Stanislaus County Fair facts for kids

Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in 1942

The Stanislaus County Fair, found in Turlock, California, opens every year in mid-July. It's the biggest event in Stanislaus County. For 10 days, over 220,000 people visit the 72-acre fairgrounds. You can enjoy concerts by famous people, shows on five stages, and more than 30 food stands. The fair also displays over 30,000 local talent projects, more than 1,750 animals, and over 35 carnival rides.

History of the Stanislaus County Fair

How the Fair Started

The Stanislaus County Fair began as the Turlock Melon Carnival in 1911. The Turlock Chamber of Commerce started it to help local melon farmers sell their products. They even created a "Melon City Band"!

The Melon Carnival happened for a few years, but it stopped during World War I in 1917–1918. In 1924, the American Legion (a group for military veterans) took over. They bought 7 acres of land in 1927 to give the carnival a permanent home. By the early 1940s, the fairgrounds had grown to 37 acres.

Fair Growth and Changes

In 1933, shows for animal groups like 4H and Future Farmers of America began. In 1935, the State of California officially recognized the fair, creating the 38th District Agriculture Association (DAA). The American Legion and the DAA worked together to run the fair until 1944. After that, the DAA became fully responsible for the fair.

Fair During World War II

The fair did not happen during World War II (1942–1945). The fairgrounds were used for important wartime activities.

First, the fairgrounds became the Turlock Assembly Center in 1942. This was a temporary place where Japanese American families from the West Coast stayed. They were held there before moving to larger, more permanent camps. Many families lived in spaces that used to be animal stalls or in simple barracks. About 3,669 Japanese Americans passed through this center.

After the assembly center closed, the fairgrounds became the Turlock Rehabilitation Center for the U.S. Army. From 1942 to 1945, this center helped soldiers who had trouble following military rules. It helped them get back on track and return to their duties. It was the first and largest center of its kind, helping around 1,500 soldiers at its busiest.

Fair Returns and New Name

The fair started again in 1946. In 1956, it was officially named the "Stanislaus County Fair." In 1960, the fairgrounds were even the first home for California State University, Stanislaus!

In 1999, the fair's historic Arch Gate was recognized as a California State Point of Historical Interest. You can see a special marker just inside the gate.

The Stanislaus County Fair celebrated its 100th birthday in 2011!

The fair has been interrupted a few times: in 1917–1918 (due to World War I), 1942–1945 (due to World War II), and 2020 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). In 2020, they even had an online event!

What is the Fair's Goal?

The Stanislaus County Fair aims to give families and the community a great experience. It wants to teach people about farming, offer fun entertainment, and show off new technology.

Exciting Arena Events

The fair's arena is full of action! Here are some popular events:

Tuff Trucks – Over 50 drivers race their trucks on a bumpy course with jumps. They compete for the fastest time in different truck and quad (four-wheel motorcycle) groups.
Truck and Tractor Pulls – About 150 drivers test their powerful engines. They pull heavy weights in many different classes for both trucks and tractors.
Destruction Derby I Traditional Turmoil – Drivers crash their cars into each other! They are judged on how many times they hit other vehicles. The best drivers move on to the main event.
Destruction Derby II Metal Mayhem – This derby has special rounds for smaller cars, female drivers, newer cars, and older, heavier cars.
Quad Drags and Motorcycle Jumpers – Two quad racers go head-to-head on a 200-foot track. The first one to the finish line wins! The show also features amazing freestyle stunt jumpers.
Motocross – Nearly 300 riders compete on a track with jumps, turns, and bumps. They race five laps, and the first one to finish wins.
Mud Bog – Drivers race their vehicles as fast as they can through a huge mud pit that's 30 feet wide and at least 2 feet deep!
CCPRA Rodeo – Professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in events like bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, and more.

