Merced County fair schedule and event highlights

The Merced County Fair, always a popular event for families, begins this week. . Located at 900 Martin Luther King Jr Way, it begins Wednesday and runs through Sunday. The theme for the fair is “Roots Run Deep.”

Tradition is a big deal at the fair. Except for a few years when money was tight, and during World War II, Merced County has had a fair since 1891, according to www.mercedcountyfair.com.

As always, the fair will feature food, entertainment, carnival rides, livestock exhibits and more.

Here are some things to know about this year’s fair:

What are the hours and how much does it cost?

The fair is open from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It’s open from 3 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The gates close at 11 p.m. and there is no re-entry after that.

Admission is $15 at the gate for those 13 and older; $11 purchased in advance online. Those 12 and under get in for free (must be accompanied by an adult). Parking is $10 for the lot at 11th and G streets. The Bus also provides free shuttles.

What concerts are playing at Merced County Fair?

The live performances in the fair concert series are included with paid admission. Here’s the lineup:

What’s happening in the grandstand at Merced County Fair?

Grandstand events require separate admission: $10 per person; kids 5 and under get in free. Here’s the schedule for grandstand events.

• Wednesday, June 10: Monsters of Destruction monster truck show, 7 p.m.
• Thursday, June 11: Monsters of Destruction monster truck show, 7 p.m.
• Friday, June 12: PRCA Rodeo, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, June 13: PRCA Rodeo, 7 p.m.
• Sunday, June 14: Jaripeo (traditional Mexican equestrian and bull-riding event), 6 p.m.

What’s new at this year’s Merced County Fair?

According to the fair website, among the new features are:

What about the food and carnival rides in Merced?

The Merced County Fair offers a variety of food options, ranging from traditional fried favorites to barbecue and Mexican food. The three new vendors this year are: Wild Bill’s, Papas Locas and Steamboat Mickey.

The fair’s carnival rides from Butler Amusements are available to those who have unlimited wristbands or carnival coupons (rides require 4-8 coupons). An unlimited-rides wristband is $37 Wednesday and Thursday, $42 Friday through Sunday. Save Mart and FoodMaxx sell discounted wristbands for $35. There are a main and kiddie carnival ride areas. All carnival ticket booths accept Debit, Visa, Mastercard and Discover.