Marin County Fair & Carnival

As county fairs go, the Marin version in San Rafael is relatively civil. I've been at enough over-populated disasters to be jaded about any event where throngs of us humans are set loose on fast food, booze and carny rides. But the Marin fair does a good job of keeping everything at a temperate hum.

Greener Than Most

The fair is greener than it's ever been. The Exhibit Hall has new photovoltaic solar panels, drinks are in compostable plastic cups, the fairgrounds are irrigated with reclaimed water, and you can take a look at the latest in hydrogen and hybrid-electric cars in the Alt-Fuel Road Show. In an eco-twist on Spector's Wall of Sound -- a "wall of solar" powers the main stage. There are healthier food choices, but don't worry: Deep-fried and funneled foods are still available. And there's good, regular litter cleanup and recycling.

Kids' Carnival

Fair admission includes exhibits, entertainment and 20+ rides. For kids, the carnival section on the south side of the lagoon is huge. It includes modern versions of my childhood rides -- even if bumper cars have to be called scooters. There's a 10-story Ferris wheel, nightly pyrotechnics, a barnyard, and Dr. Solar conducting his earth-friendly medicine show.

The fair lives on the perimeter of the Marin Civic Center lagoon. It makes for a visually pretty setting. From my [admittedly animal-friendly] perspective, it also allows for some unacceptable wildlife harassment which, if we want to be technical about it, does carry a fine and/or jail time. A number of us had to intervene several times to keep kids from chasing and pummeling water birds with rocks and sticks.

If you need to chill after all that, the fair has wine and local microbrews you can carry around the park (just not into the carnival area). If my palm reading is correct -- the one I got just down the lane from the microbrew stand -- you won't be seeing me at too many county fairs in the next year. Apparently, "processed foods will present a problem" for me.

See a few Photos from the 2008 Marin County Fair

• Marin County Fair - Website & Information
  July 2 to July 6, 2008 - 11a to 11p
  Marin County Civic Center
  Civic Center Drive in San Rafael
  Directions to Civic Center

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}