FAIR STILL HEARKENS TO '60S : FREE SPIRITS FLOCK TO ANNUAL TOPANGA COUNTRY FESTIVAL.Byline: Susan Goldsmith Daily News Staff Writer They came in Volkswagen buses, wearing tie-dye T-shirts and long skirts for the 23rd Annual Topanga Days Country Fair. From the patchouli-infused air to the festivalgoers' bare feet bare feet symbol of impoverishment. [Folklore: Jobes, 181] See : Poverty , it seemed as much a celebration of the 1960s as it did a gathering for the present-day community. Organizers were thrilled to see Topanga's untamed spirit still alive and thriving at the fair, nearly a quarter century after the festival was founded to raise money for the local recreation center. ``Topanga was and still is the last refuge for community-minded anarchists,'' said Jan Moore, one of the fair's founders who watched over this year's festivities fes·tiv·i·ty n. pl. fes·tiv·i·ties 1. A joyous feast, holiday, or celebration; a festival. 2. The pleasure, joy, and gaiety of a festival or celebration. 3. like a proud parent. ``Some of these guys here in tie-dye with long braids are high-powered attorneys for oil companies, making six-figure salaries. It's hysterical.'' About 8,000 to 10,000 people attended this year's three-day country fair, which ends today. Held at the Topanga Community House, the event is expected to raise $40,000 from the $6 admission fee for the Topanga Community Women's Club Women’s clubs first arose in the United States during the post-civil war period. As a result of increased leisure time due to modern household advances, middle class women had more time to engage in intellectual pursuits. . The club owns and operates the community house. ``This is like a big family reunion Often an annual event, a family reunion takes place on a specified day each year for the purpose of keeping an extended family closer together. Some reunions may be held less often. ,'' said Julie DuBois, one of the fair's organizers, pointing out that many of those who turned out for the festival live in Topanga Canyon. ``Topanga is in a time warp time warp n. A hypothetical discontinuity or distortion occurring in the flow of time that would move events from one time period to another or suspend the passage of time. . There's a real sense of community here.'' The fair featured several reggae, world beat and blues bands that played on two stages. There were also games, prizes, food and a crafts fair. Vendors at 40 booths kept busy selling crystals, incense, beads and hand-made ceramics. Kim Hentrup wandered around the festival Sunday with her 2-year-old son, Austin. For the occasion, they wore on their heads shiny gold and blue garlands bought at the fair. ``It's like coming back home to be here,'' said Hentrup, who grew up in Topanga but now lives in West Los Angeles
adj. 1. a. Living without undue worry or concern; calm. b. Lax or negligent; careless. c. people who like to just hang out.'' At the entrance to the fair, Charles Holz welcomed festivalgoers with a bright blue tie-dye tapestry he was hoping to sell. The North Hollywood tie-dye artist surveyed the crowd and smiled. He knew he had come to the right place to sell his wares. ``This definitely is not like L.A. It feels like Northern California up here,'' said Holz. ``It's a freak scene - tie-dyed, hippie-fied and glorified glo·ri·fy tr.v. glo·ri·fied, glo·ri·fy·ing, glo·ri·fies 1. To give glory, honor, or high praise to; exalt. 2. .'' CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Debbie Ryder of the Blues Ryders moves the crowd Sun day at the 23rd Annual Topanga Days Country Fair, a fund-raiser. Tom Mendoza/Daily News |
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