– It’s the icon that defines the Bay Area and a seminal example of extraordinary workmanship. It’s the Golden Gate Bridge and its history will be celebrated and its future unveiled during the 58th Marin County Fair. THE BRIDGE FOR ALL GENERATIONS theme will run throughout many of the exhibits – from the Golden Gate Pavilion to the photography contests – to create a sense of pride and dignity in this grand masterpiece. The fair also features world-class entertainment with acts including KC & The Sunshine Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Grand Funk Railroad, Bjorn Again (Abba, anyone?) and the annual Rhythm & Roots Festival with the likes of Elvin Bishop and Asleep at the Wheel. Performing their trick and fancy riding shows daily will be the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, plus the Fair offers a new Hip-Hop and Break Dance contest, a two-day Marin Star Search, the 14th Annual Creatures and Models exhibit, the 33rd Annual National Short Film and Video Festival and over 10,000 exhibits in fine arts and crafts, cartoons, baked goods, gardens, flowers, and more. Operating daily is the Barnyard with farm animals, sheep dog trials and a petting zoo, 28 free carnival rides for big and little kids, featuring the 10-story Ferris Wheel and a nightly fireworks show at 9:30 at the lagoon. Don’t miss the newest culinary masterpiece – deep fried Twinkies! It’s all FREE (except the Twinkies) with admission. The Marin County Fair, July 2-6, 11am-11pm daily at the Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Drive in San Rafael. Adults $11; Seniors 65+ $9; Children 4-12 $9; Children under 4 free. Parking is $5. Call 415-499-6800 or www.marinfair.org
