As a resident of Morgan Hill, I
’ve made many trips to Henry W. Coe State Park. Usually I drive
up E. Dunne Road as it climbs to an elevation of 2640 feet at the
park’s Visitor Center. At other times, I’ve entered the park from
its Hunting Hollow entrance, off of Gilroy Hot Springs Road. In
years past, when I was just becomi
ng acquainted with Henry W. Coe State Park, I didn’t know about
the park’s special events. It was enough that I could hike the
park’s trails in winter, spring, summer, and fall. For me, those
were four special events in and of themselves.
As a resident of Morgan Hill, I’ve made many trips to Henry W. Coe State Park. Usually I drive up E. Dunne Road as it climbs to an elevation of 2640 feet at the park’s Visitor Center. At other times, I’ve entered the park from its Hunting Hollow entrance, off of Gilroy Hot Springs Road.
In years past, when I was just becoming acquainted with Henry W. Coe State Park, I didn’t know about the park’s special events. It was enough that I could hike the park’s trails in winter, spring, summer, and fall. For me, those were four special events in and of themselves.
Now though, I’m increasingly appreciating the official special events at the park. The first of these is the April Backcountry Weekend, when the public is allowed special access to the park from the south side. In May, the Mother’s Day breakfast has become such a popular tradition that it is usually sold out weeks in advance. In June, runners and determined walkers enjoy the scenery and challenge of the Hunting Hollow 10K/5K run. In addition to these events, each spring park volunteers lead wildflower walks, and other park-related programs are presented in both the spring and summer.
But perhaps the best-known special event at Henry W. Coe State Park is the one coming up on Saturday, October 1. This is the annual TarantulaFest and Barbeque. Each year, the “TFest” is held at the Visitor Center campground, from 10:00 until 4:00.
October is generally a beautiful time at Henry Coe, as the intense heat of summer yields to the more forgiving warmth of fall. More to the point, it is in the fall that male tarantulas stray from their burrows in search of mates, and thus are much more likely to be seen by park visitors. This makes it the perfect season for the TarantulaFest (or, for the more scientific in the group, the Aphonopelma eutylenum Fest.)
I’ve met many park volunteers in the last couple of years. I wasn’t surprised to find that they are a friendly, helpful group of people who share a love of the park and of exploring the area’s natural riches. But I have been surprised at how many good cooks can be found in that group. Thanks to these volunteers, the TarantulaFest barbeque is always a special treat. Meal options include Santa Maria Style Steak, Marinated Chicken, Gardenburgers, and Hot Dogs. Because of the great demand, tickets for this barbeque must be ordered in advance. Check the park website, at www.coepark.org.
The special guests of honor at the TarantulaFest are, of course, the tarantulas. Yes, they may be two to three inches long. They may be the largest spiders you have ever seen. Their hairy bodies and legs may make them look extra intimidating. But once you have seen other human beings posing for photographs as a tarantula crawls up their arms, you may be next in line. This is an event where children often set a brave example for their parents.
Speaking of children, the TarantulaFest includes a kids‚ table. Kids working at this table can make their own tarantula to take home with them. Kids and adults may also enjoy meeting a regular visitor to the TFest: Smokey the Bear plans to arrive in a CDF fire truck, unless his fire-fighting services are needed elsewhere.
Among the other activities at the park on October 1st are nature walks; you and a park naturalist can explore the nearby terrain, keeping an eye out for tarantulas and other wildlife. In addition, a special raffle will be held to benefit the Visitor Center Expansion Fund. And a special treat for all guests is the unique and exuberant sound provided by the one and only Tarantulas Band (yes, that is their name!). The Tarantulas play jug-band and good time music for events at Coe Park; their performing is always a highlight of the day.
If there is a negative to the TarantulaFest and Barbeque, it is this: parking is limited. For that reason, besides buying your barbeque ticket ahead of time, it is best to car pool, if at all possible, and to plan on an early arrival at the park.
At the end of the day, you can head back down to the valley with some good memories. The tarantulas can continue with their business. At this point, they may be saying to themselves, “Those creatures we saw today seemed frightening at first, hairy and on the ugly side. But after crawling up and down their arms a few times, we found them rather intriguing. Hope they come back next year.”
Jim Wright is a Coe Park volunteer
