Land of the Free!

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Land of the Free and Home of the Brave (stomachs)

Summer fun is about to hit its peak – this weekend is Fourth of July weekend and we are doing a FREE fireworks event on the fairgrounds (gates open at 5 p.m. and show starts at 9:30 p.m.), and just over two weeks away (July 15) the Stanislaus County Fair opens! I know summer just recently ‘officially’ began, but for me summer seems to hit a high point between these two events. It’s all fun and games until somebody has to go back to school…

But the fireworks don’t end with Fourth of July – because opening night of the Fair, 7/15 and Wednesday, 7/20 the Fair will have fireworks presented by Tri Counties Bank!

Have you downloaded your Fair app yet? Head to your app store to download this free Fair-tastic app – ready to help you navigate the Fair fun, save money and find out more about what the 2011 Fair has to offer! Plus, while you have your phone out, join in on the Fair’s mobile scavenger hunt game, SCVNGR. This mobile game enables anyone to quickly and easily play with any mobile device while having a fun, interactive experience at the Fair – plus get a chance to win big! If you have a sense of adventure, sign up now to start playing during Fair. Play SCVNGR to win the 2011 prize of an iPad and 4 Disneyland Park Hopper Tickets courtesy of KAT Country 103! Also win a 100 Year Pass for the Fair good until 2110 priced at $500! Text “FAIR” to 728647 to join in!

If you’re deal-savvy like me, then you’ll love what the Fair has to offer for 2011. My friends and family always ask me what the best deals are for the Fair, and here they are. Consider the following your insider’s guide to Fair savings!

Discounted Fair admission tickets and unlimited carnival ride wristbands are on sale now through July 14 at 7 p.m. Discounted adult admission tickets are just $10 (regular price $12) and discount carnival ride wristbands are just $23 (regular price $30).

Plus, you can save even more money with the Fair’s new ticket options: In honor of the Fair’s 100th anniversary, they are offering a once in a lifetime 100 Year Pass to the Stanislaus County Fair good for 100 years! It’s $500, but gives you the huge savings of $11,500 (with ticket prices remaining the same). The pass will be valid for all 10 days of the Fair until year 2110! The pass can also be passed down to one family member over the 100 year time period making the pass a transferable family heirloom. The Pass will be on sale at the Fair’s ticket office through closing day of the 2011 Fair. Have I said enough, or do you want more savings?  OK, read some more…

My new fave and the next best deal for adult admission, the Fair’s new Season Pass! This pass offers 10 adult admissions for $75 giving you a savings of $45.

If you’re looking for FREE admission options, here are the deals:

• Saturday, 7/16 is Emanuel Cancer Center Day at the Fair – Seniors’ Free Day (Seniors 65 and up admitted free and ride the Carousel free).
• Sundays are “Free ‘til 3” no admission charged until 3:00 p.m. 7/17 & 7/24 (pair this with the free Park ‘n Ride and you get a totally FREE Fair experience!).
• Thursday, 7/21 is Emanuel Family Practice Night at the Fair – Kids’ Free Night (Kids 12 and under admitted free).
• Plus, every day of the Fair kids age 6 and under are admitted free.

Other ways to save at the Fair:

• All Carnival Rides will be just $1 on opening night, 7/15! Ride those rides ‘til your tummy can’t take no more!
• FAIR Savings Coupon Book – This free coupon book can be picked up at FoodMaxx stores (Modesto & Turlock) or by riding the free shuttle during the Fair. This coupon book offers BIG savings for food and other concessions.  You could find a coupon for a buy 1 get 1 free corn dog, or get a free soda with a purchased item. There are a limited amount of coupon books, so hurry and get yours while they last!
• Ride the free shuttle during Fair time – Park free and Ride free from CSU Stanislaus, Crowell Road (off West Monte Vista Avenue to Ansel Adams Blvd.) or from Pitman High School, 2525 West Christoffersen Pkwy. Monday – Friday: 4:30 p.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday – Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m. Shuttles depart every 15 minutes to and from the Fair’s Arch Gate. (Parking is still available at the Fairgrounds for $4 per car.)

But this isn’t all the deals! There will be various discounts on ticket admission available during the 10-day run of the Fair as well, you can see them all at www.StanCoFair.com

With four stages filled with entertainment each night of its 10-day run, the Fair has something to offer every member of the family.

The Stanislaus County Fair’s 2011 lineup on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage includes:

• Clint Black – Fri, July 15
• Boyz II Men – Sat, July 16
• America – Sun, July 17
• MercyMe – Mon, July 18
• Clay Walker – Tue, July 19
• Big Time Rush – Wed, July 20
• Bob and Tom Comedy All-Stars – Thu, July 21
• Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – Fri, July 22
• Joe Nichols and Heidi Newfield – Sat, July 23
• La Original Banda El Limon De Salvador Lizarraga – Sun, July 24

Get ready for some Fair-tastic fun – I’ll see ya there!

So, what’s your favorite part of the Fair?

Diane