It's all Good in Fairfax on Aug. 7

It's easy to imagine two standup comics riffing about the Good Festival, which will take over Fairfax' Bolinas Park for the fourth summer on Saturday, August 7 (11 a.m.- 6 p.m.).

"Been to the Good Festival?"

"Which festival is that?"

"The Good Festival."

"I've been to a bunch of good festivals."

"But there's only been three so far."

"That's not good."

And so on.

The name is a stroke of genius: Who would dare say a bad word about something "Good"? But the Good Festival is good in ways that go far beyond its name. Promoting greener lifestyles and a more vital community—especially among youth—are the festival's very good goals.

It's grown each year, with about 1,500 people stopping by last summer, and organizers have expanded their publicity efforts with an eye on doubling the turnout this year.

What's the appeal? First, it's free. Second, it's a feast for the senses, with plenty for all ages to do (including kids' games), see (including a dance performance), hear (including hourly bands) and taste (including free organic ice cream). Third, why not drop by a free festival in festive Fairfax, if only to rub elbows with your neighbors and enjoy, well, a good time.

The festival is the brainchild of two Drake High graduates, Justin Macri, 22, and Patrick Troup, 24. "We started off with the idea of changing the world," says Macri, "but then building community and empowering local youth came into it. It all fits together. We want to show young people that you can live a greener lifestyle and still have fun."

Adds Troup: "We noticed that most Marin festivals cater to older people, so we wanted to reach out to younger people." Teens and young adults do most of the volunteering to put on this festival, which is drug- and alcohol-free.

The Good Festival's biggest draw is the music. Tunes will be provided by Native Elements (Reggae), the Bob Hill Band (funk/rock), Tres Mojo (eclectic jazz/funk/Latin), Hyim (World pop), World Famous (blues/rock) and Diego the Whistler (Haitian). Speakers between performances—including Fairfax mayor Lew Tremaine—will address the topics of community and sustainability. A lively Capoeira Mandinga performance will also be slipped in.

All day, you can stop by peace, environmental and community group tables; chat with representatives from green builders and eco-businesses; and shop at farmers' market stands. Kids will be able to create puppets, masks, murals and mega-bubbles—and learn how to juggle and stilt-walk—before leaving with face-painted cheeks. And everyone will be treated to cups of Straus Family Creamery ice cream (the brand served at Fairfax Scoop) and organic Mexican fare from Good Earth Natural Foods. There's valet bike parking if you can make it on two wheels.

Capping off the festival at 8 p.m. is the Good Reason to Rock Benefit Concert at the College of Marin's Fine Arts Theatre. The warmup bands are Wonderland PD and House Party Boogie (with COM President A.J. Harrison II on drums). They'll heat it up for the Bob Hill Band, which also performs at the festival, with their signature brand of rock-funk fusion. Says the band's manager (and the concert organizer), Jaybird, "We encourage parents to make this their kids' first rock concert. It's guaranteed to be family friendly."

Admission to the concert is $15 at the door, with proceeds going to Fairfax, San Anselmo and Corte Madera Parks and Recreation programs.

Several good festivals exist in Fairfax that have prospered in recent years. They celebrate bikes, beer or life in general. But all show that Fairfax is a town where people love to celebrate good times, good causes and good food. Because it does all of that, the Good Festival looks like it will be around for a good long time.