A recurring theme at the opening night of the 2025 Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock — the 114th edition of the annual event — was the heat. Sure, it wasn’t 108 degrees like last year, but 102 on Friday afternoon wasn’t too far off.
Regardless, the show went on, with the usual lines at the entrances forming an hour before gates opened at 4 p.m., large crowds to watch the FFA and 4-H kids show off their animals, and a wave of people ready to rock out to country singer Drake Milligan.
First in line this year were Whitney Camp of Modesto and Candice Hilton of La Palma, who said they arrived right at 3 p.m. on July 11 in hopes of sitting in the front row for the opening night Milligan concert at the Modelo Variety Free Stage. Milligan is Hilton’s favorite artist.
“Oh, I love him,” Hilton said. “My favorite song is ‘Don’t Leave Me Loving You.’”
She got her wish, as the song was one of several played, along with hits “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” and “Honky Tonkin’ About.”
Also braving the heat were the regular FFA and 4-H chapters from throughout Stanislaus County and neighboring cities.
The animal exhibits were emptier than other years with there being no birds like chickens or turkeys because of the bird flu that was spreading across the country during the winter months. Still gracing the barns with their large presence were the cows, who were wrapping up shows by the evening.
“Definitely have to take care of them in this heat,” said Neil Durrer of Wood Colony 4-H, who was seen filling up a tub of cold water for his Holstein to drink from. “Every time we do a show, we get them water. Every morning we’ve been giving them baths to clean them of dirt and everything else, but it helps with the heat, too.”
Also heating up (and filling the air with roaring revving) were the engines from the annual truck and tractor pulling competitions at the FoodMaxx Arena featured the first night of the fair.
On the other end of the fairgrounds near the exhibit buildings was a new format to the children’s area, as many rides were moved forward, closer to the famous Arch Gate, and under trees to be under the shade for longer periods of time.
Near the children’s rides are a handful of new food spots tailored just for them, such as pizza, Jumbo Grilled Cheese and Fried Potato on a Stick, Korean Shack (Korean corndogs), and the Dough Show (super soft cookies).
“A lot of new things, fun activities for those of all ages,” said CEO Kim Williams. “We can’t wait for everybody to join us this year.”
The Stanislaus County Fair runs daily through Sunday, July 20.
On weekdays, the fairgrounds will open to the general public at 4 p.m.
On weekends, the gates open at noon.
Grounds close each day at midnight. The ticket office will also be open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, head to www.stancofair.com.
