Thrilling carnival rides, games and fair food will return to the Merced County Fairgrounds as Butler Amusements Inc. presents a new summer carnival.

This family-friendly event runs Thursday through July 11 and will feature approximately 20 carnival rides, 12 carnival games and three fair food booths.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under, and children 36-inches tall and under are free. Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands are available for $30 at the event. Price paid for admission is credited towards each Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband purchase. No re-entry will be allowed.

The Merced County Fair Board of Directors and fair CEO unanimously made the difficult decision in March to cancel the 2021 Merced County Fair, scheduled to be held June 9-13. The decision was made based upon the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19 and restrictions on large public events in the state.  The fair did, however, host a modified in-person livestock show and sale.

“We started off with our Fair Food Favorites in May, then our successful Livestock Show & Sale in June and now we’re moving on to thrilling carnival rides in July with Merced Summer Carnival,” said Teresa Burrola, CEO of the Merced County Fair. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Butler Amusements Inc. to bring some summer fun back to the Merced County Fairgrounds for our community to enjoy, as we know this attraction was greatly missed without our traditional fair the last two years.”

Featured carnival rides include: The Giant Gondola Wheel, Freak Out, Rock Star, Himalaya, Raptor, Area 51, The Zipper and more. Featured fair food include: Funnel cakes, ice cream and fried treats such as fried Twinkies, Snickers and Oreos; corn dogs, nachos, popcorn, cotton candy, caramel and candy apples, churros, snocones, fresh squeezed lemonade and lemonade slushees.

For more details, visit www.mercedcountyfair.com/merced-summer-carnival