Marin County Virtual Fair​ Wins Awards

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Marin County Fair went virtual last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Still, the event recently swept the competition with awards during the Western Fairs Association convention.

"When the pandemic forced us to cancel our beloved fair last summer, we had to think of a safe alternative people could enjoy from home," said Gabriella C. Calicchio, the county's director of cultural services.

"A virtual fair seemed like the perfect way to provide at-home entertainment and keep community as Marin sheltered-in-place. We also wanted to support our community with drive-in and drive-thru events throughout the summer and fall to offer safe and fun options for entertainment."

The Western Fairs Association, a 150-member trade association representing fairs in the western U.S. and Canada, recognizes excellence in the fair industry at its convention and provides a forum for fairs to share successful ideas and programs.

The Marin County Virtual Fair and drive-thru events received nine first place awards, three second place awards and one Judges' Choice award.

The virtual fair's Facebook analytics show that the online contents reached 10,646 unique visitors. Both the fair's Facebook and Instagram accounts grew during the virtual fair. The Facebook account gained 1,303 new followers and the Instagram account gained 718 new followers, according to the county.

"I think that proves that even though there wasn't a physical fair last year, the fair staff was able to provide a sense of community during this difficult time," Calicchio said.

These are the award-winning entries:

Judges' Choice:

• "Give It Your Best Shot" Photograph – Drive-Thru Food & Entertainment Events
  • Winner: Dinosaurs at Night

First Place:

• Virtual Fairs – 2020 Virtual Marin County Fair
• Virtual Online Contests (other than during the fair) – Virtual Halloween
• Drive-Thru Food Events – Summer Drive-Thru Fair Food Event
• Community Outreach – Drive-In High School Graduations
• "Give It Your Best Shot" Photograph – Virtual Fairs
  • Winner: Cat and Flamingos
• "Give It Your Best Shot" Photograph – Virtual Contests (not during fair)
  • Winner: Costume Contest – Votes for Women
• "Give It Your Best Shot" Photograph – Drive Thru Food & Entertainment Events
  • Winner: Dinosaurs at Night
• "Give It Your Best Shot" Photograph – Drive Thru Food & Entertainment Events
  • Winner: Jumbo Dog
• "Give It Your Best Shot" Photograph – Community Outreach & Emergency Response Venues
  • Winner: Drive-In High School Graduation

Second Place:

• "Give It Your Best Shot" Photograph – Virtual Fairs
  • Winner: Toilet Paper Cake
• "Give It Your Best Shot" Photograph – Virtual Contests (not during fair)
  • Winner: Halloween Food – Mummy Quesadilla
• "Give It Your Best Shot" Photograph – Community Outreach & Emergency Response Venues
  • Winner: Sewer Band performance Mummy Clarinet