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| June 3, 2005
SUMMER FESTIVALS: Frolicking in Fairfax It’s always been the place to kick back and have some fun. BY JACOB SHAFER Folks from out of town sometimes wonder aloud about the “Only in Fairfax” logo that adorns cars, T-shirts and skateboards all across the county. One trip to San Anselmo’s eclectic western neighbor usually makes the slogan abundantly clear. Flanked on one side by Mt. Tam and serving as the gateway to the wilds of West Marin, featuring an array of colorful characters and some delightfully unique establishments, Fairfax is a one-of-a-kind scenic haven with a distinct small-town flair. And it’s a sure bet for abundant summer fun. That fun gets rolling in a big way with the Fairfax Festival. The two-day shindig kicks off with a rousing parade and runs June 4-5, featuring two stages of live music from local and imported bands, arts and crafts, food and drink, kids’ activities, a flea market and much more. What more, you ask? Well, how about the Ecofest, making its second appearance at the festival—up on the hill at the Fairfax Pavilion—and playing host to a variety of Earth-friendly businesses and community groups. There’ll also be a film fest and organic wine tasting at this year’s incarnation, plus healthy grub and a poetry slam, making it truly a something-for-everyone affair. Proceeds benefit the Save the Fairfax Pavilion organization and the Fairfax Youth Program. The festive fun doesn’t end there. Once July has made its grand entrance onto the summer stage, the Fat Tire Festival rolls into town. Touting itself as the “world’s premier off-road festival,” the event gets going July 16 with a classic and antique bike swap and show, followed by a modern mountain bike expo and the Ace of Spades Mountain Bike Poker Run through Tamarancho Boy Scout Camp and back. The fun continues after sunset with a bike-themed edition of Film Night in the Park. July 17 sees the big mountain bike race take off. And, of course, there’ll be food, drink, music and merriment in plentiful supply throughout the proceedings. Money raised goes toward the Marin County Velodrome Association to fund the building of a bike track. In their words: “We have a dream!” Those wishing to explore Fairfax’s abundant natural beauty should team up with the Sierra Club Marin and Richard Watson who host hikes all season long. The excursions wind all over the county, but many make their way through West Marin, with carpools departing from the downtown Fairfax Parkade. Some highlights from this summer’s schedule include a potluck BBQ, hike and swim shindig at Hearts Desire Beach on Tomales Bay and an invigorating jaunt up Mt. Barnabe from Devil’s Gulch in Samuel P. Taylor Park. For market fresh organic fruits and veggies that are a cut above grocery store fare check out the Fairfax Farmers’ Market, bustling every Wednesday evening through September and also featuring an array of live entertainment. OK, so it’s not a festival (or even an event, really), but no summer trek to Fairfax would be complete without a stop at Fairfax Scoop, which serves up some of the best locally made ice cream you’re likely to come across. Their honey vanilla lavender concoction is especially eat-every-bite-and-wish-you-had-some-more good. Yum. As mentioned, Fairfax is not only a singular place to visit, it serves as jumping-off point for the western reaches of the county. Head over White’s Hill and into San Geronimo Valley and you’ll find yourself at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, a wonderful little hub that actually hosts some worthy entertainment despite its middle-of-nowhere feel. The third Sunday of each month throughout the summer you can enjoy live local music and homemade soup at Kate’s Café, an open mic affair dedicated to the late folk songbird Kate Wolf and also featuring a revolving cast of featured musicians. And don’t forget about Film Night in the Park, which holds screenings at the community center July 30 (October Sky) and September 17 (An American in Paris). Hope that’s enough to scratch your summer entertainment itch—stay cool everybody! MORE SUMMER FESTIVALS BY CITY Corte Madera |
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Fairfax Festival, parade June 4 at 10am; festival June 4-5 11am-5pm, in Bolinas and Peri parks. Free. Info: 415/453-1584 or www.townoffairfax.org. Ecofest, June 4-5; 10am-5pm at the Fairfax Pavilion, 144 Bolinas Rd., Fairfax. Some events and items are free, others come with a charge. Info: www.ecofestival.org. Fat Tire Festival, July 16-17 at Central Field and various other locales. Free entry. Info: 415/258-TIRE or www.veloclubfairfax.com. Sierra Club Hikes, hikers meet at the Fairfax Parkade. Free. For info call Richard Watson at 415/461-9255 or go to http://sanfranciscobay. Fairfax Farmers’ Market, 4-8pm Wednesdays through September in the Fairfax Theatre parking lot at the corner of Broadway and Pacheco. Free. Info: 800/897-FARM. Fairfax Scoop, 63 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax. Info: 415/453-3130. Kate’s Café, third Sunday of every month, 6:30pm open mic, 8pm featured artists at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo Valley. $2 requested donation. Info: 415/488-8888 or www.sgvcc.org. Film Night in the Park, July 30 at 8:30pm and September 17 at 8pm; San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo Valley. $3-$5 requested donation. Info: 415/453-4333 or www.filmnight.org. MORE SUMMER FESTIVALS BY CITY Corte Madera |
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