Whether it was because of an apple pie contest, a chance to sing along with Clay Walker live, a deliciously sweet funnel cake, a prized animal, or a ride to the top of the Ferris Wheel, the 2013 Stanislaus County Fair opening day was packed full with tens of thousands of smiles.
Friday evening kicked off the beginning of the 10-day Stanislaus County Fair, and guests were eager to let the fun begin. With lines forming outside the historic Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Arch Gate nearly an hour before gates opened, people couldn’t wait to get inside.
“Let us in!” and “Open the gates!” yelled a crowd of people excitedly waiting.
“The kids couldn’t wait to get here,” said a smiling Christopher Sousa, as he waited with his two children in the Kids Zone. “All they’ve been talking about is coming to the fair so they could go on all the rides.”
While the rides are always a popular feature of the Stanislaus County Fair, new attractions this year – such as the Wizards Challenge – were also creating a buzz with the crowd.
“We are having a great turnout for the opening night,” said Adrenna Alkhas, spokesperson for the Stanislaus County Fair. “Our new exhibits were highly attended, such as the Wizards Challenge and the Farmers Market.”
The new Farmers Market at the Stanislaus County Fair allows guests to indulge in fresh, locally grown fruits such as peaches and strawberries instead of the typical deep-fried food options that are also available. Sponsored by the Turlock Farmers Market, the Farmers Market at the Fair will be open with fresh produce and home-baked products available for purchase during the 10-day run of the Fair.
And whether guests were eating fresh fruit or corn dogs, the evening would not have been complete without the two big events of the night – a Clay Walker concert at the Budweiser Variety Free Stage and the Tuff Trucks plus Monster Trucks at the FoodMaxx Arena. Both events were packed full with friends, families, and fans of all ages.
Instead of only asking their guests to remember this year’s theme and “Imagine the Fun,” the 2013 Stanislaus County Fair is truly making fun a reality for all who attend.
The Stanislaus County Fair will run until July 21. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for senior citizens 65 or older and $5 for children ages 7 through 12. Children six and under are free.
The Stanislaus County Fair is open from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight Monday through Friday, and from 12 noon to 12 midnight Saturdays and Sundays. The fair is located at 900 N. Broadway in Turlock.
To learn more about the Stanislaus County Fair and upcoming concerts/events, visit www.stancofair.com.
