For Immediate Release
June 30, 2004

Community Replaces Beer Company as Lead Fair Sponsor
Marin leaders Make History by Re-branding Marin County Fair

San Rafael, CA - Representatives of six community groups made history today when they raised their banner over the Entertainment Pavilion at the Marin County Fair. This year the Fair will offer everything a county fair should-cotton candy, rides, fireworks and rock-and-roll. Yet, unlike most county fairs in California, the Marin County Fair will not have a big beer maker as its main sponsor. After holding the main fair sponsorship for six years, Miller Brewing Company has been replaced as the Entertainment Pavilion sponsor by a group of community organizations called Play Fair.

"This is a first in the fair industry," says Jim Farley, who manages the Fair. "It's never been done before." The six partners behind the change-Bay Area Community Resources, Healthy Marin Partnership, Marin Community Foundation, Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, Marin Institute, and the Youth Leadership Institute-are committed to the health and safety of residents and visitors. Play Fair believes the sponsorship change will "brand" the event with a more family and youth-friendly image and demonstrates a commitment to promoting healthy choices.

"Alcohol is our nation's number one drug problem-costing more lives and resources than all of the illicit drugs combined and second only to tobacco in fatalities," says Larry Meredith, director of the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services. "Taking sponsorship away from a beer company represents a profound shift from a public health point of view."

Prevention experts have shown that an individual's drinking choices are shaped by the way alcohol is promoted and sold in the community. This year, visitors to the Fair will see a banner over the main stage identifying Play Fair -not Miller-as the sponsor .

Play Fair immediately recognized the importance of reclaiming the Fair when faced with the opportunity to take over the lead sponsorship. In doing so, Play Fair has established a model for other communities seeking an alternative to beer sponsorship.

Visit www.PlayFairMarin.org for more information.

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