Dates announced for 2013 Stanislaus County Fair

TURLOCK -- You can start making plans for corn dogs, animal visits and maybe entering your famous chocolate chip cookies in competition. Stanislaus County Fair officials recently confirmed the dates of the 2013 fair, which will run from July 12-21.

The schedule follows the pattern of the past two years, when the fair board moved up the schedule; traditionally, the 10-day run started the last Friday in July. Options for the 2013 fair are being reviewed, according to a news release, but will include the Rainforest Adventure, which made its debut in 2009, and educational exhibits.

Also continuing will be cost-effective options for guests who attend next year's fair, such as Free 'til 3 p.m. Sundays, the Fair Savings Coupon Book, $1 rides on opening night and much more. The fair includes free concerts, which in recent years have included performers ranging from LeAnn Rimes to Huey Lewis and the News.

If you have thoughts about who the fair should sign for entertainment in 2013, e-mail generalinfo@stancofair.com.