Stanislaus County Fair offers behind the scenes school tours!

            Turlock—Kindergarten through sixth grade teachers and students are invited to take part in school tours at the Stanislaus County Fair.

            Class tours of the Stanislaus County Fair, now in their 17^th year, were created to be both exciting and educational and afford students a guided trip around the fair absolutely free of charge.

“Through the school tours program at the fair, students begin to understand the importance of agriculture and the role it plays in their daily life,” said Stacy Crow, school tour coordinator. “Teachers benefit, too, from resources and contacts to use in developing curriculum.”

Tours are sponsored by Stanislaus County Farm Bureau and feature many educational stops around the fairgrounds.  Some of the featured points of interest on the fair tour include a presentation from the Turlock Irrigation District on the importance of water safety in the summer months and a presentation on the importance of the dairy industry to people’s everyday life.

            Students will also visit the 4-H Farmyard Experience. The area features a 7’ foot fish tank, a living pizza and activities to help students understand various aspects of agriculture. This 10,000 sq. ft. exhibit is coordinated by 4-H students and is also open during regular fair hours.

            Tours are scheduled for Monday, July 31, Wednesday, Aug. 2, Thursday, Aug. 3 and Friday August 4. The first tour begins at 8:30 a.m. with tours departing every 30 minutes thereafter, concluding at 12 p.m. daily. Each tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

            Tours are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and should be booked early by phoning Candy Beneux at the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau at (209) 522-7278.

            For children unable to participate in school tours, Kids’ Night at the Fair is planned for Thursday, Aug. 3. On Kids’ Night children 12 and under are admitted free, sponsored by California Dairies, Inc.  A special parade of mascots will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Kids’ Night.

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. For more information about the Stanislaus County Fair log onto its website at www.stancofair.com.

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