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It’s July, and while Independence Day is almost in the rearview mirror, the month still promises more blasts, courtesy of a 10-day blowout in Turlock.
The Stanislaus County Fair — which usually draws more than 200,000 people annually — has a slate of events set for July 10-19 at the fairgrounds.
Expect plenty of live entertainment, arena events, carnival rides, food, livestock, a variety of exhibits and more.
The high-profile music this summer features R&B, country, rock and Latin artists. Among the bigger names are Ashanti, Clint Black, Diamond Rio, Ying Yang Twins and 3OH!3.
And you can expect the usual popular motorsports and rodeo to fill the arena, along with bloodless bullfights.
Social media reaction to the concert lineup offers a positive sign for this year’s attendance, according to Maci Smith, fair marketing coordinator.
“The community has been so excited (about the concert lineup),” she said in an email interview, “and we’ve seen the comment many times on our concert social media posts: “Wow, the Stan Co Fair really wants us going every day this year, huh?”
But let’s be real — a lot of fairgoers show up with their eyes and stomachs focused on the food court. More than 40 concessionaires will be there, according to the fair’s media guide.
Among this year’s new options are: Gooder Burger, smash burgers and fries; Sweet Crunch Tanghulu, a dessert with fresh fruit on bamboo skewers coated in a rock candy shell; The Cinnamon Roll Shop, specialty cinnamon rolls, such as a caramel apple roll and maple bacon bomb; and Boscos Coffee, a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks.
The expo also offers new ways to save patrons money, she said.
A fair “starter pack” is being sold in advance, through July 9. It includes two adult fair admissions, two corn dogs and two sodas for $39. A Stanley Express Season Pass provides 10 admissions for multiple people to use on one day or across multiple days.
A graphic on the fair’s website lists the above and other discounts and promotions, including $5 Fair Bites, weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. with bite-size versions of best-selling food vendor items.
As always, the midway will feature an array of thrills, from kiddie rides to high-in-the-sky fliers to those that will turn you upside-down.
Some other fresh 2026 fair features are art-related. Stanley’s Art Studio will have daily hours when children can color and contribute to a community handprint mural. Makers Workshops for ages 3-13 include activities such as ponybead keychain creation and slime making.
An Art Day planned for Saturday, July 11, noon to 8 p.m., will offer activities across the grounds.
“The highlight of Art Day will be our first ever Performing Arts Showcase,” Smith said. It will be on the Michelob Ultra Center Stage starting at 5:30 p.m. About 24 preregistered performers, ages 5 and older, will compete in dance, vocal, instrumental, theater and live art categories. Each division winner will receive $100, with the grand champion gaining an additional $400.
The above highlights are just glimpse. Fair officials hope for good weather and positive reactions to this year’s offerings.
“We have been working so hard to make the Stan Co Fair bigger and better than ever, and we are excited to bring the community together for 10 days of memories and fun,” Smith said.
Concerts and arena events
Below is a rundown of the entertainment planned. First up are the concerts at The Modelo Free Stage, which are free with fair admission and begin at 8:30 p.m.:
July 10: Clint Black
July 11: Common Kings
July 12: Mi Banda El Mexicano De German Roman
July 13: Diamond Rio
July 14: Twist on Taylor
July 15: 3OH!3
July 16: Ashanti
July 17: Mayday Parade
July 18: Ying Yang Twins
July 19: Banda Carnaval
The following events at the FoodMaxx Arena begin at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted below, and have ticket prices in addition to fair admission (prices listed are for online purchases, which include extra fees).
July 10: Truck & Tractor Pulls 1, 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $13.56 general, $16.95 reserved, $56.50 box seat
July 11: Truck & Tractor Pulls 2, 5:30 p.m. $13.56 general, $16.95 reserved, $56.50 box seat
July 12: TPA Portuguese Bloodless Bullfights, $28.25, $56.50 box seat
July 13: Destruction Derby 1: Summer Smash, $20.34 general, $22.60 reserved, $56.50 box seat
July 14: Destruction Derby 2: Mayhem & Motorhomes, $20.34 general, $22.60 reserved, $56.50 box seat
July 15: Monster Madness 1: Arena Thunder, $20.34 general, $22.60 reserved, $56.50 box seat
July 16: Monster Trucks 2: Steel Stampede, $20.34 general, $22.60 reserved, $56.50 box seat
July 17: PRCA Rodeo, $13.56 general, $16.95 reserved, $56.50 box seat
July 18: Motocross, $13.56 general, $16.95 reserved, $56.50 box seat
July 19: Humpz ‘N Hornz – Hispanic Rodeo, $11.30, $56.50 box seat
The fairgrounds and buildings open at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon Saturday and Sunday. Buildings close nightly at 11 p.m., the grounds nightly at midnight.
Fair general admission is $12 in advance for ages 13 to 64, $15 at the gate; $5 in advance ages 7-12, $7 at gate; $5 in advance for seniors, $7 at gate; free ages 5 and under.
The Stanislaus County Fairground is at 900 N. Broadway in Turlock. For more, see www.stancofair.com.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.modbee.com ’
