5 QUESTIONS with Chris Dailey, executive director of Boulder Creek Events

Chris Dailey

Acting as the unofficial end to Boulder's summer for the 12th year, the Boulder Creek Hometown Fair is slated for Labor Day weekend. The fair, held on the Boulder Public Library lawn, features family-friendly fun like the "Great Zucchini Race" and a classic car show.

The fair will feature more than 100 arts and crafts booths and live music from 12:30 p.m. to close all three days. Bands performing include Colorado-based singer-songwriter Wendy Woo and her band and John Lennon-Paul McCartney-tribute band, The Fables. A full list of performances and special events is available on the Boulder Creek Events Web site.

Chris Dailey has been Boulder Creek Events executive director for the entire 14-year history of the company. The former carpenter took over the Boulder Creek Festival in the late '90s and has been adding events to his company's calendar ever since, including the Boulder Creek Hometown Fair.

Dailey recently talked to the Camera about keeping the Hometown Fair fresh and preparing a zucchini for racing.

1. What makes the Hometown Fair a good choice for families on an event-filled Labor Day weekend?

The event is focused on family fun in the Boulder community. We have something for everyone. For adults, we have a phenomenal musical lineup, food and beverages, 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, the Chili Inferno Cook-Off, a classic car show and a sports expo. For kids, we have the Great Zucchini Race, the Big Wheel 300, a kids and dance stage, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, mechanical bull, obstacle course, mountain bike course and many kid-specific vendors offering interactive activities.

2. What's your favorite thing to see at a Hometown Fair?

The coolest thing I see at the Hometown Fair is kids working together with their parents and using their hands to build their zucchinis, then standing at the end of the ramp watching them fly down the track. I also enjoy the pie-eating contest and the Big Wheel 300. It is always fun to see families out and about having fun together.

3. In your experience, what makes for the best race-ready zucchini?

I believe that creativity makes for the best race-ready zucchini. I like it when the kids get really into the decorations which include pipe cleaners, feathers, paint, googly eyes, stickers, etc. Just how the wooden axles are fitted helps too.

4. What's something new fair-goers can expect from this year's event?

This year, on the Municipal Building lawn, the Hometown Fair is featuring a sports and kids' expo consisting of various organizations, services and equipment geared toward Boulder's active, fitness-oriented community. This area will also include several top athletic gear and apparel companies on hand to offer their items at discount and close-out prices.

This will also be the first year for the Family, Fun and Fitness 5K Walk. The 5K walk will target families and individuals who are inspired to be physically active while enjoying time together in beautiful downtown Boulder. The Walk begins at 9 a.m. on Monday at the sports and kids' expo.

5. What's the key to making a Hometown Fair successful and fun?

We have everything in place for another fun and successful event. Now, we just need good festival weather.