The Stanislaus County Fair closed out its 10-day run with triple-digit temperatures on Sunday while allowing local youth animal exhibitors to take away ribbons and good memories that will last a lifetime.

A number of Ceres FFA students posted strong performances with their animals at the fair and took home ribbons. 

For many of the kids, this was their first full Fair experience. The 2021 Fair was limited in nature with many features absent like the midway rides, exhibits and entertainment acts.

Sheep exhibitor Briann Tavares earned second place in Intermediate Sheep Showmanship.

Central Valley High FFA member Josh Ludwig won a five place ribbon in Advanced Swine Showmanship with his 260-pound hog. He also won second in the Yorkshire market class.

Central Valley High School FFA member Joshuah Michelena placed 8th in Novice Dairy Showmanship on the first Friday of the 10-day Fair. He also showed his dairy grade calf again the next day to receive first place in FFA Spring Dairy Calf.

Central Valley High sent close to 30 students to the fair with many more exhibiting fruits and vegetables grown at the Ken Moncrief Agriculture Center behind Hidahl Elementary School at 2351 E. Redwood Road.

“It was a pretty good fair for coming back to normal,” said CVHS FFA adviser Clarissa Farinelli. “Normally we have closer to 50 or 60 but for the first year back after a couple of years we were pretty happy with the number.”

 “They’ve been having fun and enjoying the project in the process,” she added.

Closing out the Fair’s entertainment lineup on the Coors Variety Free Stage was legendary hard rockers Night Ranger on Saturday and regional Mexican celebrated artist Luis Coronel on Sunday. In the FoodMaxx Arena, AMP Racing Motocross wowed crowds on Saturday and the Hispanic Rodeo Show on Sunday included dancing horses, escaramuza, bull riding and live Banda music.

Friday evening’s Malicious Monster Truck Tour was enjoyed by hundreds including Daniel Bradbery, winner of the Voice who later performed on the free stage.