by Janet Periat

A view from the hill overlooking the first PAFF event. Photos courtesy of Alicia Bennett.

July 1, 2010 — Once upon a time, in a land called Pescadero, lived a group of friends. One day, while hanging around Duarte’s bar, the friends decided something was missing from their fair town. While Pescadero was chock-full of great musicians and talented artists, there was no showcase for them. Nowhere to see and hear the creative offerings of the community. So they decided to create one.

The group included Chris Dutsch, Debbie Bennett, Larry Trujillo, Kenny Perry and Lynn Lilly — plus several important people that no one can remember. They all met on June 11, 1990 at Monica Fatseas’ house and two months later, the first Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival opened to stunning reviews. Twenty years later, the festival is still going strong.

Originally, my involvement with the festival was limited to attending it. Then, in year three, Dee Harley — PAFF Master of Ceremonies — called me up. “I want you to dress up as Paffy the Cow and run around the festival.” I think I hung up somewhere between “run” and “around the festival.”

Year four, Dee called me up again. I steeled myself. I wasn’t dressing up in a stupid costume with udders sticking out of my crotch. But she didn’t ask me to humiliate myself in a costume, she asked me to humiliate myself as co-MC because she was tired of doing the job by herself. Ego properly boosted, I had a giant stupid attack and said yes.

A beloved PAFF founder, Chris Dutsch.

Seventeen years later, I’m still doing the job. And I’m still humiliating myself. And I’ve never had a better time. Here’s my impression of my long stint as MC:

Hurry, get on stage and introduce the band. “Welcome to the Xth Annual Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival!” Don’t forget to push the silent auction. Hope the stupid sun comes out. “Remember, folks, the raffle and booth fees are the only ways we make our money here at PAFF. The music and art are free.” I want a beer.

Run offstage and quickly organize raffle items. Someone I haven’t seen in 30 years interrupts me. “Guess who I am?” Elvis? Oh, my God, we went to Pescadero High School together. Huge hugs. Larry Trujillo grabs my arm. “The mariachis are late, there’s an accident on 92. Have the band do another few songs.” OK. I turn the other way and a woman blocks my way. Another old friend? “I don’t like what you said on stage. This is a family event. You need to apologize.” I mumble an apology and remind myself to spill beer on her later. Dee stops me. “You need to try on your costume, the fashion show is coming up.” I run backstage, see my husband in a dress and laugh. Someone hands me a lost pair of sunglasses and tells me a car is blocking the entrance to the festival. Did I remember to plug the food booth for the Viking Boosters? Now I really want a beer.

End of the day, I’m dancing my heart out surrounded by the people I love most in the world. And I am blissful. Another great year.

Another beloved PAFF founder Debbie Bennett.

Here’s what my co-MC, Dee Harley, has to say about PAFF: “PAFF has been 20 years of fun, community and commitment. It has been a showcase of local talent and creativity and I’ve loved every minute of it. The fashion show is and always has been the highlight — where we all let loose and make fun of each other. Laughing together is the medicine of why we all live in Pescadero.”

I couldn’t have said it better. Hope to see you all there!

©2010, Janet Periat