The Kalama Strawberry Festival and the Kalama Community Fair are two significant events that have shaped the cultural heritage of Kalama, Washington.
Kalama Strawberry Festival: A Tribute to Agricultural Roots
Origins and Early Celebrations (1939–1951):
The Kalama Strawberry Festival began in 1929, rooted in the strawberry farming traditions of Cloverdale, a community just outside Kalama. Finnish immigrant families in Cloverdale cultivated strawberries extensively, producing up to 700,000 quarts annually. To celebrate the end of the harvest, the community organized festivities that evolved into the Strawberry Festival. The festival featured parades, dances, and the creation of a giant 22-foot strawberry shortcake, serving as the centerpiece of the celebration. Other attractions included outboard-motorboat races, a “fat man’s race,” and water fights. A queen and her court presided over the Queen’s Ball, adding to the festival’s charm.
Decline and Revivals:
The festival ceased in 1951 due to a strawberry blight and shifting community interests. However, it experienced revivals in 1990 for Kalama’s centennial and again in 2015 for the 125th anniversary. During the 2015 revival, a massive strawberry shortcake was prepared, measuring over 16 feet and serving approximately 1,300 people.
Kalama Community Fair – Celebrating Rural Life (1965-current):
Establishment and Purpose:
Officially founded in 1965, the Kalama Community Fair was established to honor the agricultural achievements and rural lifestyle of the community. It aimed to provide a platform for showcasing local talents, crafts, and agricultural practices. Kalama citizens remember a loosely formed fair type event in 1953. They had 4H, FFA, horse events, and showed flowers (at the Grange, now the Kalama Baptist Church) on Vincent Road and food took place the Kalama School. In 1968 the fair was moved to Kalama’s north end of downtown and later the fair was moved to the “Fairgrounds” next to Kress Lake, where it remained through 2014. In 2015, it moved again to its current home at Haydu Park, a beautiful location provided by the Port of Kalama.
Activities and Attractions:
Over the years, the Kalama Community Fair has expanded its offerings to include a variety of events and attractions. Attendees can enjoy traditional 4-H exhibitions, live music, a parade, and the coronation of the Kalama Fair Queen – a tradition that dates back to 1969. The fair has also featured unique events such as lawnmower races, the Krisco Klassic, chicken chases, and horse shows, providing entertainment for all ages.
Community Impact:
The Kalama Community Fair has become a cornerstone event, fostering community spirit and engagement. The venue offers ample space for the diverse range of activities and ensures accessibility for attendees. The fair typically takes place over three days in July, with events running from noon to 11pm. There is a small charge for admission, but funds raised go back into the following year’s fair.
Cultural Significance:
The Kalama Community Fair holds a special place in the hearts of residents, symbolizing the town’s commitment to community engagement and celebration of its heritage. The fair’s enduring popularity reflects Kalama’s dedication to preserving its traditions while adapting to the interests of newer generations.
Together, the Kalama Strawberry Festival and the Kalama Community Fair encapsulate the town’s dedication to honoring its agricultural roots and community values. These events not only provide entertainment but also serve as reminders of Kalama’s rich history and the enduring spirit of its residents.