Attractions
There's lots to do and see for the family on your visit to the 2024 Merced County Fair, presented by Valley Children's Healthcare! Take a look at all of the new and returning attractions that we brought to the 2023 Merced County Fair for the community to enjoy!
Ag-Focused Tioga Hall
The Tioga Hall is home to the Agriculture-Horticulture competitive exhibits as well as:
"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!
Discovering Science
We're ready to learn and discover inside the Discovering Science Exhibit, just inside the San Joaquin Hall - also known as the former Home Arts Exhibits Building! This interactive and educational exhibit all based on STREAM curriculum that uses Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.
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!
Early Childhood Literacy Partnership
For the second year in a row, the Merced County Fair has partnered with Valley Children’s Healthcare, the Merced County Library and First 5 Merced County to form the Early Childhood Literacy Partnership whose mission is to empower children to read, as well as foster a love for reading. In 2023, the Merced County Fair hosted the Library Bookmobile where Fairgoers were able to pick up a FREE book, and have the opportunity to sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, as well as get your very own Merced County Library card.
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 2024 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!
Power Jump
This is your chance to jump as high as you can on this giant trampoline! The harder you jump, the higher your bungee cords will launch you into the air! Perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Baseball Throw Zone & Soccer Kick Station
Show off your athletic skills at the Fair! Test how hard you can kick a soccer ball at the new Soccer Kick station or see how fast you can throw a baseball at the Baseball Throw Zone! This is an activity that the whole family can enjoy!
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!
Water Balls
Walk on water inside an air sealed hamster ball in a large pool right in the middle of the Fair! Try to keep your balance as you maneuver around! This attraction is entertaining and fun for BOTH the person in the Water Ball and the people watching!
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!