The Marsh, one of San Francisco's alternative theatre spaces, will celebrate its 10th anniversary Oct. 8-9 with a parade, an All Star Gala and a family- -- and pet-- friendly carnival. The festivities begin at 3 PM on the 8th with the Sparrow Brigade, a parade of brand new Sparrows (electric cars and motorcycles) and Zappys (electronic skateboards and scooters) and the proclamation of "Marsh Day" by the City of San Francisco.

That evening, the All-Star Gala Benefit will give a Taste of the Neighborhood with Herbivore, Boogaloos, The Rooster, Mangiafucco, The Bread Man, Lady Baltimore, 3Ring, Esperpento and We Be Sushi, followed by performances from Bob Ernst, Sara Felder (June Bride), Stefano Fogher, J. Raoul Brody, Deborah Gwinn, Merle "Ian Shoales" Kessler, Josh Kornbluth (Red Diaper Baby, Benjamin Franklin Unplugged), Joan Mankin, Jeff Raz (Birth Mark), Charlie Varon and Frank Wortham.

Oct. 9, those who think they have the Marsh stuff can audition at 10 AM for a panel of judges including Thick Description's Tony Kelly, Latin American Theatre Artists' Luis Oropeza, Berkeley Repertory's Tony Taccone and Bay Area Playwrights Festival's Jayne Wenger. One act will be picked to perform that night at a special 8:30 PM All-Star performance and for a future run.

From 1-5 PM, the Marsh opens the Community Carnival with "theatrical" games like Fish For Funding and Knock the "Little Man" Off the Chair, costuming, photo and make-up booths, circus skills and juggling workshops and even a pet parade. The Marsh's four stages will host the various attractions.

Admission depends on the events attended and can run from $5-$100 for the Gala. For further information, call (415) 826-5750. The Marsh is located at 1062 Valencia.

-- By Christine Ehren