I often hear from folks who miss when Brea was much smaller, people wise, in the pre-mall, pre-freeway era when we had the old downtown and certainly not a Nordstrom or an In-n-Out.
So if you are nostalgic about old, small-town Brea, come to the July 4 Country Fair at City Hall Park, 401 S. Brea Blvd. The fair has been a staple in Brea for 44 years and is as small town as ever. Besides live entertainment, games, rides and food there is free swimming in the historic Brea Plunge from noon to 3 p.m.
Once a year I indulge in pancakes, and that’s at the Brea Kiwanis’ great Country Fair pancake breakfast, served from 7 to 11 a.m. Something new this year is the Brea Lions will be pouring beer in the Lions Beer Garden on the Brea Museum’s patio starting at 11 a.m.
Longtime favorites at the Country Fair are back this year, including the Brea Lions’ hula-hoop contest and the pie-eating contest. But the fair’s showcase event is always the car show with old-time beauties displayed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trophies will be presented at 1:30 p.m.
If you get too hot or want to know more about emergency preparedness, stop by the Citizens Emergency Response Team booth to cool off and pick up some valuable information on preparedness and how to become a CERT member.
And what is a country fair without contests and parades? Not this one. The Most Beautiful Bow Wow parade for pooches will be 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Following it is the Kiddie Parade from 10:45 to 11 a.m.
As in years past, there will be a baby contest, but this year it is the Most Patriotic Baby Contest, because ALL babies are beautiful, right? Soroptimist International of Brea/La Habra is hosting the contest with trophies for the first place winner in each category: birth to 4 months, 5 to 8 months and 9 to 12 months.
Every baby entered receives a commemorative certificate. So dress your little one in the most creative and patriotic attire, and don’t forget to add some red, white and blue to baby’s stroller or carrier.
The contest registration is 9 to 10 a.m. at tables by the big tree, near the gazebo and playground. Mayor Christine Marick and Councilmembers Marty Simonoff and Steve Vargas will do the judging after registration ends and the Kiddie Parade begins. The Most Patriotic Baby in each of the three age groups will be announced after the Kiddie Parade and trophies awarded.
Remember, this contest is a fun, free event and another way to celebrate July 4 in a positive way.
The contest’s host, Soroptimist International of Brea/La Habra, of which I am a member, is a nonpolitical, global volunteer organization that works for the social and economic advancement and education of women and girls, and human trafficking awareness.
Something else to be aware of is the Brea Museum and Historical Society. Be sure to stop in the museum to view the many historical exhibits and get a feel of what life was like in Brea when it really was just a small oil town. Admission to the museum is always free, and it will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 4.
Also back year-after-year is a marketplace with cool crafts, patriotic décor and much more from local crafters and vendors.
Enjoy July 4, but remember, even the so-called safe and sane fireworks are illegal in Brea, and according to Brea Police Chief Adam Hawley, fireworks violators face up to $1,000 fine.
Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at daxoncomm@gmail.com.
