SAN MARCOS - Artists take over the Civic Center courtyard Sunday for the 10th annual San Marcos Alive arts and craft fair.

Organizers said the event, which is free and open to the public, will draw between 6,000 and 8,000 people.

"It's really grown a lot," said Cathy Cronin, a supervisor in the city's community services department. "When we first started doing it, it was way, way smaller Ö just maybe a couple thousand people, if that."

Projections for a big crowd have translated into a need for more space. The fair has expanded from the Civic Center courtyard to San Marcos Avenue between Mission Road and Ranchero Drive.

San Diego Gas & Electric is this year's main sponsor, but Cronin said San Marcos Alive has gotten widespread community support this year.

Participation is high too, she said. Vendors will be selling their wares at more than 80 booths. Entertainers will perform throughout the day on two stages, artists will give demonstrations, and children will be invited to roll up their sleeves and work on a variety of hands-on craft projects, many with autumnal or Halloween themes.

Little Gym of San Marcos will set up a children's obstacle course, owner Candy Chesnut said. This will be Little Gym's first trip to San Marcos Alive.

"We'll be working on forward rolls, backward rolls, jumping, working on what we call 'bear walks,' " she said.

About 12 girls from the Bracken School of Irish Dance in Vista will also make their first appearance at San Marcos Alive on Sunday.

"We try to look for any opportunity, us moms, for the girls to dance anywhere," said Jody Mason, mother of one of the dancers.

Carol Swift of Encinitas is a three-year veteran of San Marcos Alive. She returns this year with gourd art, including bird houses and handcrafted tortilla warmers.

A community builds up around events like San Marcos Alive, Swift said. Vendors see one another at arts events throughout the county and some fair-goers become loyal customers.

"It's a nice way to meet people," Swift said. "I've met some interesting people. I've made some friendships."

- Contact staff writer Colleen Mensching at (760) 739-6675 or cmensching@nctimes.com. Comment at nctimes.com.

10th annual San Marcos Alive Celebration of the Arts

Sunday, October 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

San Marcos Civic Center

1 Civic Center Drive

Admission is free

Artists, Crafters, Book Sale, Clowns, Music, Dance, Entertainers, Face Painters