LAKEPORT – Ray and Jeannie Starks of Kelseyville, and their family of five children, have been chosen by the Lake County Fair Board of Directors to serve as grand marshals of the annual fair parade.

The parade through Lakeport kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Natural High School on N. Main St. in Lakeport, and travels south down Main Street, then west on Martin to the main gate of the fairgrounds, where the Starks will cut the ribbon to open the fair.

The fair this year runs Thursday, Sept. 3, through Sunday, Sept. 6. This year's fair theme is “Fun in the Sun!”

The Starks have been residents of Lake County for decades, and grew up in the Ukiah area. They have been involved in producing the Lake County Fair since the early 1980s. They have five children, all of whom have worked at the fair, and several grandchildren.

“Ray and Jeanie and their children have been tremendous supporters of the Lake County community and of the Lake County Fair for decades, and the fair board is honored that they have accepted the duties of grand marshals,” said Fair Board President Janeane Bogner.

Jeannie Starks retired after the 2008 Lake County Fair. She served as the floriculture building superintendent for more than a decade.

Prior to moving to the floriculture building, she worked at one time as the superintendent in the home arts building, and at another time as the superintendent of the fine arts building, spending years in each building before moving on to the next.

Ray Starks started his career at the Lake County Fair driving the tractor used to collect used bedding throughout the barn areas, a job he did for many years before working his way up to his current position managing all of the space rentals on the fairgrounds.

As the fair’s rental coordinator, he deals with all of the tenants of the fairgrounds, both during the Lake County Fair and throughout the rest of the year.

The Starks children – Drew, Emily, Monica, Jeff and Leighton – all began working at the Lake County Fair at young ages. All five worked in the fine arts, home arts, and floriculture buildings over the years.

The oldest four each eventually were promoted to a building superintendent’s position, with Emily Starks spending more than a decade as the superintendent of the fine arts building. The youngest, Leighton Starks, will be a high school senior this fall.

Regular admission prices for the 2009 Lake County Fair are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 through 11. Admission prices are unchanged since 2007.

Children under 6 years old are admitted free everyday. Children through age 11 are admitted for $2 on Thursday, Sept. 3 only, for "Kid's Day."

 

The Lake County Fair is one of Lake County's favorite summertime events, and is enjoyed by more than 37,000 people each year. The fair features a variety of entertainment, food, exhibits, a carnival, and livestock shows.

Visit the fair online at www.lakecountyfair.com .