Stanislaus County Fair - Day 1
Trucks Flying, Food Frying and Grand Funk Railroad

The Stanislaus County Fair opened its gates this evening to another stellar 10 day run. The rides were moving, the food was cooking and the tuff trucks were flying. I was fortunate to get a taste of the Tuff Truck competition at last year’s fair so I got real excited when I entered the arena floor. These are your everyday, pick-up trucks that are modified to withstand a dirt course with big jumps. The mud was also flying, which got a little close to where I was positioned. Needless to say, I got the shot. Then it was off to the Budweiser stage to see Grand Funk Railroad. On my way I could smell the carnival food frying. Hand-dipped corn dogs, homemade potato chips, egg rolls and many more of the traditional favorites filled the air. I was in food heaven. At 8:30 pm, Grand Funk Railroad took the stage to entertain the big crowd. You could feel the anticipation in the air, especially when a group of fans started chanting, “Grand Funk! Grand Funk!” The music shook the crowd and they responded with dancing, cheering and head-bopping to all of their favorite hits. At the end of the evening, all I could think about was how good this year’s fair is going be.

Stanislaus County Fair - Day 2
Exhibits, Mark Chesnutt and Trailer Choir performing “I Will Survive”

Trailer Choir pumping up the crowd

I’ve got to hand it to Trailer Choir since they managed to perform a popular 70’s disco tune, and got the crowd of die-hard, Stanislaus County country fans, to dance and cheer. This is definitely a performance for the record books. The opening band’s job is to warm the crowd up for the headlining act. Trailer Choir did it, and did it very well.
With 14 number 1 hits and four platinum albums, Mark Chesnutt needed no introduction. The crowd went into a frenzied cheer as he hit the stage. Staying true to good old country music is what he did tonight! There were a lot of satisfied country fans after this evening’s concert at the Free Stage.
To mellow out after the concert, we headed to the homemade and homegrown exhibits. The local gardens produce an abundance of fruits and vegetables which made for a great competition. From statues made out if aluminum cans to beautiful quilts, the creativity and talent that goes into these entrees deserves an A+.

Sculpture made out of aluminum cans in the homemade exhibit

Renewable Fun!

Trailer Choir fans satisfied and waiting for Mark Chesnutt

Mark Chesnutt hits the Free Stage

Stanislaus County Fair - Day 4
Today's Stanislaus County Fair article will be written by 14 year old Sani
Urrutia from Turlock. She is MyTurlock.com's first junior writer and
photographer.

If you’re more of a crazy, wild person with a passion for excitement and an interest in cars, you probably came to the fair today especially to see the Destruction Derby. Earsplitting, heart thumping, and blood pounding were some of the words used to describe the sold-out show.

There were three separate parts to the show with about eight people in each one. When the siren sounded, cars started plowing into each other and drivers were thrown around inside the cars like rag dolls. After a couple minutes of this, engines shut down and white flags were raised. Judges declared winners and the crowds voiced their pleasure. After a thundering applause to congratulate the champions, each fan left with their ears ringing and an extreme hunger for the Destruction Derby to come again tomorrow.

Tonight, the free concert had a Christian twist to it. The Newsboys preformed with their new lead singer, Michael Tait. Singing songs from their newly released CD, they fired up the crowd to where everyone was jumping and singing and, in general, having a good time!

The Australian natives, who have been together for 18 years, have a desire to deliver impressive and extraordinary performances to fans all around the globe. Having received four Dove awards and a Billboard Music Video Award, The Newsboys truly are one of the most successful Christian bands.