100 Years!

In recognition of HSU's centennial celebration, today's Lowdown writeup comes to us courtesy of KHUM DJ and HSU alumni Mike Dronkers. -AG:

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You know what Arcata would be without Humboldt State?

Willits.

For a century now, HSU has kept us from becoming full-on backwater burg. The school is our intellectual lifeblood, regularly drawing young minds and fresh ideas into the redwood curtain.

Today, HSU is the only reason performers like Emmylou Harris, Macklemore, Bill Maher, Wilco, and Reggie Watts know where Arcata, California is.

And the money. HSU is Arcata's main economic engine, employing thousands of people at state-level wages, often with precious benefits.

So happy 100th, Humboldt State. And thank you to the students, professors, and scientists who bring a little extra sunshine to Humboldt county. Think about them next time you're driving through Willits.

Humboldt State's centennial party is on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Plaza.

HSU:

Take a walk back in time at HSU's big Centennial kick-off party. Come on down to the Arcata Plaza, bring the family and be a part of the start of a yearlong celebrationThe Humboldt State 100th Birthday Festival features a range of entertainment for the whole family.

Enjoy free birthday cookies from Ramone’s bakery, explore old time artisan demos, snap a photo in the kid’s zone photo booth, revel at the antics of Leapin’ Louie and Shae Freelove, and dance to all-day music with the Humboldt Folklife Society, while the Arcata Fire Department gives fire truck rides to kids.This event is free and open to the community!

EVENTS (SUBMIT YOURS!)

Humboldt County Fair

Humboldt County Fairgrounds / 9 a.m.

This year is the 117th annual event. Features live and satellite horse racing, mule racing, carnival rides and games, death defying stunts, live entertainment, competitive exhibits, livestock events, great fair-time foods and special programs.

Web site

Creamery Festival

Arcata Playhouse / 11 a.m.

Arcata's historic Creamery district comes to life with pageantry, performance and people. Three day event eatures violinist Jenny Schienman and sax quartet The Tiptons, salsa band Ponche', outdoor showing of Buster Keaton's "The General" with a live score by Gregg Moore and Vaudeville variety show.

822-1575 / david@arcataplayhouse.com / Web site

Hops In Humboldt

Rohner Park / noon-6 p.m. / $40 / $5 non-drinkers.

Tenth annual Hops in Humboldt features micro and craft brews from more than 40 different breweries, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, beer games, brewing awards and good music. No kids, no pets, no drunk driving.

Web site

Humboldt State University’s Centennial Celebration

Arcata Plaza / 4-7 p.m.

Marching Lumberjacks, puppet shows and strolling performers, artisan demos, free birthday cookies, Kids Zone with hands-on activities, antique car display, five bands, fire truck rides.

Humboldt Roller Derby

Redwood Acres Fairgrounds / 6 p.m. / $15 / $12 adv.

Your hometown heroes take on the Emerald City Roller Girls. Benefit for Six Rivers Planned Parenthood.

445-3037 / cmbeding@charter.net / Web site

Grease Sing-A-Long

Eureka Theater / 6:30 p.m. / $15

Dust off your leather jackets for an ultimate summer night with the T-Birds and Pink Ladies as you sing-a-long with your favorite hits from the original 1978 film. Proceeds benefit the continuing restoration of the Eureka Theater.

442-2970 / Web site

As You Like It

Redwood Park / 7 p.m.

Plays in the park! After being banished to the Forest of Arden by her power-hungry uncle, Rosalind is forced to hide her identity from her new-found love, Orlando. She must find a way to woo him dressed as a man, hiding her true feelings and feminine ways, while flaunting her lightning wit.