Julian Merchants Show at San Diego County Fair
By Amber Ward

Julian resident and business owner Patty Strong greets fairgoers at the Julian booth at the San Diego County Fair. Photo courtesy of Mountain Beadworks

Several local business owners joined forces to promote the town at Julian Day at San Diego County Fair when 33,600 people were attendance on June 14.

Visitors to the fair were greeted at the main gate by Miss Julian's Princess, Sherlice Nichols and the pageant's assistant director, Amber Ward. Fairgoers were given a copy of the new Julian Guide and directions to the Julian Day booths at the San Diego Pavilion. A total of 1,814 people came to the San Diego Pavilion making it a 6 percent turnout.

Although the total attendance to the fair was less than half of the usual amount (65,000), it was an overall success considering there were several graduations throughout the county that day and it was the middle of the week. Patty Strong, who coordinated the event for Julian Merchants Association, said she is looking forward to Julian Day at the Fair again next year.

"This was an excellent opportunity to get some ideas of how to attract more visitors," she said.

There were several merchants encouraging visitors to the Julian area, including Margaret Bolic and Strong of Mountain Beadworks, Pam Churness of Log HomeCastles, Patricia McConnell of Santa Ysabel Country Store, Deb Kinney of Julian Event Planning, Melinda Booth and Ed Jenkins of California Wolf Centeru Tori and Albie Stark of Photos by Albie, Tracy Turner of Wynola Junction Antiques and JMA information booth, Melony Vance of Books in Nooks and JMA information booth, Karen Conely of Sherrill Orchards; Christine Westrum of Mountain Gypsy; and Bill Kamp, Renee Hillman, Karen Montez, Maynard Montez and Alex Montez of Ramona Canyon Resort.

Donations were sent by the Julian Pie Company, Sherrill Orchards, Dudley's Bakery, Soups and Such, Apple Alley Bakery, Julian Grille, California Overland Tours, Hog Heaven, Kay's Scenic Greetings, Julian Guide, Julian Journal, Julian News, Julian Chamber of Commerce, Julian Yesteryears, Apple Junction Real Estate, Tucker Peak Lodge, Julian Lodge and Eaglenest Bed & Breakfast.

Volunteers also included Alan Marvin, Julie Cauzza, Anita Hernandez, Laurie LeBlanc, Joe Raffeto, Adriana Munson and Alison Flores. Janet Baker loaned a sluice box for a gold-panning display and John and Jan Matias loaned several books about Julian.