Heading to the Merced County Fair with your kids? Here’s what to do
Sunshine Lane will once again shine at the Merced County Fair this year as it offers farming experiences, literacy and rides for children under 12.
Farm to Fair
Farm to Fair is a new attraction this year at Sunshine Lane, it includes toy fruits and vegetables, demonstration cow milking with a life-size model and a corn-filled play area.
“Fairs they share information, and we kind of beg, borrow and steal from each other. And they have a wonderful display over at the Merced County Spring Fair,” said Teresa Burrola, CEO of the Merced County Fair. “It’s not as big as theirs, but we certainly are starting year one and we’re going to continue to grow that exhibit so that we can make it a fun educational experience for the kids.”
Tobi Thomas, who was watching his 3-year-old daughter play, said the area was a good addition to the nature activities she enjoys. Breanna Garcia said she wished there were more activities in the area for smaller children such as her 1-year-old son.
Early Childhood Literacy
Within the Farm to Fair area, the Reading Zone will include daily story readings from elected leaders and first responders.
“Adding the Reading Zone was a natural next step for us,” said Burrola in a press release from the Fair. “We want reading to feel joyful and accessible, especially for children who may not have books at home. To see their faces light up when they get a new book or hear a story read aloud – that’s where real magic happens.”
The Merced County Library Bookmobile will also be at the fair on Saturday and Sunday. It will distribute books donated during the week and help families sign up for library cards. The Fair wrote in a press release that it expects to distribute 1,500 books.
Amy Boese, deputy librarian for Merced County, said the area is also a respite from the fair atmosphere.
“One of the things that people are always looking for at the fair is, ‘Where can I sit down? Where is there shade?’ So this is going to be a little space that kids and parents can come and kind of take a little breather from all the excitement that’s happening,” said Boese.
Petting Zoo
Goats, sheep, piglets and a mini-water buffalo will be at its petting zoo. Also at the fair this year are pony rides as well as pig racing in dash and hurdle events.
The petting zoo and pig racing are free. Pony rides are $10 and available for children up to 60 pounds.
Kari Longenbaugh, who owns Freckle Farms, which runs the petting zoo, said a lot of first-time riders come to the pony rides.
The Merced County Fair runs through June 8 starting at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.