San Rafael, CA –The Marin County Fair continues to exemplify the highest of standards for county fairs, demonstrated by its top recognition at the recent Western Fairs Association (WFA) Annual Achievement Awards program.
The 2013 Marin County Fair, themed Schools Rule!, captured a remarkable 31 individual achievement awards, including 18 first places, and was called out as a “national model” for county fairs. The fair also garnered six second places, six third places and one honorable mention.
Jim Farley, Director of Cultural and Visitor Services, said the recognition for the 2013 educational theme was particularly rewarding.
”Partnering with the Marin County Office of Education and SchoolsRule Marin, we had tremendous support from teachers, students, school administrators, civic leaders and corporate partners in Marin County,” Farley said. “Their contributions were enormous, and the feedback from our guests was overwhelmingly positive.”
The WFA Achievement Awards program recognizes innovation and excellence in the fair industry and provides a forum for fairs to share successful ideas and programs. (See a complete list of awards below.)
Highlights of the first places received by the 2013 Marin County Fair include:
- Theme Program – Schools Rule!
- New Community Outreach Program – Marin County Office of Education
- Fair/Fairgrounds-Sponsored Event Innovative Marketing Strategy or Concept – Enchanted Circus
- New Idea – Exhibits – Competition – Schools Rule
- Inspiring Collaboration – Snap Ed Grant
“We are proud to recognize the Marin County Fair,” said Stephen Chambers, WFA Executive Director. “… Marin’s celebration of education created new ground-breaking practices and fair program ideas. These ideas are truly a national model for the fair industry of how to celebrate both leading-edge environmental goals and family friendly entertainment.”
In March 2013, the Marin County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation that added a fourth “E” – education – to their guiding goals of environment, economy and equity. The commitment followed a board pledge to ensure opportunities for all children in Marin to have healthy and successful lives.
The Fourth “E” was prominently displayed throughout the fair over the Fourth of July weekend. Families from Marin and beyond celebrated the fair’s Schools Rule! theme with arts, culture, music and an array of events that showcased Marin’s outstanding educational community. The collaboration between the Marin County Fair, Marin County Office of Education and SchoolsRule Marin foundation celebrated teachers and students in many ways. The Enchanted Circus, an event held in the evening before the fair opened, raised significant awareness and funds for SchoolsRule Marin.
The WFA, founded in 1922 and incorporated in 1945, is a nonprofit trade association serving the fair industry in the western United States and Canada and assists in maintaining the highest professional standards through a voluntary network of individuals and organizations.
The 73rd annual Marin County Fair, themed The Happiest Fair On Earth, will run Wednesday, July 2 to Sunday, July 6, in 2014. For more information, visit www.marinfair.org or follow us on Facebook.
2013 Western Fairs Association Achievement Awards
for Marin County Fair
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Placing
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Name
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First Place
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Theme Program – Schools Rule
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First Place
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New Community Outreach Program – Marin County Office of Education
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First Place
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Fair/Fairgrounds- Sponsored Event Innovative Marketing Strategy or Concept – Enchanted Circus Fundraiser
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First Place
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New Idea – Exhibits – Competition – Schools Rule
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First Place
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Inspiring Collaborations – Snap Ed Grant
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First Place
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Printed Newsletter – Marin Center Magazine
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First Place
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Electronic Newsletter
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First Place
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E-Blasts
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First Place
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Newspaper Ad – Marin Independent Journal Discount Coupon Ad
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First Place
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Fair Souvenir Program – Marin Center Magazine
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First Place
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New Idea – Exhibits Display Method or Prop
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First Place
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New Idea – Conservation Program or Being Green
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First Place
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New Idea – Sponsorship – Clover Stornetta Farm
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First Place
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New Idea – Service Member Partnership – Commercial Food Competition
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First Place
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New Innovative Use of Technology – Marin Quickpics Competition
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First Place
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New Agricultural Program – Master Gardeners’ One Room School House
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First Place
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Use of Fair Theme Throughout Competitive Exhibits
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First Place
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How Did Your Fair Make The News? – The Viper
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Second Place
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Facility Website – marincenter.org
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Second Place
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Fairtime Innovative Marketing Strategy or Concept – Marin County Fair App
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Second Place
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Interim Event Rentals Innovative Marketing Strategy or Concept – Direct Mail Advertising
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Second Place
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New Idea – Maintenance – Conversion to EO Products
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Second Place
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Interim Events – Agricultural Institute of Marin Farmers Markets
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Second Place
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Consumer Protection – Creating Safety Awareness In The Clover Stornetta Farm
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Third Place
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Television Advertising
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Third Place
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Fairtime Website – marinfair.org
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Third Place
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Give It Your Best Shot
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Third Place
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Fairtime Commemorative Poster
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Third Place
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Fair Program/Schedule
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Third Place
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Crisis Management – New Dress Code Policy
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Honorable Mention
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New Idea – Employee Recognition – Post Fair BBQ
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