Fair Timeline Highlights

1850s: Stanislaus County was formed in 1854. It's named after the Stanislaus River, which was named after a Native American chief called Estanislao.
1870s: Turlock was founded in 1871. It was named after a place in Ireland.
1890s: The first county fair was held in Modesto in 1891, but it stopped in 1902.
1910s: Turlock's first Melon Carnival happened in 1911. Farmers gave away free watermelons! It stopped during World War I but came back in 1919.
1920s: In 1925, the American Legion started sponsoring the Melon Carnival. In 1927, they bought 7 acres for a permanent fair location. The famous Arch Gate was built in 1929.
1930s: In 1935, the "Stanislaus District Fair" officially took over from the melon carnivals. The first Kiddie Kapers Parade, where kids dressed up and rode bikes, also started in 1935.
1940s: The fairgrounds grew to 37 acres. In 1942, the fair was canceled due to World War II. The grounds were used as an assembly center for Japanese Americans and then as an Army Rehabilitation Center. The fair returned in 1946.
1950s: The fair was officially named the "Stanislaus County Fair" in 1956. A Roller Rink opened in 1957.

A 4-H member milks his cow, 1954.

Exhibitor with cow

1960s: California State University, Stanislaus started its first classes at the fairgrounds in 1960. The first livestock auction was held in 1965.
1970s: The fair expanded to 7 days in 1975.
1980s: The fair grew to 9 days in 1981. In 1989, a record 261,089 people attended the fair!
1990s: The fair expanded to its current 10-day length by 1994. The Arch Gate was recognized as a historical landmark in 1999.
2010s: A special memorial honoring the Japanese Americans who stayed at the Turlock Assembly Center was put up in 2010.
2020s: The fair was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it returned in 2021.

Recent Fairs: Fun and New Ideas

2021 Fair

The fair came back after being paused in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They had special rules to keep everyone safe.

2013 Fair

The 102nd Stanislaus County Fair ran from July 12 to July 21, 2013. Free concerts included artists like Clay Walker, Weird Al Yankovic, and Huey Lewis and The News.

2012 Fair

The 101st fair ran from July 13 to July 22, 2012. It featured concerts by Foreigner, Kellie Pickler, and The Wiggles. This year, the fair introduced its new theme: "Imagine the Fun!"

Kids Club

The fair started its amazing Kids Club Educational Program. This program helps kids and parents learn about the fair's farming history and traditions.

2011 Centennial Fair

The 100th Stanislaus County Fair ran from July 15 to July 24, 2011. Concerts included Clint Black, Boyz II Men, and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. The fair's theme was "100 Years of Fair Fun." It had a special exhibit showing 100 years of fair history.

2010 Fair

The 99th Stanislaus County Fair ran from July 16 to July 25, 2010. The theme was "Flavors of the Valley." It showed off local food makers and even offered taste tests!

2009 Fair

The 98th fair ran from July 31 to August 9, 2009. The theme was "Renewable Fun," focusing on being eco-friendly.

Rainforest Adventure

A new and exciting exhibit in 2009 was the Rainforest Adventure. It was an 8,000 square foot area filled with rainforest animals like toucans, anacondas, and sloths. It also had rainforest plants.

Park ‘N Ride

In 2009, a new Park ‘N Ride shuttle service started. Fair guests could park at California State University, Stanislaus or Pitman High School and ride a free shuttle to the fair entrance.

2008 Fair

The 97th fair ran from July 25 to August 3. The theme was "Nuts Are Dino-Mite." It featured a "Jurassic Journey" exhibit with 40 life-size dinosaur models.

2007 Fair

The 96th fair ran from July 27 to August 5. The theme was "Summer Safari." The Kids Zone had a Wildlife Experience Show and pig races!

Turf Club

The Turlock Turf Club is located at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. You can watch horse races broadcast live from other fairs and tracks across the United States all year round.

Awards the Fair Has Won

The Stanislaus County Fair has won many awards from the Western Fairs Association (WFA) for its great programs and marketing.

2012: The fair won 14 awards, including 1st place for its website, magazine ad, and new Kids Club Educational Program.
2011: It received four 1st place awards, including for its "Social Media Campaign" and "Community Outreach Program."
2010: The fair won awards for its "Social Media Campaign" and marketing materials.
2009: Its Company Picnics Program won 1st place for making money in new ways.
2008: The fair won 1st place for "Best Overall Children’s Program."