As if the record-breaking crowds at last year’s Stanislaus County Fair were not enough, the success of the annual event was validated once more during the Western Fairs Association Convention and International Association of Fairs and Expositions, who together presented the Fair with 11 different awards. 

“The Stanislaus County Fair board members, staff, sponsors, and volunteers strive to produce an exceptional Fair year after year,” said spokesperson Adrenna Alkhas, who noted that the Fair continues to stand out as one of the best in the United States and Canada. “We take immense pride in having a Fair that is not only community driven, but produces outstanding entertainment. 

Western Fairs Association, a non-profit trade association serving the fair industry through the western United States and Canada, recognized the Stanislaus County Fair earlier this month during its 2016 convention with eight accolades: three first place awards, two second place awards, and two third place awards.

The Fair secured first place awards in both "Television Advertising" and "Online Advertising," which helped the event increase visibility, as well as a first place award in "New Innovative Use of Technology" for its social media efforts through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

Increased branding efforts through full page advertisements won the Fair a second place award in "Printed Newsletter" and the event's mobile app, which sent push notifications for events, helped visitors navigate through the fairgrounds with an interactive map and location services, and integrated social media, secured another second place award in "Mobile Marketing."

Additionally, the Fair won third place awards for "Any Other Video Used To Promote Your Fair" for increased visibility through video images on all social media channels, and for "New Children's Program" for the Lowe's "Make n' Take" projects that allowed children to "Make Their Imprint Count" at the 2015 fair.

The International Association of Fairs and Expositions, which is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation that serves state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows and expositions, also presented the Fair with three awards in November during the 125th annual IAFE Convention in Las Vegas. The purpose of this competition is to improve the advertising and publicity programs of fairs and to provide recognition for those fairs doing an outstanding job. 

The Lowe's child program, which secured the Fair an award from WFA, earned it recognition from the IAFE for "Best Sponsorship Innovation" as well. IAFE also recognized the air for "Outstanding Television" for TV commercial and "Best Division Innovation in Sponsorship." 

Last year’s Fair attracted nearly 249,000 guests, a seven percent increase from the 2014 event and the highest attendance the fair has seen in the past 11 years. The Fair has steadily increased attendance by approximately 10,000 visitors each year since 2012.

Fair concessions and Butler Amusement also experienced more business last year, which was an eight percent increase compared to 2014.

The 2016 Fair will feature a spectacular children’s area presented by Sky Trek Aviation. Also planned for 2016 are 10-nights of free celebrity concerts included with Fair admission, a total of three stages of live entertainment, upwards of 30,000 local exhibits and over 1,750 animals.  Metal-mashing motorsports and three nights of rodeo in the FoodMaxx Arena will also be featured.

The 2016 Stanislaus County Fair will open on July 8 for a 10-day run. Fair guests can count on an award-winning experience that has been over 105 years in the making. Discounted Fair admission tickets, unlimited ride wristbands, and the Fair season pass will be on sale beginning April 30. Corporate ticket sales will also be available to purchase at a highly discounted rate.  Visit the Fair’s website for upcoming ticket sale information at www.stancofair.co