‘The Fun is Back’: Here’s what you need to know about the 2022 Stanislaus County Fair
The Stanislaus County Fair returns in full force this year, promising plenty of entertainment, arena events, carnival rides, livestock and more.
Because of the pandemic, the 2020 fair consisted of only online livestock competitions and drive-thru versions of a few food booths. The 2021 expo had livestock and motorsports back in person but the carnival and most of the food were missing.
But this year, the fair – which usually draws more than 200,000 people – has a 10-day slate of traditional events, set for July 8-17 at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock.
“We’re all excited; everybody is wanting to get back out,” said Jose Piña, marketing manager for the fair.
This year’s slogan, “The Fun is Back,” reflects on getting past the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
“(People need) fair time and getting back out into the community again,” Piña said.
What are you most looking forward to at the Stanislaus County Fair? Vote in our poll
They’re expecting plenty of people to show up to the expo, based on other events that have taken place this year at the fairgrounds and drawn big crowds.
“People are ready to get out and enjoy events again this year, so we’re definitely anticipating a huge turnout,” Piña said.
New to the fair is a “selfie museum” where businesses can market themselves by setting up interesting backdrops with “a wow factor,” he said.
It allows promotion at the fair without having the traditional vendor booths that need to be manned by staff. A lot of businesses don’t have enough people right now to man booths, Piña said. Fair patrons can take selfies against the different backdrops.
Also new are bloodless bullfights, duck races and a BMX show, he said.
Musical entertainment features nationally known artists in pop, country and other genres. Arena events include a Destruction Derby, the bullfights, rodeo and motorsports.
Here’s a look at the entertainment planned for The Coors Light Stage. Concerts are free with fair admission and begin at 8:30 p.m.
July 8, WAR
July 9, Smashmouth
July 10, Karla Perez as Selena
July 11, Sean Kingston
July 12, Gary Allen
July 13, Sugar Ray
July 14, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
July 15, Danielle Bradbery
July 16, Night Ranger
July 17, Luis Coronel
Events at The Foodmaxx Arena begin at 6:30 p.m. and most have additional ticket prices.
July 8, Tractor Pull Diesel/Smokers, $12-$15
July 9, Super Pull & Pro-Modified, $12-$15
July 10, TPA Portuguese Bloodless Bullfights, $15-$20
July 11, Destruction Derby Obliteration, $12-$15
July 12, Destruction Derby Annihilation, $12-$15
July 13, PRCA Rodeo, $12
July 14, Monster Truck Mayhem, $12-$15
July 15, Monster Truck Madness, $12-$15
July 16, AMP Racing Motocross, $12
July 17, Hispanic Rodeo Show, free
Also providing entertainment will be Robert Castillo and his team with the BMX Freestyle Show in the Kids Zone area, the duck races, marionette show “The Wizard of Oz,” mirror man “The Reflector,” Cruzin’ Critters and hypnotist Suzy Haner.
The fairgrounds and buildings open at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon Saturday and Sunday. Buildings close nightly at 11 p.m. with the carnival and grounds closing at midnight.
Fair general admission is $12 in advance for ages 13 to 61, $15 at the gate; $5 in advance ages 7-12, $7 at gate; $5 in advance for seniors, $7 at gate; free ages 6 and under.
The fairgrounds are at 900 N. Broadway in Turlock. For more, see stancofair.com.
