Merced County Fair

What an awesome way to get into the summer mood, going to the county fair.  I didn't really have high hopes for the Merced fair since Spencer and I went back in 2006 and were not impressed at all it was hot, dirty and very small to what we use to from the bay area.  The kids and I have gone for MOPs days in the past but it's a behind the scene not open to the public kind of thing and you don't really get the fair experience.  Well yesterday we put on the cow gear and went for it! It was kids day and I was beyond impressed this time.  The weather was perfect, the people were all so nice, the fair was clean and the activities for the kids were wonderful. 

The petting zoo was adorable.  They had just about everything in there.  All the animals were friendly (the deer a little too friendly he tried to eat all of our clothes).

 Our favorite was the kangaroo and baby so cute!

 There was a cowboy boot camp where the kids got to play horse shoes, ride a pretend horse, play in a bean pit, gold pan, 

 milk a cow,

and ride on tractors.

After that we watched a tractor parade and then went on to explore all the buildings and then found the home depot building station.  Carter made a tool box and Aubrey made a heart box.

We then ate dinner tri-tip sandwich, hot dogs and yummy garlic fries. After dinner we watched a little of a spelling bee, went and watched car racing and looked at all the animals.  

Then onto the rides.  I'm not a big fan of fair rides.  The fact that they put them up in a day and the people putting them up look a bit scary I wasn't to thrilled with putting my pride and joys on them.  Also the cost is ridiculous.  It's crazy the amount of money you can spend at the fair.  We let the kids pick one ride and since it was close to the ground I said okay.  They liked it but I think since they had so many other fun things to do and look at they were not that disappointed with only one ride.

 After that we headed over to the cowgirl/cowboy contest. 

 It was a lot of fun.  They answered questions about themselves and the lady introduced them and they walked around.  When asked what is your favorite part of the fair, Carter answers, "this contest" (he was in it to win it).  They both walked away with a trophy and a certificate.   

It was a great family night! We decided to leave the fair and have dessert at Sonic and it was a yummy way to end our fun night!