Attractions
There's lots to do and see for the family on your visit to the 2025 Merced County Fair, presented by Valley Children's Healthcare! Take a look at all these returning and some new attractions for you and the family to enjoy!!
Ag-Focused Tioga Hall
The Tioga Hall is home to the Agriculture-Horticulture competitive exhibits as well as this fun and educational exhibit.
"Farm to City" Children's Farmers' Market
This Children’s Farmers’ Market offers youth the chance to experience what life is like as a farmer as they gather artificial apples, corn, eggs and more; participate in a hands-on cow milking station where they can experience the process of milking the artificial cow; and enjoy a sensory experience playing in a corn-filled area with shovels and trucks; plus develop their motor skills when they sit and push the playground tractors!
Makers Marketplace
This store-front marketplace made it's debut in 2024 and returns again for it's second year! This is the place to be to shop all the great local products at the Fair! In this new area, come see the creations of local artisans from jewelry to art to delicious food and so much more! More details coming soon on what local vendors you can see!
Tadpole the Clown
The popular Tadpole the Clown returns to the Merced County Fair! Tadpole is a professional clown, magician, balloon sculpturist and entertainer. He lives in the Peanut Capitol of the World - Sylvester, Georgia. Tadpole is a Georgia Certified Firefighter and Fire Safety Instructor. He is a graduate and instructor of Clown School on the Road and a graduate of the Georgia Fire Academy Clown School. He has performed all over the U.S. and Canada with audience participation, laughter, and miles and miles of smiles. We can't wait to welcome Tadpole back to the 2025 Merced County Fair!
Tractor Parade
Don’t miss this Fair favorite and longstanding tradition of the Merced County Fair! At approximately 5:45 p.m. every day, the roar of loud engines can be heard as more than 20 old fashion tractors line-up to begin the Tractor Parade through the Fairgrounds, the drivers waving to the crowd as Tadpole leads the way!
Early Childhood Literacy Partnership
In 2025 and for the fourth year in a row, the Merced County Fair continues their partnership with Valley Children’s Healthcare, the Merced County Library and First 5 Merced County for the Early Childhood Literacy Partnership - whose mission is to empower children to read, as well as foster a love for reading. The Fair will also host a Library Bookmobile on Saturday and Sunday of the Fair, where Fairgoers are able to pick up a FREE book, and had the opportunity to sign up for their very own Merced County Library card.
Sunshine Lane Family Area
Located near the Kiddie Carnival, this great area features attractions for the entire family to enjoy together such as those listed below, as well as everyone’s favorite photo cutouts to snap a memorable Fair picture of the kids!
NEW! "Farm to Fair" Attractions
Located near the end of Sunshine Lane, this great attraction features fun activities for the entire family to enjoy together! There is a Children’s Farmers’ Market which offers youth the chance to experience what life is like as a farmer as they gather artificial apples, vegetables and more; participate in a hands one cow milking station where they can experience the process of milking the artificial cow; and enjoy a sensory experience playing in a corn-filled area with shovels and trucks! Plus, try delicious award-winning string cheese from Joseph Farms California Natural Cheese.
NEW Kids Reading Zone
Located within the new “Farm to Fair” attraction — a free, welcoming space where kids can enjoy story time, write “Thank a Farmer” postcards, and take home fun giveaways. Another exciting addition is the Local Leaders Read campaign, where local leaders in the community will read their favorite children’s books aloud to young Fairgoers in the Reading Zone. This daily event, held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., reinforces the message that reading is valued at every level of the community. Children 12 and under who attend will receive special prizes as part of the fun (while supplies last!).
Petting Zoo
The Freckle Farm Petting Zoo at the Merced County Fair will feature a wide variety of animals including the follow goat breeds - Nigerian dwarfs, pigmy, Boar and Nubian. Plus, Barbados sheep, piglets, chickens and ducks!
Pony Rides
What trip to the Fair is complete for the youngest Fairgoers without stopping by the pony rides? Bring the kids over to take a ride on these gorgeous, healthy, strong, purebred Welsh ponies that your kids (and you) are sure to fall in love with!
All Alaskan Racing Pigs
Watch these fuzzy little racers as they compete for the championship title in the 100-yard dash and 50-yard high hurdles at the All Alaskan Pig Race. You won’t want to miss out on the hooting and hollering fun entertainment!
Blue Devils Tailgate Party Zone
Looking for a place to escape the heat, or enjoy an impromptu game of cornhole? The Blue Devil Tailgate Party Zone is the place to be. Come celebrate and enjoy the Merced Community College school spirit.
