Food, fair temps and fun draws large turnout to Stanislaus County Fair
The Stanislaus County Fair reported a large turnout in just 10 days of midway rides, games, exhibits, competitions and entertainment.
According to the fair, attendance was up 36% from last year, with around 246,000 people over the run of the fair. The largest attendance day was Sunday, July 20; and July 15-16 were the highest revenue-generating Tuesday and Wednesday in the history of the fair.
Big entertainment acts may have been one of the reasons for the large turnout, with Banda Renovacion and emo hitmakers Taking Back Sunday drawing the largest audiences to the Modelo Variety Free Stage. Other acts including Ozomatli, Hunter Hayes and Jefferson Starship drew enthusiastic crowds.
“Overall, we had a great fair,” said marketing assistant and social media coordinator Maci Smith. “The midway was packed and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. Butler Amusements even beat their highest sale record at our fair,” she said.
Smith also reported that new concessions Krepe Dog and The Dough Show cookies were big hits with munchy fairgoers. Other new food initiatives included $5 fair bites during certain hours.
Another event that drew large attendance was Stanley’s 2nd Birthday Party, which was held in the Ridge Hill Maple Products Kids Zone on July 16. Hundreds of kids and families gathered to celebrate the fair mascot with balloons, cookies and party hats before a short parade followed by a dance party and entertainment by Zippy the Clown and the Stilt Walkers.
Weather also seemed to be a factor in getting people out. The fair started out hot, with a high of 103 degrees on the opening day, in the high 90s for Saturday and Sunday and 100 degrees on Monday before cooling to the low 90s and high 80s for the duration of the fair.
Though the state of California had previously banned dairy and poultry showing and sales at county fairs due to the bird flu outbreak, it partially lifted the order, allowing the Replacement Heifer Show and Sale to continue.
The Stanislaus County Fair ran from July 11-20.
This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
