Exeter History Tellers #14
By Dwight Miller
Researching old issues of the Exeter Sun to learn more about past festivals in Exeter has been a true joy. There’s so much to share that I decided to write a second article summarizing Exeter’s festival history. I’ll include even more anecdotal details during my presentation on August 18, 2025, at CACHE.
From the first community celebration—the Citrus Fair in 1908—until last year, there have been 28 years without a festival. The cancellations were due to a range of causes: two world wars, the Great Depression, the COVID-19 pandemic, and even multiple years when grape packinghouse owners asked the Chamber of Commerce to forgo the festival because it disrupted the harvest and shipping season.
One thing worth noting is the frequent name changes over the years. Exeter’s community celebrations have been known by many titles: Citrus Fair, Chrysanthemum Festival, Armistice Day, Emperor Grape Festival, Homecoming, Red Carpet Days, Harvest Days, Heritage Festival, and, more simply, the Fall Festival. Since 1908, Exeter residents have shown great flexibility in how they name and shape these celebrations.
The early Chrysanthemum Festivals (1910s–1930), sponsored by local women’s groups, were relatively modest events that featured flower shows, music, and children’s parades. They bore little resemblance to the grand affairs that would follow. I mentioned the 1920 Armistice Day celebration in last month’s article—it was massive. Just four years later, in 1924, the Exeter American Legion joined forces with nearby cities—Visalia, Tulare, Lindsay, Orosi, and Cutler—
to organize an even larger event. Over 10,000 people from across the county came to Exeter that year. The logistics of pulling that off were staggering.
When the Exeter Chamber of Commerce began sponsoring these festivals in 1931, they took inspiration from the two large-scale Legion events of the 1920s—and they thought big. Each year, the organizing committee tried to outdo the previous one. Without fail, the Exeter Sun would proclaim, “This is the best parade ever!”—and each one made a compelling case.
Laurie Hamilton’s
Mom at age 15
in 1941
Parades were often over an hour long with more than 100 entries: floats, marching bands, equestrian units, motorcycle stunt riders, clowns, Shriners, decorated cars, and more. Grand Marshals in those early years were always mounted on stately horses. Election years brought out politicians from all levels of government. Parade routes varied—some started on Orange Avenue, others at Filbert and Quince—but they typically ended at City Park. The Old-Timers’ Picnic was often held there so the parade could pass by them. Sometimes the parades began at 9 a.m., but in other years, they started as late as 1 or 2 p.m. Old-timers were encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets, while a local organization served coffee at the park.
Festivities often included large community barbecues, fireworks displays, live music street dances, booths, and concessions. Most years, a carnival would also set up. At times the carnival was located in the field south of the old baseball park—now the current softball field at Kaweah and Chestnut Avenues. In other years, it was near the Southern Pacific Depot at Pine and F Streets or Chestnut and F Street. The rides and food vendors were always a hit with festival goers.
Some years featured specific themes that guided the event’s decorations, parade floats, attire, and food offerings. Over the years, themes have included: Remember When, Best of the West, Gold Rush Days, The Exeter Legacy: The Saga Continues – Honor the Native American, A Step Back in Time, Murals, Memories, and Merriment, among others.
Dozens of activities were introduced over the decades—bocce ball, horseshoes, a hole-in-one golf contest, cow chip throwing, frisbee and skateboard competitions, pumpkin carving, horse shows, water fights between fire departments, burro polo, boxing matches, and classic three-legged races, to name a few.
In 1982, organizers introduced two new traditions: the early morning 10K run and the Kiwanis-sponsored pancake breakfast—both of which became beloved features of the weekend.
The Old-Timers’ Luncheons have always been central to the celebration. The first few were coordinated by Exeter’s pioneer constable, Charles Mackey. From 1941 to 1967, Rena and Jack Cary took over as organizers. Since then, the role has been passed down to Stan and Virginia Cosart; Jere and Vivian Runciman; Mickey and Wilma Hirni; and, since 2014, George and Linda McEwen. The McEwens are now seeking a new coordinator to keep the tradition alive.
In 1966, for the first time, a graduating class from Exeter Union High School was honored—the 50th reunion of the Class of 1916. Eleven of the original 24 graduates attended, along with their favorite teacher, Amelia Zaniboni Smith, wife of long-time principal Walter Smith. Every year since, the luncheon has honored the EUHS class celebrating its 50th reunion. This year, it’s the Class of 1975’s turn in the spotlight. Attendance at these luncheons has consistently exceeded 200 guests.
Another major undertaking each year has been the selection of the Festival Queen. This tradition began in 1940 and has remained a highlight for many young women in the community. The title began as “Theme Girl,” then became “Festival Girl,’ before being renamed “Queen” for 54 years. In 2001 the title was transitioned to “Miss Exeter.” To date, 77 girls have held the title with over 400 others participating as candidates. Compiling an alphabetical spreadsheet of all participants reveals generations of family connections. This year, the tradition continues with a new group of candidates.
Of course, no fall festival would be complete without a football game. Since it lands in the middle of football season, the event usually features a Friday night game against a neighboring school. On rare occasions, the festival hosted special games—including an adult league match in the 1920s or a 1959 college game where COS was defeated 27-7 by Mt. San Antonio College from Southern California- played right here in Exeter.
The main takeaway from reviewing all of this history is clear: Exeter people have never been afraid to dream big. They’ve consistently reached out to talent across California, always thinking, “Why not us?” Whether it was glider performances from Southern California, local airshows, Navy flyovers, stunt pilots, wing walkers, magic acts, or musical performers from far and wide—Exeter never shied away from the challenge of staging an ambitious, memorable community celebration.