The 2012 Stanislaus County Fair is just around the corner, and while there are still some finishing touches left before its grand opening on Friday, fair staff and volunteers are working harder than ever to ensure everything runs smoothly for the big day.

On Tuesday, the fairgrounds were abuzz with preparations. Local FFA and 4-H club members were busy cleaning out stalls and making their show animals as comfortable as possible in their temporary homes.

Fair volunteers spent the day arranging paintings, quilts, and various arts and crafts in the exhibit building, making sure that every entry had a place to shine.

On the main thoroughfare, vendors were setting up and preparing for the thousands of visitors that will come their way when the fair official opens.

 “This year we have a new vendor called Chocolate Factory.  Basically, anything that you want dipped in chocolate, this vendor can make it happen,” said fair spokesperson Adrenna Alkhas. 

The majority of the carnival rides were set up weeks prior, with the finishing touches to be done by Thursday.

On Friday, the fair is set to open at 5 p.m. Fortune cookies will be given to the first 1,000 people at the gate, with a chance to win a free admission. Opening day will also feature a tribute to “Friday the 13th” with anyone named Jason allowed free admission.

For more information about the fair, look inside today’s Journal for the 2012 Stanislaus County Fair tab.