By completing two short surveys, the first 500 participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of 10 Lake County Fair admission prize packages, including two free tickets to the fair and two all day carnival ride wristbands!

To answer the surveys, go to www.lakecountyfair.com. 

"Public participation is vital in helping attain our goal,” said Cal Poly agribusiness marketing student Kelsea Melicia. “Help from the public will allow us to incorporate local interest and improve everyone's experience at the Lake County Fair."

The students are working closely with fair CEO, Richard Persons, a Cal Poly graduate, who said, "The Learn-By-Doing educational method embraced by Cal Poly has aided me in my success as a fair manager. We've invited these students to apply their classroom skills to a real life marketing plan and a new visual brand to enhance the Lake County Fair. The experience will help both the Fair and the Cal Poly students."

Lake County's premiere family event, the Lake County Fair, opens Thursday, Aug. 28, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 31.

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.

The fair theme for 2008 is "Let the Good Time's Roll!"

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Many of our children suffer some degree of hunger in the summer because 72 percent of all school-age children here are eligible for reduced-rate or free lunches during the school year. When they are out of school, they have no access to this extra nutrition.

To help with this problem, several agencies have come together to hold a food drive called “Cans For Our Kids” in conjunction with Konocti Kids Day.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at Austin Park in Clearlake.

The food drive is being sponsored by Bicoastal Media, which will do a live broadcast from the park. The goal for the day is 10,000 items, and a running count will be kept and announced.

Volunteers from AmeriCorps, Lake County Community Action Agency, Girl Scouts, Healthy Start and First Five will all collect food at a drive by location on the corner of Austin and Uhl, directly across the street from the skate park. Drive west on Olympic and follow the signs to the drop off location. You may either hand the donations to volunteers as you drive through, or they will assist with unloading your vehicle. All nonperishable food will be appreciated.

The Lake County Office of Education AmeriCorps program, working with Healthy Start and First Five will discreetly distribute the food to those families most in need. If you cannot deliver the food and still want to donate, or if you have any questions about this event, please call Lorrie at 277-9227.

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According to Zimmerman, “The Soper-Reese Community Theater is a remarkable project. It’s an example of what the citizens of small town America can achieve when they rally around a common cause. I think it’s a story that needs to get out, and the Internet is one good way of doing this.”

The new Web site includes the mission and goals for the theater along with a brief history. Visitors to the site can find a calendar of events, theater news, a photo gallery and contact information.

Soperreesetheatre.com includes direct links to the Lake County Arts Council and other Lake County arts resources.

Theatre Manager John Ross invites community members and supporters, as well as potential users, to visit and become familiar with the site. Keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming events at the theater.

Fundraising Chair Nina Marino would also like to remind visitors to the site that we are still in the fundraising process and further financial support is needed to complete the theatrer renovation.

Contact John Ross, theater manager, 263-6120 (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for further information.

For booking information contact Linda Drew, 928-5753 (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

For fundraising information contact Nina Marino, 279-4082 (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

For information about the Lake County Arts Council call 263-6658 or contact Executive Director Shelby Posada, 263-1871 (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

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The theme is "Celebrate America's Heroes" and the chamber plans on featuring members of our Armed Forces as Grand Marshals.

The parade route will begin at the fairgrounds on Martin Street, travel east to Main Street and north to Ninth Street before returning to the fairgrounds. Entry forms are available by calling 263-5092 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Also in Lakeport on Saturday and Sunday at the Natural High School grounds will be the Kiwanis Craft Faire with more than 30 quality vendors. On Saturday morning, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Lakeport Kiwanis Club will host its traditional pancake breakfast for the benefit of Lake County 4-H.

On Sunday, May 25, the Lower Lake Daze Parade and Pet Parade takes place at 11 a.m. on Main Street in Lower Lake. Festivities go on all day until 4 p.m. with pony rides, petting zoo, kids games and vendors. Call 995-2515 for more information.

On Monday, May 26, there will be the annual Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony with prayers and taps at 9 a.m. at the Middletown Cemetery at 16357 Butts Canyon Road. Call 987-0511 for more information.

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The CHP apologizes to the public for any inconvenience the temporary closure may cause.

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On April 19 "It's a Girls' Thing" offered activities in Karaoke singing, led by Laureen Leigh, hair accent styling assistance by Melissa Reece, nail painting boutique by Becky Martin, makeup advice by Heather Rulka and face painting by local artist Gloria De la Cruz.

The following Saturday "Just for Guys" featured instruction in building erupting volcanoes by Mark Reece, and an obstacle course set up by Eric Barth and Zack Robison. Music demonstrations were staged by music director Mike Heintz and band member Chris Grant. I set up a rap/slam workshop and video studio.

A lunch was provided on both days. Joyce Overton was responsible for organizing the regular volunteers that prepared and served the food.

Many of the leaders of individual activities brought their own equipment and supplies. But these two special youth days would not have been possible without a sizable donation made by local business owner Marvin Carpenter.

Both days showed our children what it is like to be treated special by competent adults with skills to offer in a safe, organized environment. Volunteers teaching what they know to our children at recreational facilities could be a model for the future.

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