home a scarecrow.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, the event will feature Pug-O-Ween in partnership with Tiny Paws Rescue, offering a day of fun to support the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of pugs and pug mixes. Highlights include games, a raffle, pug races, a costume contest and opportunities for adoption and fostering.
Steam trains will depart for Bear Mountain at 10:30am, 12pm and 1:30pm. Live musical entertainment will take place from 12-3pm. Parking is available on-site.
Roaring Camp is located in Felton, just six miles north of Santa Cruz. Take the Mt. Hermon Rd. exit (#3) from State Route 17. For more details, call 831-335-4484 or visit roaringcamp.com.
Inaugural Good Fire Fair set for Saturday at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
California State Parks is inviting the public to join the inaugural Central Coast Good Fire Fair (CCGFF) on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
This daylong event aims to foster understanding about the role of fire in California’s ecosystems, promote fire safety and celebrate cultural practices surrounding controlled burns.
Designed as a family-friendly event, the CCGFF will engage attendees of all ages through fire ecology education, live demonstrations and cultural presentations. Participants will have a unique opportunity to learn how “good fire” contributes to ecosystem health and enhances community resilience in an era of increasing wildfire risks.
The event will kick off at 10am with a welcoming ceremony that outlines the goals and vision of the CCGFF. Highlights of the day include a presentation on fire ecology by UC Cooperative Extension Fire Advisor Barb Satink Wolfson at 10:30am and hands-on hose lay races hosted by the Bonny Doon Fire Department. From 11am-1pm, experts from State Parks will conduct live fire demonstrations, including controlled burns within the redwood forest, contingent on suitable conditions.
Cultural education will also be a focal point, with a presentation by Alice Lincoln-Cook from the California Indian Basket Weavers Association at 1pm, discussing traditional uses of fire in land management. A Spanish-language presentation led by Alex Michel from the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association will follow at 2pm, with translations provided for various activities.
A dedicated Kid Zone will feature engaging activities such as treasure hunts and quizzes, allowing children to learn about fire safety in a fun environment. The event will also include booths from local fire departments, environmental organizations and cultural groups, offering information on home hardening and forest management.
The event is free to attend, with a day-use parking fee of $10. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park will be open for the demonstration burn, likely occurring between 11am and 1pm, depending on weather conditions. Attendees are advised that smoke impacts may occur.
For those needing special accommodations or additional information, contact Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park at 831-335-4598.
Kommuna Lux to perform at Bret Harte Hall on Saturday
Kommuna Lux, accompanied by Hanna & Spivrobeatniky, will bring their unique blend of “Odesa Gangsta Folk” to Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp Railroads on Saturday, Oct. 5, with doors opening at 6pm.
The band, hailing from Odesa, Ukraine, promises an evening filled with thrilling klezmer music and traditional gangster folk songs, celebrating the city’s rich multicultural heritage and renowned Jewish culture. Known for their spirited performances, lead singer Bagrat Tsurkan and his talented group will share joyful melodies inspired by Odesa and Eastern Europe, infused with a lively twist.
The event will also support the non-profit organization Steppe, with all beer and wine sales contributing to initiatives that promote Ukrainian folk dancing and cuisine in Santa Cruz County. The name “Steppe,” symbolizing the fertile grasslands of Ukraine, reflects their mission of enriching community connections through traditional arts.
Attendees will not only enjoy sensational music but also have the opportunity to participate in a Ukrainian folk dance class hosted by Steppe members. Tickets for this vibrant cultural celebration are currently on sale. For updates on the lineup, schedule and ticket information, visit roaringcamp.com/events.
