Street Fairs - April 14 & May 15, 2004

April 14, 2004

Ric has opened a booth at the San Dimas Street Fair held on the second Wednesday of the month.

With the help of MANY of the members of the Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association, we had on hand a model fire lookout tower of South Mount Hawkins, a four panel display board, a complete historical listing of 23 towers of the Angeles National Forest, two donation boxes, T-Shirts for sale, old parts from the actual tower, and even charity candy bars for sale.
Part of our Charter is "Public Education" regarding fire lookouts, and about the role of fire in the natural environment. Many people stopped by to see our booth and hear our message.
People have a chance to meet the Lookouts, talk about the Forest, Policies, and get a good dose of Fire Education.
Not only do we have a donation jar, but a tower that was built by a fellow up in Canada.  It is an exact replica of the South Mount Hawkins Tower because he used the photographs of the tower from my other website that is dedicated to the rebuilding campaign.
Here is the picture of the 23 towers from the front side. Pam did a great job putting this display together, and it wasn't her first. She has made this display before and will use hers for when she sets up a booth.
Here is the display that shows:

1. Our ANFFLA Program

2. Fire Education *

3. Images of South Mount Hawkins

4. A tribute to Wildland Fire Fighters and Volunteers

* Pictures for our fire education were provided by generous permission from Karen Wattenmaker Photography. Please visit her website for some wonderful examples of fire effects and the environment.
My Mother and Father stop by and make their contribution of money and support.
Jim talks to a few visitors about the 23 historic towers that were once in the Angeles National Forest. The picture is below. We didn't have an esil for the display but we should have one by the next show.
Next to our book of pictures of the tower are actual parts of the burned tower. A piece of wood, an insulator, hinges, molten glass, clasps, and a few nails make up a few of the peaces.
As darkness falss, more visitors stop by and pick up some flyers while others hear about our fire education messages.

A few visitors had stories they had to tell us about. One visitor used to know one of the historic "paid" fire lookouts when the towers were staffed.

Another told us about how we could design the new tower with more modern architecture (but we are going to restore it as it was).
My buddy Tom also stops by and makes a contribution and also purchases a new shirt.

May 15, 2004

Another month... another street fair.  Ric has staffed each month.  It takes a lot of work for him to set up the booth and tear down.  Many of the members would come and help, but the dedication it took to run this effort was admirable!
Jim and Dick (red shirt) compare notes about the Fire Lookout Volunteer Program.  Dick & Mary Wagoner got their Red Shirts for raising over $1,000 dollars for the South Mount Hawkins Fund. The Wagoners hosted a bowling night for members, family and guests.

"It is this type of effort that will help us rebuild South Mount Hawkins", said Bob Moore, "The Wagoners did a fantastic job and we all had fun too."
Deb stands in the street with flyer at hand and ready to answer the next visitor's questions.
The Lookouts have created multiple ways to raise money for the tower.  Here, candy bars are also offered for a dollar.

The sign says, "Can you spare a buck?"
The money is coming in and the tower fund is sitting at over $20,000.
Jim accepts even more cash for the funding of the tower.
One of our best supporters at the street fair was this vendor.  He really helped us out and made sure we never went thursty.
Again darkness falls and the crowds thin out.  Ric takes the time to talk about the currect level of funding and what we will have to do to get the new tower built.
Deb and Dick enjoy some of the rewards of attending the street fair.  Freash strawberries and whip cream make everyone smile.  Thanks for sharing Deb.

All in all the street fair was a big success.

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