Thursday at the Stanislaus County Fair (07/16/15)

It’s Sutter Health Memorial Medical Center Night, and also Kids Night. Children 12 and under admitted free. Also, anyone who brings a toy to donate to the Salvation Army will receive two carnival ride tickets.

WHAT TO DO: Take those children to the 4-H Farmyard experience. Volunteer 4-H members staff the barn, where children – adults, too – can learn about life on the farm.

HIGHLIGHTS: The smaller critters take center stage, with youth mini cavy and rabbits set for showing at 8 a.m. Poultry follows at 9 a.m., in the rabbit and poultry barn.

VARIETY FREE STAGE: Bret Michaels, 8:30 p.m.

ARENA: Monster trucks, free style MotoX and Smokey Tire Burn Out, 6:30 p.m.

CENTER STAGE: Chico Avila, 7 to 11 p.m.

HOURS: Gates open at 5 p.m.; exhibit buildings close at 11 p.m.; carnival closes at midnight

PARK ’N’ RIDE: 4:30 p.m. to midnight; park and ride free from Stanislaus State (Crowell Road off Monte Vista Avenue) or Pitman High School (Christoffersen Parkway). Shuttles run every 15 to 20 minutes.

WHERE: From Highway 99, exit at Fulkerth Road in Turlock and head east. For fairground parking, turn right on Soderquist Road, or go past Soderquist for more parking; $5 per vehicle.

ADMISSION: $12 for adults, $5 for children 7 to 12 and seniors 65 and older, free for 6 and younger

INFORMATION: www.stancofair.com, 209-668-1333

This story was originally published July 15, 2015 at 3:00 PM with the headline "Thursday at the Stanislaus County Fair (07/16/15)."