4-H Fair Moves to New Ranch Venue in West Marin

The West Marin Fair brings together the community for a family-friendly day, thanks to the Marin County 4-H Club. It’s all about youth—kids get to show off their skills in agriculture and more.

This year, the fair lands on Saturday, May 16 at Gallagher Ranch, just outside Point Reyes Station. Young exhibitors get a chance to practice showing livestock in a more relaxed setting before the bigger county events.

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Moving from Toby’s Feed Barn, which was tied to Western Weekend, means there’s more space and fewer scheduling headaches. Local families from Point Reyes Station to Fairfax will probably appreciate not having to juggle school exams and graduations.

The day aims to highlight hands-on learning and a growing mix of exhibits. You’ll see what’s changing in West Marin’s home life—there’s always something new popping up.

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A Closer Look at the Venue and Timing

Gallagher Ranch gives organizers extra room for trucks, trailers, and equipment. It’s a relief, honestly, since West Marin’s rural roads aren’t exactly built for big crowds.

The ranch layout lets them set up a legit show ring. Co-sponsors loan heavy barriers, so animals and spectators stay safely separated, and the spotlight stays on the kids showing their animals.

Choosing May 16 helps avoid clashes with events in Larkspur, Mill Valley, and Sausalito. Still, the fair keeps that West Marin vibe, close to Point Reyes Station.

What to Expect: Animals, Exhibits and Family Fun

No horses this year—insurance, of course. But cows and sheep will be there, and chickens are back after missing out last year because of bird flu.

The fair isn’t just about farm animals anymore. Archery and all sorts of exhibits show how much local talent is bubbling up.

If you’re from Mill Valley or San Rafael and usually trek up to Inverness or past Olema, this is your chance to catch a rural fair without the long drive.

Visitors can jump into a bunch of activities and learn something new, including:

Cows, Sheep and Poultry: Local youth show off their animal-care skills. It’s a hands-on peek into how livestock management looks these days in West Marin.
Archery and Demonstrations: Try your hand at archery or check out other demos. It’s perfect if your family’s into Marin County’s outdoor scene.
Photography, Floriculture, and Woodworking: The exhibits go beyond farming. You’ll see creative projects from students and the West Marin community, whether they’re in 4-H or local schools from Fairfax to San Rafael.

Admission’s free, so it’s an easy trip for folks in Tiburon or Corte Madera who want to see another side of Marin culture. If you get hungry, there’s a barbecue lunch for sale—parents from Larkspur or Novato can make a whole day of it, supporting local youth and sampling some West Marin hospitality.

Co-Sponsors, Logistics and Access

The West Marin Fair has a few co-sponsors: the Marin County Fair, West Marin Fund, and West Marin Rotary. This kind of collaboration just feels like Marin County, especially in smaller towns like Nicasio, Point Reyes Station, and Olema.

Their support covers a lot of the behind-the-scenes work. They handle things like the big safety barriers and the insurance details that decide which animals get to join in.

If you live in bigger towns—Corte Madera, San Rafael, Fairfax, Sausalito—you don’t have to trek far to get a taste of West Marin. The fair runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 14500 Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. That’s basically a quick drive from most coastal spots people around here love.

Families from all over Marin, whether they’re closer to Calistoga or out by Bolinas, can turn this into a real day out. It’s a chance for kids and adults to learn something, maybe compete a bit, and just hang out with neighbors they might not see every day.

Here is the source article for this story: 4-H fair at new ranch venue

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.