By Mary Sackett

Growing up in Clay County, Iowa — home of “the world’s greatest county fair” — I looked forward to fair week all year long. The fairgrounds were right next door to my elementary school and, for one week, our playground turned into a parking lot. The students even got the week off.

As fifth graders, we helped direct cars (a badge of honor). At the Kiwanis pancake shed, my brothers and I flipped sausages and pancakes with our dad. No one left the shed hungry. Everything was sticky with syrup and, to this day, my older brother can’t stand the smell of maple syrup.

We loved it: climbing into tractors, watching demos in the exhibit halls, riding the Tilt-a-Whirl and eating fried food. I haven’t been back in years, but I can still smell the livestock barns and feel that unmistakable fairground magic. These days, my own kids get to feel that same magic at the Marin County Fair, ,known as the greenest county fair in the nation.

Since they were toddlers, we have taken our children to feel the fair magic. We took home plants in milk cartons, looked for their coloring submissions in the art galleries and ate dinner both before and after the fireworks.

Now they wander the fairgrounds with their friends, but they still come find us for the fireworks (and for money for that second dinner).

On behalf of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, I would like to welcome you to the 2025 Marin County Fair. The theme is “Bug-Tastic” is a whimsical tribute to the world of insects and all the creativity they inspire. Attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year, the Marin County Fair offers carnival rides to film screenings, petting zoos, concerts, food and art exhibits. Whether you’re watching a dance performance on the Community Stage, entering the blue-ribbon cooking contest, admiring cows and fine art, or gazing up at the fireworks, there is something for everyone.

I encourage fairgoers to leave their cars at home and ride Marin Transit or the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit train to get to the fairgrounds, bus service is free all five days of the fair. And SMART is adding late trains each night of the fair so you can stay for the fireworks and get home safely. There’s also free bike parking at the main gate. With water refill stations scattered across the grounds, attendees are urged to bring reusable bottles and keep the fair the greenest in the nation.

Back by popular demand is the ADA Lounge, a quiet retreat for individuals with disabilities who may need a break from the fair’s sensory-rich environment. The lounge is outfitted with noise-canceling headphones, cozy seating, snacks and specially trained volunteers who can provide advice on other accessibility offerings.

No fair is complete without live music and this year’s concert lineup delivers. After some great acts to start the fair, the fun continues on Independence Day. The Island Stage will rock with fan-favorite tribute bands all day long, including Petty Theft (playing Tom Petty songs) and Zepparella (Led Zeppelin), New Moon on Monday (Duran Duran) and local favorites Big Bang Beat. Saturday brings a dose of country with performances by Brooke Eden and Chris Housman. The fair wraps up on Sunday with a high-energy finale from Grammy-winner Elvis Crespo, best known for his global hit, “Suavemente.” Get your dancing shoes on and get ready for some merengue.

Behind the scenes, the fair is made possible by the Department of Cultural Services, with vital support from Marin County Parks, Public Works, County Counsel, Risk Management, the Sheriff’s Office, the Fire Department and the City of San Rafael. We plan for a safe and secure fair, with temporary impacts to the neighborhood. Thank you to everyone involved who make the Marin County Fair the best event of the year.

I hope you join me and my family to celebrate the Fourth of July at the Marin County Fair. Whether you stay for a few hours today or the full five days, the Marin County Fair promises unforgettable moments for everyone in your whole family.

Mary Sackett is president of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. She represents Santa Venetia, Marinwood, Lucas Valley and portions of San Rafael.