Dawn Niesser was cooking dinner one day in June when she looked out the window and saw smoke billowing from a neighbor's house in the Kings Mountain community. Then she saw the fire engines and firefighters, and in quick succession, felt worry, relief, and pride, according to fellow Kings Mountain resident Aeron Noe.

The incident underscored the urgency of maintaining the volunteer fire service that responds to the close-knit community's emergencies, and Ms. Niesser is an active supporter: She is director of the Kings Mountain Art Fair, slated for Saturday through Monday, Sept. 1-3 an event that financially supports the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The fair takes place in the redwoods at 13889 Skyline Blvd. in the hills above Woodside between highways 84 and 92. It was started in 1963 to help create the volunteer fire department. Today, in addition to supporting the brigade, proceeds from the fair benefit the three-room Kings Mountain Elementary School.

Kings Mountain Art Fair is different from other California fairs in that it's the only one that is 100 percent manned by volunteers from the small community. Instead of hiring food vendors, volunteers cook and serve the food themselves, starting with a pancake breakfast with the artists from 8 to 10:30 a.m. each day.

Lunch is prepared by the firefighters, and includes burgers and grilled corn. Also available are locally brewed beer and wine.

The festival showcases the work of 138 juried artists and 30 mountain folk artists offering paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more. Booths are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kiddie Hollow will offer many activities for children, including a chance to romp around in a Native American teepee, face painting, crafts and balloon art.

Admission to the fair is free, and street parking is available. Visit kingsmountainartfair.org for more information.

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