How to save money at the Stanislaus County Fair: Your guide to giveaways, discounts, more
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Stanislaus County residents.
Although there won’t be a cheery bearded man sliding down our chimneys, the Stanislaus County Fair’s Christmas in July, and other daily promotions and deals, could make it feel like the happiest season.
The festivities begin Friday at 5 p.m., and will continue through Sunday, July 16. The 10-day fair will be held at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock.
A night at the fair doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. The Bee compiled this guide to saving money on admission, rides, food and more:
Daily deals at the fair
All 10 days of the fair will offer a $2 discount on adult admission to attendees who ride the shuttle bus to the fair.
Some days will offer additional promotions and discounts.
- Friday, July 7 - Free gift for first 1,000 people
- Saturday, July 8 - Seniors 65 and older free admission and free Ferris wheel ride; free gift for first 1,000 people
- Sunday, July 9 - Free fair admission noon to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 11 - Kids 12 and under free; free gift for first 1,000 people
- Wednesday, July 12 - Military free with current ID; Christmas in July: donate one or more new toys to The Salvation Army and receive two ride tickets. Drop off toys at the community booth next to the arch gate entrance. All toys and proceeds will be given to underprivileged children in Stanislaus County to help them have a merry Christmas, according to fair organizers.
- Thursday, July 13 - Free gift for first 1,000 people
- Friday, July 14 - Free gift for first 1,000 people
- Sunday, July 16 - Free admission noon to 3 p.m.
How to save on food
Fair schedule and savings books can be picked up from any of the gates.
The book contains coupons for these food and drink vendors:
- Texas Twister Drinks - Buy one 32-ounce Texas Twister fruit drink, get one free
- Funnel Cake Express - $2 off purchase of $10 or more
- A Pop Above Popcorn Company - Buy one, get 50% off jumbo kettle or caramel corn before 8 p.m.
- Fresh Squeezed Lemonade - Get one free refill with the purchase of a large drink
- Big Jim’s Smokehouse - Buy two corn, get one free
- The Candy Stand - Buy three deep-fried Oreos, get two free
- Celia’s Mexican Food - Buy three tacos, get one free
- Castle Mini Donuts - $3 off Drizzle Donuts
- VFW Burgers - Buy any two burgers, get one drink free
Turlock Transit provides free rides
Along with the discount you get on admission when you ride the shuttle bus to the fair, Stanislaus County Transit systems are providing free rides to the fair from any bus stop.
In addition to the free shuttle, all fixed-route buses for the month of July are free. A map of the routes can be found on the transit system’s website.
Take any bus to the Turlock Transit Center, then transfer to the shuttle. The shuttle departs every 10 minutes to and from the fair’s arch gate.
The last shuttle leaves at 11:15 p.m. every night of the fair.
This story was originally published July 7, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
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