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The delights of the GE Village Fair

A few enduring memories from this year’s 21st annual Glen Ellen Village Fair: Marge Everidge and Archie Horton made an elegant pair riding in the back of Tom Leonard’s snazzy convertible. Margie’s homemade frock featured Archie’s artwork of historic places in our town, including my beloved Creekbottom.

Archie’s tie showed
our explosive Civil War cannon, a gift from Colonel Wegener.

Following our honored parade marshals, came Glen Ellen’s much-admired teamster Neil Shepard and his sweet niece, Eliza Shepard, guiding the prancing Clydesdales. These elegant horses seem to take the crowds in stride, executing a tight turn mid Arnold Drive surrounded by admiring gawkers.

Several weeks earlier, I ran into Neil exiting the post office and he sadly shared that one of his beloved longtime horses, old Leo, had recently died. While Neil will certainly always hold a fond place in his heart for Leo, he and his team looked fit and fair on fair day.

At one magical moment during the festivities, Marty Cox invited me to look at something very special behind the sound stage where Dave Aguilar and his friends of Tudo Bem played.

Following Marty, I shortly arrived at the edge of the creek where a beautiful memorial to Danny Garcia has been placed in front of a lovely maple tree. It’s right where Danny used to park himself and share his bright smile with passersby. George Brockman, Danny’s dear friend, created this fitting memorial.

Amazing artist Samuel Farinato occupied one of my favorite booths at the fair. Long, long ago a student at Dunbar, Sam is now all grown up and is a practicing artist having honed his skills at the San Francisco Academy of Art.

Sam’s academic studies in illustration have turned this creative young man into a talented artist. His booth featured painting and prints; but my favorites were two books that Sam recently published.

“The Angry Winter” is a stunningly illustrated story of an evolving species who find their true selves through hardship. The pen and ink drawings capture a mythical world with subtle emotional colors. Swirling winds, dancing leaves and leaping wolves help the tale unfold in a series of enchanting scenes. The art is Japanese-inspired but truly Sam’s alone.

Sam’s second book is an homage to Edgar Allan Poe. It’s a whimsical, thought-provoking look at this macabre author. Called “The Hyperquizzitistical Alphabet According to Edgar Allan Poe,” Sam hopes that his storybook will “appeal to long time fans of Poe as well as introducing classic narratives to a new audience.” To see Sam’s work visit his website www.farinatoart.com.

The final excitement of the fair day occurred after I’d retired home, full of pulled pork and other fair delights. Plopping on the bed, at not quite 5 p.m., the phone rang. I listened to the message rather than answer it immediately. The excited and thrilled voice begged a response so I answered to hear my friend Beth Marie Deenihan exclaim, “I won the quilt. I can’t believe I won the quilt.” And indeed she did.

Her sweetie, Tom Crystle purchased one ticket near the fair’s finale. She and Tom were speculating on the distant odds of winning when they heard their names called. With a shriek of joy and rush of delight, Beth and Tom stepped forward to accept their prize. And they couldn’t have been happier, or more deserving.

Years ago, when her two nieces were barely babes, Beth made a quilt with her sister, Jill Kamahele. In fact, the sisters made two quilts. Then life and duties, work and families interfered and that was the end of that creative endeavor. But not the end of Beth’s love and admiration for the art. In fact, as one of Sonoma’s own Treasure Artists and a creative talent herself, Beth is a most grateful recipient and promised to treasure the quilt always.

My suggestion, which caused no small reaction of raised eyebrows, was to use it as a picnic blanket. “Never! It will either end up on a bed or the wall.” Congratulations to this most deserving couple. 

Finally if you’re looking for a bit of fun and excitement this weekend Alison Pimental and many other Altimira supporters suggest a Saturday evening, Oct. 22, at Little Switzerland. Called the Altimira Howl, it’s a gala night of dinner and dancing benefitting the middle school.

The event includes a raffle, a silent auction and live music with Flash Fiction, featuring Altimira teacher Mike Curtain.

Tickets for the dinner and dancing are $35 a person with dancing only for $15. But who would want to miss any of the delights that chef Paul Garcia whips up? While mama Alina runs the front room, Paul keeps the guests well fed. The entire Garcia family, including Papa Tony, sons Eric, Ryan, Paul and Eric’s lovely wife, Josephine, run a historical and truly fun place. For more information about the pre-Halloween Altimira Howl, check out the website www.altimiramiddleschool.org or call Joanna Greenslade 933-0341.

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Share your good news with friends and neighbors in Glen Ellen. Call me at 996-5995; write me at Box 518, GE 95442. Or email me at creekbottom@earthlink.net. Glen Ellen chatter rarely requires timeliness; however, if your news does, please be sure to contact me at least two weeks before the run date.