horsing around in the classroom!

Turlock—For once, it will be okay for students to horse around in the classroom.

The Stanislaus County Fair is pleased to announce that the teachers’ registration period has opened for its annual “Sharing Ag in the Classroom” program, sponsored by Hilmar Cheese.

 Through the “Sharing Ag in the Classroom Program” students will learn about the horse. The annual course of study changes from year to year, with a different animal selected every year.  This year Stanislaus County Fair officials selected the horse.

            “This is a great way of teaching students about agriculture and encouraging them to have fun while creating projects about what they have learned,” said Laura Moore, exhibit representative for the Stanislaus County Fair

 “Hilmar Cheese is committed to consumer education and their underwriting makes it possible for this impressive Ag education curriculum to be made available to preschool through 6^th grade classes,” said Tony Leo, chief executive officer of the Stanislaus County Fair.

Specially developed curriculum kits will assist teachers in instructing students about the agricultural industry and its importance to life.  The kits include a book, activities for the classroom and a fabricated wooden base so that each classroom can create a horse of their own.

            Cash prizes are awarded to classes whose creative horses are rated superior, good and average by project judges. Every class masterpiece submitted will be on display at the Stanislaus County Fair, which opens Friday, July 27, for a 10-day run.

           Kits are available on a first-come, first-reserved basis while supplies last, so early registration is encouraged!  Teachers who want to register for the free program or who would like more information can call the Stanislaus County Fair office at (209) 668-1333. 

Beginning Thursday, April 26, teachers may visit the fairgrounds office at 900 N. Broadway in Turlock to complete an entry form, pick up their curriculum and wooden base.

Completed class projects may be turned in at the Fair office any weekday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. prior to the deadline of July 19.

The Stanislaus County Fair is now in its 96^th year. The theme of this year’s fair, “Summer Safari,” will provide a great adventure for kids and adults alike. Discount carnival and admission tickets for the 2007 fair, as well as tickets for all motorsports events in the FoodMaxx Arena, go on sale Saturday, May 5, 2007. For information on the variety of methods available to purchase tickets visit www.stancofair.com. 

The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, education, entertainment and technology. For more information about the Stanislaus County Fair log onto its website at www.stancofair.com.