Jaripeo Ranchero highlights Spring Fair; events continue this weekend

Hundreds turned out Thursday for the Jaripeo Ranchero at the Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos.

The bull-riding contest featured participants from around the state competing to stay atop bucking bulls for as long as possible.

The event was one of the highlights Thursday of the fair.

Festivities continue at 9 a.m. Saturday with the traditional May Day Parade through the city streets. Marching bands, horses, decorated vehicles, kids and adults will march the traditional parade route hoping to impress the panel of judges.

Cash awards and other prizes will be given for best group under 18, best individual entry, outstanding Los Banos entry and horse division sweepstakes.

Cooking contests continue Saturday and Sunday. The bacon bites and pasta sauce competition will be held Saturday. Tomato-based or nontraditional sauces will be judged.

Salsa, sausage and home-brew contests are scheduled Sunday. It also is the first year for a barbecue contest sponsored by BBQ Pros and Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke.

Contestants will fire up their grills early Sunday and compete for best chicken, tri-tip and pork ribs. There will be division winners, an overall grand champion and people’s choice awards.

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 7:40 PM with the headline "Jaripeo Ranchero highlights Spring Fair; events continue this weekend."