Fairly Speaking - July 27, 2009

Fairly Speaking
By Anthony C. Leo

It’s the proverbial evening before the big day – no cold feet around here! Ready or not, here comes the fair.

Our new 8,000 square foot Rainforest Adventure interactive exhibit is just about complete and some of the reptiles, mammals and birds have already arrived at their new home for the next two weeks. Toucans, anacondas and a sloth will be at home in this lush exhibit complete with the large, styrofoam ants, brightly colored silk butterflies and enormous flowers that accessorize this amazing exhibit. This exhibit will also feature 20-minute shows, with the star performer the Capuchin monkey, along with his rainforest bird and reptile friends.

Don't let the high price of travel prevent you from seeing the rainforest. With the underwriting from Sky Trek Aviation, we’ve created one for you, right here in Turlock.

For 10 nights, guests are invited to kick back and enjoy the sounds of summer at the Budweiser Variety Free Stage. On Friday, the top selling “American Band” of the 70’s, Grand Funk Railroad, will be coming down the tracks with their classic rock sound to open our 10 nights of summer fun. And don’t miss “Jessie’s Girl” wooer, Rick Springfield on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Other guests of honor will include Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego on Kids’ Free Night Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Charter Stage. Plus, Galactron and Reptar, 25 foot tall transforming robots, will be in the FoodMaxx Arena Sunday, Aug. 2.

Consider this your personal invitation to join us for this special occasion—the 98^th Stanislaus County Fair. I look forward to seeing you this Friday through Sunday, Aug. 9!

Tony Leo is chief executive officer of the Stanislaus County Fair. He has worked in the fair industry for over 25 years. This is his 12^th Stanislaus County Fair.