In 1974, Marine veteran and longtime resident of Carlsbad, Keith Kennedy, began a sidewalk sale to promote downtown Carlsbad businesses. By the 1990’s, this small event had grown to become the largest one-day street faire in the nation and launched Keith on a new venture of his own–managing street faires. As with the Carlsbad Street Faire, managing events on behalf of Chambers of Commerce and Downtown Business Associations became Keith’s forte, and his reputation spread through San Diego County. As Kennedy & Associates, he managed events from the City of San Diego up to and through north county.

In 1997, Brian Roth, son-in-law of Keith’s and newly retired from the Army, joined Keith in Kennedy & Associates. Over the next three years, Keith passed on his unique personal and organizational skills to Brian, Keith retired, and the next generation of Kennedy & Associates pressed on. Brian expanded and centered the company on north San Diego County events, to include Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista. But Keith’s legacy was always in the details of every event–provide vendors the best success (and care) possible, work seamlessly with the Chambers and Associations, and give the public a great experience.

Brian retired in 2016 and the business was sold to Rick and Chris Bauer, Brian’s long-time associates and keeper of the Kennedy legacy. Rick and Chris have since maintained the attributes that Kennedy and Associates have been known for, for many years. As owners of Kennedy and Associates (Kennedy Faires), Chris and I have enlisted the help of our close associates, Patricia and Brett Keller who have worked in the event planning industry for many years as well.