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The sky high vertigo ride is one of the new attractions this year. The fair officially kicks off Wednesday, but students spent all day showing their animals for FFA and 4H events.
Families say they're thankful the weather is nice and mild this week, as opposed to the triple digits they've endured in past years. And organizers hope the comfortable conditions will help top last year's turn-out of 75,000 people.
"Oh we are so happy about the weather," said Merced County Fair Marketing Manager Diane Conway. "That is the one thing you can't count on, so we had our fingers crossed and it sounds like it's going to be great weather for the whole fair."
This is the second straight year the fair is offering $5.00 general admission. It officially opens at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday evening and runs through Sunday night.
