One of Fortuna’s claims to fame in Humboldt County is its ability to outshine its northern neighbors. Although not immune to coastal fog and drizzle, Fortuna averages around 256 clear days a year, which is why the town has embraced its Sunny Fortuna image.

  Fortuna is 18 miles southeast of Eureka and was founded in 1875. The town is home to approximately 11,000 people and has shopping, entertainment, a popular summer rodeo festival, and a nearby casino. In town there are churches that serve most denominations, a library, a newspaper and two radio stations. Area parks like Rohner Park and Newburg Park are favorite spots for year-round festivals.

  Rohner Park is a whopping 54 acres, and in 1864 President Abraham Lincoln deeded the land for the park to Henry Rohner. Aside from Little League fields and a softball diamond, the park also hosts the Fortuna Rodeo in July and the Fortuna AutoXpo. Other amenities include hiking and equestrian trails, a tot lot, horseshoe pits, an art gallery, picnic sites, a roller rink and a basketball court. Newburg Park has more space dedicated to sporting events like soccer, baseball, and softball.

  There are also plenty of cultural activities in Fortuna. Live theater, music, museums and the arts are a few things that visitors and residents can enjoy.

  The Depot Museum, located in Rohner Park, celebrates a time when Fortuna was a stop along the Northwestern Pacific Railroad. The train depot operated from 1893 to 1965, and now pays homage to an important shift in transportation history. Over the past year, the museum has had a major renovation and recently added Northwestern Pacific Railroad caboose No. 11, purchased from an Eel River Sawmill auction.

  One new thing in Fortuna this year is actually a reinvigorated August event titled Civil War Days. This event has not taken place in several years, but between Aug. 24 and Aug. 27 the Fortuna River Lodge will host civilian and military Civil War reenactments. The Marine Corps League and Boy Scouts of America are sponsoring the event, which will benefit the Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots program.

  Probably the most popular event in Fortuna is its rodeo. The mid-July rodeo is celebrated throughout the community for an entire week. Some of the corresponding events include a chili cook-off, kids’ games, a junior rodeo, a carnival, a parade and dances. Other events during the year include a March Daffodil Festival, Paddle to the Headwaters in April, and Art & Wine in the Park in June.

  Conferences for up to 600 people can be held at the 12,000-square-foot River Lodge Conference Center overlooking the Eel River. For more information about Fortuna, call the Chamber of Commerce at 725-3959.