There’s a wonderful event at the Merced County Fair that doesn’t take place under the carnival lights at night.
It’s called Friends Helping Friends.
This is an event when community volunteers come together to provide students and adults with learning disabilities and physical challenges a chance to enjoy a day at the fair.
People from all over the county are bused to the fairgrounds and given exclusive tours of the livestock and community exhibit areas.
They are led by young, local 4-H students. The guests enjoy live music, dancing and a free lunch cooked and served by the great people of the Merced Elks Club.
Special thanks also goes to everyone who made the event possible, including teachers, volunteers and local organizations, such as the Friends of the Fair, the University of California 4-H, the Merced County Cooperative Extension and the Hilmar Cheese Company.