July in the Central Valley is always a hot prospect. While nowhere near as hot as last week's record 104 to 106 degree temperatures, the thermometer will hover around the 90 degree mark as the Stanislaus County Fair makes its 2016 debut on Friday.

Knowing sweltering days are on their way, fair staff members have been preparing for the inevitable heat that California summers always bring.

“Our fair is one of the best shaded fairs in California,” said Adrenna Alkhas, marketing and communications director for the Stanislaus County Fair. “Our fair also starts at 5 p.m. on the weekdays with concerts starting at 8:30 p.m., which helps with having the cooler weather.”

The fair will also be offering several different escapes for fair patrons to get out of the elements and cool off.

"We ask all our guests to make sure they keep hydrated and we have made changes in having a few more lounges for our guests. Such as the Baby Care Center, which allows nursing moms to have a comfortable, air conditioned place to nurse, change babies or rest inside,” said Alkhas. “We also have the Modesto Toyota ReCharge station where guests can relax while charging their mobile devices.”

Amidst all the people attending this year’s fair trying to beat the heat, there is an entirely different set of residents that will be looking to stay cool as well.

Every year, hundreds of farm animals are shown at the fair by 4-H and FFA clubs from high schools around the Central Valley.

Thanks in large part to Turlock-based Associated Feed and Supply, now even the animals enjoy a cool, relaxing time at the fair.

“Associated Feed gave us a generous donation last year and we were able to update all of our barns for the animals with cooler air coming in to help not only the animals but the kids showing,” said Alkhas.

The upgrades included new and more powerful fans —designed to use less energy while circulating more air and they are positioned to blow directly over the animals —  new rabbit cages, sturdier pens, a new show ring and wash stations among other features.

Thanks to the Modesto and Turlock Irrigation Districts, 4-H and FFA kids participating in showing livestock will also have a chilly place to hangout.