Temperatures drop just in time for the Merced County Fair

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fans and misters are keeping the people and animals cool in the livestock area of the Merced County Fair.

Monday was rough on everyone setting up with temperatures well above the century mark. But Tuesday morning brought overcast conditions and a welcome cool down.

The fair kicks off Wednesday. It features a beach theme with a new permanent slogan, "5 Best Days of Summer." Organizers have high hopes for a great turnout.

Merced County Fair Marketing Manager Diane Conway said, "We had more than 75,000 last year, and I'm sure we'll have that many this year."

Visitors can enjoy all of the favorite rides and traditional food and drinks, from corn dogs to fresh squeezed lemonade. There are also some new deep fried options, including cheesecake and pop tarts. Bringing your own canned food will earn you a free ticket to the auto races on opening night.

Conway added, "They really need the protein type foods, beans are good, but things like canned meats, tuna, salmon is what they're looking for so if you bring two or more cans of food tomorrow only, opening day, donate those you will get a ticket to get into the grandstands for free, and you will be helping out the Merced County Food Bank."

The fair kicks off Wednesday and runs through Sunday. Temperatures could hit the triple digits again by the end of the week, but they are not expected to climb as high as Monday.