I have worked in many roles throughout the fair industry, from livestock clerk to now the CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agriculture Association.

The association is operated by the District 4 Agricultural Association. Its objective is 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. We do this all while striving toward enhancing the promotion and preservation of California’s agricultural heritage.

In my role as CEO, I am overseeing the entire large animal competitive exhibit program at the Marin County Fair, including swine, sheep, dairy goats and beef cattle. Our team is also curating an educational exhibit in the barnyard showcasing the agriculture of Marin that includes live animals and everyone’s favorite, baby pigs.

I am absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the Marin County Fair to bring youth livestock shows and educational experiences to fairgoers from all over the Bay Area. This unique partnership brings back a significant part of the fair that has been missing for the past several years. It allows us to highlight the impact of agriculture in Marin, strengthen relationships with local 4-H and Future Farmers of America groups, and support the local ag community for years to come.

The Marin County Fair celebrates the contributions of 4-H youth who represent the future of leadership, innovation and community stewardship. Through their participation in animal exhibits, project demonstrations and educational displays, 4-H members exemplify the values of responsibility, creativity and civic engagement. Whether raising livestock, presenting science and art projects or delivering public demonstrations, 4-H fosters intergenerational connection, invites public dialogue around sustainable practices and nurtures life skills that extend well beyond the fairgrounds.

It is vital that we continue to showcase and educate the public about the bountiful agriculture we have in Marin County and throughout California. We look forward to watching these programs grow, and this partnership with the fair is the perfect way. I invite you to come see us in the barnyard, where there will be something new to experience every day. Come watch the talented youth of Marin and Sonoma counties as they present their animals and strive to earn blue-ribbon awards and top prizes.

For our junior exhibitors, the fair also provides an opportunity to show off their showmanship skills and offers a new opportunity for these exhibitors to prepare for the Sonoma County Fair at the end of the month where they will show and sell their market animals.

The barnyard will also showcase some of the Marin fair’s favorites — from sheep-shearing demonstrations, sheep-dog trials, livestock exhibits and award-winning rabbits, guinea pigs and other “pocket pets” in the Fur and Feathers tent.

The racing pigs are back each day of the fair with daily races at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. And the petting zoo has goats, potbelly pigs, llamas and more. It’s set up for the whole family to interact with and is certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ensuring the highest standards for their animal care.

On Sunday, we close the fair with the thrilling sheepdog trials in the Horse Arena. Fairgoers can witness border collies showcase their agility and teamwork as they navigate challenging sheep-herding courses.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the skill and dedication of these incredible dogs as they demonstrate their prowess in this beloved fair tradition. It’s not to be missed.

I grew up in Northern California. As a kid, I raised and showed registered Dorset sheep and Hereford cattle, and 4-H was a very significant part of my life.

I attribute so many of my personal and professional strengths to the skills and lessons I learned while raising livestock and participating in 4-H. I am absolutely thrilled that my son is now doing the same. He shows market beef and commercial beef cattle and is really looking forward to showing at the Marin County Fair for the first time this year.

Most importantly, I invite you to come to the fair, interact with local ag groups and learn about the ways in which agriculture influences everyday life in Marin County and beyond. See you in the Barnyard.

Mandy Clendenen is CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association.