FORT BRAGG, CA., 9/1/24 –– Fort Bragg’s Paul Bunyan Days may be 85 years old, but more kids than ever are enjoying firefighter hose fights, a bigger-than-ever model train museum, a kiddie parade, a big dog show, and a log-rolling contest in the town’s swimming pool.
Saturday’s firehose fights on Stewart Street in front of Pentecost Hall drew a huge crowd of young and old. The temperature was nearly 70 degrees, hot for Fort Bragg and many in the crowd didn’t mind getting splashed by the teams from Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Cal Fire, the Coast Guard, and more. Hose fights were among the events in the original Paul Bunyan Days in 1939. Firefighters no longer aim hoses at each other but most everyone gets wet.
After the firefighters fought it out, many attended the annual fundraiser dance, the Fireman’s Ball, which ran from 7. p.m. to midnight. The Fireman’s Ball has been going on for more than a century, surpassing Paul Bunyan Days itself by nearly 20 years.
The event continues Sunday with its marquee event, the logging show on the Skunk Train property, including the annual pillow fights, much to the delight of the mob of kids. On Monday, Paul Bunyan Days winds to a close with the parade through downtown Fort Bragg, starting at noon sharp. Find the schedule and details at paulbunyandays.com.
Fort Bragg’s Main Street was packed solid most of the day, with small rival flea markets and craft booths on the highway. The big crafts fair at C.V. Starr Community Center at the end of Maple Street had dozens of booths. But Paul Bunyan was not the only event on the coast: in Caspar, divers were removing purple sea urchins that have decimated the kelp forest and much of its dependent ecosystem, and Point Arena was hosting Fish Fest.
Lived on the Mendocino Coast for the last 40 years and enjoy Paul Bunyan Days and all other yearly festivities and events.. Retired now and live in Fort Bragg which is a beautiful place to live and love the ocean, land and people.
New resident in Fort Bragg, love it.