Our History
The Stanislaus County Fair traces its roots to 1911, when the Turlock Melon Carnival debuted under the sponsorship of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. The event was created to promote the region’s thriving melon industry and shipping business, and even inspired local musicians to form the Melon City Band.
Although the original Melon Carnival lasted only a few years, the spirit of community celebration continued. In 1924, the American Legion Rex Ish Post 88 organized a 4th of July celebration for the same purpose, and by 1925, the American Legion revived the name “Turlock Melon Carnival” for a mid-summer festival.
Livestock exhibitions became an important part of the event beginning in 1933, when 4-H and FFA shows were first introduced. In 1935, the State of California issued a charter establishing the 38th District Agricultural Association (DAA), which still governs the Fair today. The event was operated jointly by the American Legion and the DAA until 1944, when the Legion sold the fairgrounds and buildings to the DAA, granting it full responsibility for operations.
During World War II, no fairs were held on the grounds, though carnivals and horse-pulling events continued downtown. The fairgrounds were used as a Relocation Center for Japanese-Americans in 1942 and as a Rehabilitation Center for the U.S. Army Ninth Service Command from 1943–1946. Following the war, the Fair resumed operations, and in 1956, the name “Stanislaus County Fair” appeared on the marquee for the first time. In 1960, the fairgrounds also served as the original home of California State University, Stanislaus.
From a simple summer weekend in 1911 to the vibrant 10-day fair enjoyed today, the Stanislaus County Fair has offered generations of visitors fun, entertainment, community, and agricultural education. A record 261,089 guests attended the Fair in 1989.
On March 15, 1999, the Stanislaus County Fair Board of Directors of the 38th DAA, with support from the Turlock American Legion, designated the Stanislaus County Fair Arch Gate as a California State Point of Historical Interest. A commemorative marker was unveiled during the opening night of the 1999 Fair and remains on display just inside the historic Arch Gate.
In 2011, the Stanislaus County Fair celebrated its centennial, welcoming over 245,000 visitors to honor this milestone occasion.