Trot on down to the fairgrounds in Turlock to see some free and exciting four-legged events that precede opening day of the annual county fair.
The Stanislaus County Fair’s horse and mule events begin Friday, July 17, 2009, and continue through Sunday, July 26 in the Fair’s FoodMaxx Arena. These pre-fair events are free.
The arena shows and judging events include:
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Mule Show – Dressage Classes – Friday, July 17. 10 a.m.
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Mule Show – Driving Classes – Friday, July 17, 1 p.m.
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Mule Show – Gymkhana – Friday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.
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Mule Show – Halter/English/Western/Trail – Saturday, July 18, 7:30 a.m.
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Mule Show – Packing Classes & Cattle Timed Events – Saturday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.
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Mule Cattle Classes – Sunday, July 19, 7:30 a.m.
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Horse Show – 4-H & FFA English – Monday, July 20, 7:30 a.m.
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Horse Show – 4-H & FFA Showmanship & Western – Tuesday, July 21, 7:30 a.m.
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Horse Show – 4-H & FFA Gymkhana – Wednesday, July 22, 7:30 a.m.
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Horse Show – Open Gymkhana – Wednesday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.
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Jr. Rodeo & 4-H Drill Team (hosted by Turlock Horsemen’s Club) – Saturday, July 25, 8 a.m.
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Horse Show – Open English & Western – Sunday, July 26, 7:30 a.m.
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Horse Show – Open Cattle Classes – Sunday, July 26, 6:30 p.m.
This year’s Open Gymkhana event on July 22 will be dedicated to cancer awareness. Luminaries and ribbons will be for sale and donations will be accepted on behalf of the American Cancer Society. Many of the riders will be wearing pink in support of breast cancer awareness and all of the horses will be wearing pink ribbons in support of the American Cancer Society because all are touched by cancer in some way.
Last year the Open Gymkhana event was dedicated to breast cancer awareness, in honor of long-time rider, Gabrielle Torres’s recent battle with breast cancer. Torres has continued to ride, with the support of friends, family and fellow riders.
“The pre-Fair horse events are a much anticipated part of the fair season,” said Pennie Rorex, spokesperson for the Stanislaus County Fair. “This year’s events will be especially touching as they honor those who have fought against and those who are still fighting the battle against cancer.”
Make plans to be at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, before the 10-day run of the Fair officially opens, for the free pre-fair horse and mule events July 17-26, and remember to show support for cancer awareness.
The 2009 Stanislaus County Fair opens Friday, July 31 for a 10-day run. Discounted Fair admission tickets, unlimited ride wristbands and FoodMaxx Arena motorsports tickets are now on sale. Visit the Fair’s website for detailed ticket sale information at www.stancofair.com.
New to the 2009 Fair will be the Rainforest Adventure, presented by Sky Trek Aviation. This 8,000 square foot lush rainforest exhibit will be filled with reptiles, birds and mammals.
To receive future Fair concert announcements by text message, text the word “FAIR” to 47645. Fair enthusiasts can also follow how the 2009 Fair is developing at twitter.com/stancofair. In addition, become a fan of the Fair at facebook.com by searching for ‘Stanislaus County Fair.’ Fair news and event listings are also available at myspace.com/stancofair. Detailed information about the 2009 Stanislaus County Fair is on the Fair’s website at www.stancofair.com.
The Stanislaus County Fair is now in its 98th year celebrating Stanislaus County’s rich agricultural heritage. The theme of this year’s Fair, “Renewable Fun,” encourages both adults and children to appreciate the blending of tradition with innovation in order to preserve our environment while enjoying its abundance.
The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment and technology. For more information about the Stanislaus County Fair log onto its website at www.stancofair.com.
