Stanislaus County Fair is set for its 10-day run in Turlock. Here’s what you can expect
The summer tradition continues as the Stanislaus County Fair gears up with plenty of entertainment, arena events, carnival rides, food, livestock and more.
The fair — which usually draws more than 200,000 people annually — has a 10-day slate of events, set for July 7-16 at the Stanislaus County Fairground in Turlock.
Last year’s fair drew 270,000 people, according to Marketing Manager Jose Piña. And it’s on track for another great run, he said, based on advance ticket sales, which are close to last year’s.
Look to the upcoming music lineup as part of the draw, Piña said. “Our lineup (of) concerts is pretty huge.”
The fair also has been doing some “rebranding and remarketing,” he said. Part of that comes with a new fair mascot, Stanley the horse. The animal was chosen because it’s “historic to the horse races that used to be held here back in the day,” Piña said.
Stanley will get a celebration on Kids Day, July 11, when admission is free for all ages 12 and under. There will be a break-dancing party featuring Mascots in Action to honor Stanley in the fair’s Kids Zone.
Children — adults, too — might want to check out another new addition this year: Twiggy, a water-skiing squirrel. The squirrel will have a platform and pool area daily in the Kids Zone.
Also new is the leadership at the fairgrounds. The fair board earlier this year appointed Kimberly Williams as CEO. She’s worked at the Stanislaus County Fair for 18 years.
She succeeds Matt Cranford, who left in January to manage facility operations at the California Exposition and State Fair in Sacramento.
What kind of entertainment to expect
The high-profile musical artists at the county fair this summer feature rock, country, R&B and Latin sounds.
Among the big names are Blue Oyster Cult, Ginuwine, Lit and Plain White Tees.
And you can expect the usual popular motorsports and rodeo to fill the arena, along with a bloodless bullfight.
Here’s a look at the entertainment planned for The Modelo Free Stage. Concerts are free with fair admission and begin at 8:30 p.m.
July 7, Parmalee
July 8, Ginuwine
July 9, El Dasa
July 10, Plain White Tees
July 11, Revisiting Creedence
July 12, Lit
July 13, All-American Rejects
July 14, Blue Oyster Cult
July 15, Ashley McBride
July 16: Los Nuevos Rebeldes
Events for the FoodMaxx Arena begin at 6:30 p.m. Most have ticket prices in addition to fair admission.
July 7, Tractor Pulls: All-Stock and 4x4 Class, $12-$15
July 8, Tractor Pulls: Pro-Modified and Tractors, $12-$15
July 9, Turlock Pentecost Association Portuguese Bloodless Bullfights, $20
July 10, Destruction Derby Chaos, $12-$15
July 11, Destruction Derby: Carnage (featuring limousines this year), $12-$15
July 12, Monster Trucks: Behemoths of Bash, $12-$15
July 13, Monster Trucks: Titans of Thrash, $12-$15
July 14, PRCA Rodeo, $15
July 15, Jaripeo Hispanic Rodeo, Free.
July 16, Motocross, $15.
The fairgrounds and buildings open at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon Saturday and Sunday. Buildings close nightly at 11 p.m., with the carnival and grounds closing at midnight.
Fair general admission is $12 in advance for ages 13 to 64, $15 at the gate; $5 in advance ages 7-12, $7 at gate; $5 in advance for seniors, $7 at gate; free ages 6 and under.
The fairgrounds are at 900 N. Broadway in Turlock. For more, see stancofair.com.
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