Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – The Marin County Fair’s competitive exhibits program continues to be a cornerstone of community pride, offering Bay Area residents of all ages an exciting opportunity to showcase their creativity, craftsmanship, and talents. Entries are now being accepted for this year’s fair, set for July 2-6 at the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael.
From homegrown produce and hand-crafted artwork to unique culinary creations and farm-raised livestock, this beloved program fosters a spirit of friendly competition while strengthening the fabric of the community. With categories spanning from agriculture and crafts to photography and baking, the competitive exhibits program invites everyone from seasoned experts to first-time entrants to contribute and celebrate their passions.
This year’s fair theme, BUG-TASTIC! — celebrating all things flittery, fluttery, buzzy, creepy, crawly, sticky, prickly, wiggly, and everything in between —serves as inspiration for several new and returning competitive exhibit categories. Categories include decorated cakes and cookies, breads, floriculture and horticulture, clothing and textiles, hobby arts, wine, beer, preserved foods, honey, fine art, photography, small animals, pocket pets, and creative writing, just to name a few.
“We are excited to bring back some of our fan favorite competitive exhibits this year,” Fair Manager Jenn Olvera said. “Competitive exhibits are the heart and soul of the fair; we want all of our talented and creative community members to enter the fair for a chance to win a blue ribbon and celebrate their creative spirit with everyone.”
New this year will be an expanded agricultural program thanks to a partnership with the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association (4th DAA). The Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association (4th DAA) will organize the entire large animal competitive exhibit program including swine, sheep, pygmy and dairy goats, and beef cattle. The Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association (4th DAA) will also curate an educational exhibit in the Barnyard showcasing the agriculture of Marin County that will include live animals.
Steve Dow, Marin County's Director of Cultural Services, said the partnership will allow the fair to strengthen relationships with UCCE Marin's 4-H youth education program and the local chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA).
"The partnership will help bring back a significant part of the fair that we have been missing for several years and really showcase the impact of agriculture in Marin." he said.
Mandy Clendenen, CEO of Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association (4th DAA), grew up showing farm animals at fairs and is a 4-H program mom these days.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Marin County Fair to bring youth livestock shows and educational experiences to fairgoers,” she said. “I know how much it means to our livestock community to have opportunities to showcase the hard work and the dedication that goes into these projects. It is also vital that we continue to showcase and educate the public about the bountiful agriculture that we have in Marin County and throughout California. We look forward to watching these programs grow, and fostering this partnership with our friends at the Marin County Fair is the perfect way.”
The competitive exhibits program places a strong focus on inspiring youth participation. Special youth categories and school partnerships encourage the younger generation to explore their creative side, with many future leaders learning valuable skills in the process. There are countless ways to get involved and share in the celebration of the county’s talents and traditions, whether as a participant, a visitor, or a volunteer.
Competitive exhibits categories opened for entry on April 2; closing dates vary by category and are included on the website.
The Marin County Fair will take place July 2-6 from 11 AM to 11 PM.
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About the County Fair
The Marin County Fair is committed to celebrating community, creativity, and sustainability through an inclusive and innovative experience that honors tradition while embracing the future. We strive to provide a safe and fun environment for all ages where diverse cultures, arts, agriculture, and environmental stewardship come together to inspire, educate, and entertain. Through engaging exhibits, thrilling entertainment, and meaningful community partnerships, we aim to create lasting memories and strengthen the spirit of Marin County.
About the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association - 4th DAA
The Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association is operated by the 4th District Agricultural Association, which is governed by a Board of Directors from the community it serves. It is the objective of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association to promote and showcase agriculture, while displaying the diverse talents, interests and accomplishments of the residents of California, especially the youth of Sonoma and Marin counties, while continually striving toward enhancing the promotion and preservation of California’s agricultural heritage.