Marin County Fair reveals 2025 ‘bug’ theme
The Marin County Fair will be crawling in new directions next summer, as fair officials have announced the theme for the July 2025 event: bugs. “Bugtastic,” as the event is being referred, will highlight insects, spiders, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes and more—using competitive exhibits, hands-on art projects, entertainment, education and fairground décor—in an effort to provide an opportunity for families to have a good time and develop a love of nature, according to a press release from the county. The 2025 fair will also include such fair staples as the juried fine arts and
photography exhibit, headline concerts, carnival rides, sheepdog trials, a petting zoo, pig races and more. The competitive exhibits contests will be expanded with special categories including bug-themed arts and crafts, decorated cakes and cookies, beer and wine making, jams, jellies, honey, hobby arts and more. In other Marin County Fair news, Jennifer Olvera has been promoted to manager of the Marin
County Fair. Since 2023, Olvera has served as the event rental manager for the Department of Cultural Services, which produces the annual fair. For the past two years, Olvera oversaw fair operations, logistics, safety, food vendors and zero waste efforts, county officials said in the announcement. This year, Olvera will lead in the planning and preparation for the annual event, including organizing and executing the competitive exhibits program, and overseeing the staging of the agricultural barnyard, the Global Marketplace and food services. “I am extremely excited to take on the role of fair manager of this beloved County event and to continue the great spirit of the fair for generations to come,” Olvera said.— NBb staff
Marin offers new court-ordered care plans for those with ‘serious mental illness’ Marin County has launched an initiative aimed at delivering critical mental health, housing and supportive services to residents suffering from schizophrenia and other severe psychotic disorders. The new CARE Court—named for the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, approved last year by the state legislature—provides structured, court-ordered care plans for individuals with untreated serious mental illness. Under the purview of the county’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the court connects those experiencing untreated mental illness and, in many cases, homelessness and co-occurring substance use disorders, to behavioral health treatment through a court-ordered care plan. The plan can be in place for up to two years. Each participant has access to a public defender and volunteer supporter to aid in making decisions about treatment. The CARE Court program can be initiated by a family member, a behavioral health professional, first responder or the individual seeking assistance. “The proactive approach ensures those in need can access the
necessary services and support as early as possible,” county officials said in an announcement of the program. “CARE Court represents a new way of thinking about mental health intervention in Marin County,” said Michelle Funez, BHRS Division Director and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in the announcement. “By focusing on a community-based framework, we are giving our residents the opportunity to stabilize and heal in an environment that supports their long-term recovery.” For more information, contact 888-818-1115.— JW
December 2024
NorthBaybiz 15
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker