By Ann Dickson

Early July is always one of my favorite times of the year living in Marin County. It’s fair time again.

This year’s theme “Bug-tastic” celebrates all things insects and promises to be a fun time for all.

As board chair of the Marin Cultural Association, I get to see all the behind-the-scenes activities that bring the fair to life. From finding a local artist to design the fair’s official poster, working with the team to brainstorm the concert headliners and creating all the great cultural programming, it’s something I always look forward to.

What makes the Marin County Fair unique is not just the fact it has won numerous state and regional awards, but that it is truly a cultural experience that makes it more exciting than other county fairs.

There are so many great cultural experiences at the fair that can’t be missed.

This year, the Marin Cultural Association is supporting the fair by sponsoring the Community Stage, which showcases local dance groups, bands and performances. It will be a great opportunity to see wonderful local talent all in one place. From longtime fair performers like the Macintosh Pipe Band, the Chinese Lion Dancers, the County Crows and the Ukelele Ohana, to new performers and bands from our community, I always love to sit in the seats at the Community Stage and marvel at the amazing and diverse talent we have right here in our own backyard.

It is one of the highlights of my visit to the fair.

Did you know that Marin County has a poet laureate? Her name is Francesca Bell and attendees can meet her while enjoying poetry slams and poetry readings. Bell helped us develop bug-themed creative writing and poetry contests that you’ll have to check out on our Poetry Wall in the Exhibit Hall.

New this year in the Exhibit Hall is the MCA Art Studio. That’s where origami artists will lead hands-on origami making for all ages. Share your creations in the studio alongside the exhibit “Origami Bug Out” where bugs and insects made with only one piece of paper will be on view. There will also be a mural artist creating an interactive community mural based on our “Bug-tastic” theme. Get creative while participating in this fun and unique experience. And on Sunday, our Latin Heritage Day, kids and adults can learn how to make Guatemalan paper kites with artists from the Multicultural Center of Marin.

Other art activities at the fair include our popular Fine Art, Fine Craft and Fine Photography exhibit that showcases more than 500 of our best local artists in competitive exhibits with a juried art show. Thank you to our art judges Donna Seager, Lynn Sondag, Maria Medua, Asha McGee, Nadia Tarzi-Saccardi, Shanti Moreano Freire, Clark Mitchell and Donna De La Briandais, as well as to photography judges Jeff Lewis and Ellen Shershow. It’s truly a wonderful exhibit with so much creativity and talent on display.

Every year, it’s fun to see who performs on the Island Stage. It’s an opportunity to see the best performers in music. From reggae to R&B, country and local Marin talent, there is something for every musical taste. And the concerts are free with your fair admission.

Carnival rides are always great fun. Of course, highlighted by the giant ferris wheel (my favorite ride). I can’t resist riding it multiple times throughout the fair, enjoying the incredible views of our beautiful county from 50 feet above ground.

And, finally, I just say something about the beloved fireworks. Every night during the fair, you can witness an incredible display over the lagoon, it’s always worth staying to see and I never get tired of watching them.

I would like to share a personal thank you to all the great companies and organizations providing sponsorship — we appreciate your support. We couldn’t do what we do at the fair without the community support large and small. We truly thank you.

I hope you will join me and the Marin Cultural Association at this year’s “Bug-tastic” fair!

Ann Dickson is chair of the Marin Cultural Association board.