By Sara Woerter

The 43rd Annual Fiesta Days was rockin’ on August 6, 7, and 8 at Frazier Mountain Park. “Friends, Family and Fun” was the theme this year. Those words echoed throughout the days with new rides, activities and booths. Children of all ages enjoyed the classic ferris wheel, the speedy bumper cars and the slippery slide, along with five other marvelous rides including a dragon roller coaster.

Two happy customers, Sierra Hufford, 3 and Jessica Hartman, 11, called the rides “thrilling.” Sierra liked “the dragon one because it was so fun,” and Jessica’s favorite part of Fiesta Days was “the bubblegum lemonade.”

There were contests and games for the whole family. The hacky sack tournament was lots of fun. Cody Amason won the adult solo prize with a breathtaking 290 “hacks.”

The Mountain Communities Coalition Against Substance Abuse (McCASA) sponsored an Urban Art contest. Participants used spray paint, paint brushes and almost any other type of medium to create public art. They also hosted a drum circle on Saturday. Ten different bands played (including local hip-hoppers Addicts of Rhythm and classic rockers American Fossil). The Mountain Shakespeare Festival performers, Emerging Poets and Highland Hurlers also entertained.

Friday night was rockin’ with a Battle of the Bands tournament. The winner claimed center stage for their own concert on Sunday. On Saturday Girl Scout Troop 134 put on several “no hands” eating contests, including one with messy but delicious pies.

Sunday brought the favorite Log Sawing contest, the yummy VFW pancake breakfast, the fishing derby, the horseshoe tournament and the new Artists of the Mountain exhibit. The fun kept on rolling throughout the weekend.

Teresa LeGault, activities coordinator at the McCASA tent, said she had a great time at Fiesta Days.

“It seemed as if there were more booths and more things to do than ever. It was fun to shop around and the weather was perfect.” LeGault said.

The favorite part of Fiesta Days for Kathy Parker of Alpine Lumber & Mercantile was “visiting with people I haven’t seen in a while.”

T.J. Fernandes also enjoyed “seeing my friends” that he has been unable to see much during his summer break from high school.

‘Friends, Family and Fun’ was a perfect theme for this year’s celebration, and proved to summarize the true meaning of Frazier Mountain’s Fiesta Days.

This is part of the August 13, 2010 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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