Stanislaus county fair opens Friday, july 28 

            Turlock – Central Valley residents will spend the week on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the Friday, July 28, opening day of the 2006 Stanislaus County Fair.  

            The Stanislaus Fair opens on July 28 for a 10-day run.  The 72-acre fairgrounds is located at 900 N. Broadway in Turlock.  Now in its 95^th year, fair officials have been working year round to plan for the annual family affair.

“With so many great free concerts, record numbers of exhibits and delicious fair foods, we truly understand the anticipation of opening day,” said Tony Leo, chief executive officer of the Stanislaus County Fair. “There is so much fun to be had at the 2006 fair, I’m not sure even the most seasoned fair guest can work it all in on just one fair visit.”

            Fair guests are encouraged to stop by the Century 21 M&M and Associates Home Arts/Ag Hort Building to see just how talented your Stanislaus County friends and neighbors really are. With a more than 30,000 exhibits entered at the 2006 fair, you won’t believe your eyes as you stroll through rows of homemade jams and jellies, monster veggies and mouth-watering baked goods.

While you enjoy the fruits of local talents, register to win a 7 night stay at the RCI Resort of your choice, courtesy of sponsor Century 21 M&M and Associates. With thousands of resorts worldwide, this promotion is the perfect opportunity to win your dream vacation whether it is in the Bahamas, on the Gold Coast or the Italian Alps, just to name a few.

With five stages of free entertainment, the addition of the new Monster Mural and kids pedal car races in the Sky Trek Kids Zone and the new two-story tall Backdraft roller coaster, this year’s fair truly has something to offer everyone.

Music buffs won’t want to miss this year’s celebrity headliners Michael Bolton, Lee Ann Womack and Huey Lewis and The News as they dazzle the crowd in the FoodMaxx Arena.

This year’s lineup on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage gives you more bang for your buck with everything from pop oldies to star-studded country acts all included with the price of fair admission.

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

            The Budweiser Variety Free Stage lineup includes:

• Pablo Cruise: Friday, July 28 at 8:30 p.m.

• The Spinners: Saturday, July 29 at 8:30 p.m.

• Neal McCoy: Sunday, July 30 at 8:30 p.m.

• 4Him (Finale Tour): Monday, July 31 at 8:30 p.m.

• The Diamonds and The Coasters: Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 8:30 p.m.

• John Kay & Steppenwolf: Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 8:30 p.m.

• SHeDAISY: Thursday, Aug. 3 at 8:30 p.m.

• Bobby Vinton: Friday, Aug. 4 at 8:30 p.m.

• The Charlie Daniels Band: Saturday Aug. 5 at 8:30 p.m.

• Graciela Beltran: Sunday, Aug. 6 at 8:30 p.m.

            In addition to the Budweiser Variety Free Stage entertainment included with fair gate admission, tickets are on sale now for major celebrity concerts and motorsports events in the fair’s FoodMaxx Arena including:

• Tuff Truks Competition (featuring Big Foot and The Patriot Monster Trucks): Friday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.

• Truck and Tractor Pulls (featuring Big Foot and The Patriot Monster Trucks): Saturday, July 29 at 7 p.m.

• An Evening With Michael Bolton: Sunday, July 30 at 8 p.m.

• Lee Ann Womack with special guest Ronnie Milsap: Monday, July 31 at 8 p.m.

• Huey Lewis and The News with special guest Paul Thorn: Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 8 p.m.

• Destruction Derby I: Traditional Turmoil: Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m. (parade lap at 7 p.m.)

• Destruction Derby II: Metal Mayhem: Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

• CCPRA Rodeo: Friday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. (FREE with price of fair admission)

• Motocross: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

• Cavalcade of Wagons: Sunday, Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. (FREE with price of fair admission)

• Pack Scramble: Sunday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. (FREE with price of fair admission)

Event and concert ticket pricing information and the fair’s complete 10-day schedule of events are available online now at www.stancofair.com. 

The Stanislaus County Fair is now in its 95^th year. The 2006 fair opens Friday, July 28 for a 10-day run. The theme of this year’s fair, “Pig Out on Family Fun,” is sure to provide a good time for kids and adults alike. The fair has twice been honored with Modesto Bee Reader’s Choice Awards for “Favorite All-Around Event.”

The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment and technology.

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