Stanislaus fair affirms summer dates — and the first carnival and concerts since 2019
The Stanislaus County Fair announced Tuesday that it plans a full slate of entertainment and exhibits in July.
It would be the first time since 2019 that the Turlock grounds hosted all of the customary carnival rides, concerts, livestock events and other attractions. COVID-19 greatly reduced the program the past two years.
The fair has not yet announced the musicians and other performers for the July 8-17 run. It tends to do so gradually in normal years.
“We had a very successful 2021 modified fair and we have already begun securing great entertainment and exciting exhibits for this year’s 2022 fair,” Chief Executive Officer Matt Cranford said in a news release.
The fair usually draws more than 200,000 people for motorsports, 4-H and FFA activities, commercial exhibits and the rest.
The 2020 fair was reduced to online livestock competitions and drive-thru versions of a few food booths. Last year, the livestock and motorsports were back in person but the carnival and most of the food were missing.
The fair dates to the Turlock Melon Carnival, first held in 1911, and has happened almost every year since. The pandemic reached the county in March 2020, and the first restrictions on public gatherings were imposed. The management had hoped in early 2021 that a somewhat normal fair might happen, but a resurgence of COVID-19 spoiled the plans.
The fair also announced its new marketing manager, Jose Piña. “I am very humbled and excited to join this new adventure with my new Stanislaus County Fair family,” he said in the release.
Check back at modbee.com for updates on the fair. Information also is at facebook.com/stancofair and on Twitter and Instagram at @stancofair.
This story was originally published February 9, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
