While final attendance numbers are still being calculated, it was easy to see massive crowds of smiling fairgoers at this year’s Merced County Fair, held June 4-8. Local families and people from around the region showed up to enjoy everything from attractions and shows to food, exhibits and carnival rides.
As always, livestock drew big crowds and support from the community which is evident in this year’s fundraising total which broke last year’s record! The Small Animal Auction, Dairy Replacement Heifer Sale and the Jr. Livestock Auction generated an incredible $1,637,107.75 in sales across 823 animals sold (compared to $1,561,780.50 in 2024).
Meanwhile, the “Feed Our Community” food drive benefitting the Merced County Food Bank collected a total of 4,826 pounds of food to help fight hunger in the region, surpassing last year’s total of 3,789 pounds.
And for the fourth year in a row, thanks to presenting sponsor Valley Children’s Healthcare, kids 12 and under were free into the Fair every day. Seniors also got in for free on opening day thanks to Dignity Health – Mercy Medical Center. Additionally, there were free rides to the fairgrounds from the Downtown Transpo Center and North Transit Hub thanks to a partnership with The Bus; a total of 624 passengers took advantage of this service; an increase from last year’s total of 439 people.
Fair CEO bids farewell
The theme was “Let The Good Times Roll” and the 2025 Merced County Fair certainly did just that.
Fair CEO Teresa Burrola credited Valley Children’s Healthcare, Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center, and many others for making the biggest event in Merced County happen once again this month of June.
“As always, a tremendous amount of work, and love, has gone into making this event special,” she said at the opening ceremony. “From our Board of Directors and fair staff to our vendors, exhibitors, partners, and volunteers, thank you. You are the heart of this fair.”
Burrola presented the Sponsor of the Year Award to Joseph Farms California Natural Cheese. “They have been an active sponsor and Fair supporter for many years, and have continued to increase their involvement,” she said. “This year they were fundamental in bringing our vision for the new Farm to Fair attraction to life. We are extremely grateful for their partnership.”
Meanwhile, Burrola herself received some honor and recognition for her 27 years of service to the County Fair. The CEO is stepping down from her position this month. She started as a temp worker in 1998 and ended up serving under four different CEOs until she took the lead role in 2015.
“Teresa has made sure this Fairground was there not just for celebration, but also in times of crisis — opening our gates as a fire camp, evacuation site, and emergency resource hub,” said Mark Errecca, the president of the fair’s Board of Directors. “Teresa, your legacy is one of strength, community, and vision. Thank you for everything you’ve done — and for everything your leadership will continue to inspire.”
When asked by the Times what it is like to now walk away from such a long and fruitful career, Burrola responded by saying, “It’s been a labor of love, but I just feel like I have made my mark, and it is time to bring in new synergy. I really appreciate the time that I had — I mean 27 years is a great run.”
She continued to reflect on the importance of the Merced County Fairgrounds to the community as a whole: “The Fairgrounds is a cherished treasure. We go from cradle to grave — we host weddings, baptisms, quinceneras, funerals, and even offer space in times of emergency. And it continues on. There’s going to be some great works coming along.”
Burrola is credited for expanding Hispanic entertainment and the Grandstand lineup, launching the popular Pre-Party fundraiser, and helping to lead the community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Garcia Farms Produce was named the 2025 Junior Livestock Buyer of the Year for many years of support to 4-H and FFA efforts at the Merced County Fair.
The Merced County Fair Board of Directors and the Junior Livestock Auction Committee presented CASA of Merced County with the 2025 Outstanding Service Award for its many years of support to 4-H and FFA during the livestock exhibitions at the fair.
Merced County Fair Board member Mark Pazin presents the Western Fair Association Blue Ribbon Award to the Merced Sheriff Explorers in recognition of their dedicated support to the annual fair.
Merced County Supervisor Scott Silveira proved he’s still one of the best auctioneers in the region by helping out at last Saturday’s Junior Livestock Auction.
Jori Garcia of Le Grand 4-H, at right, and her team deserve a lot of credit for bringing back the Friends Helping Friends event at this year’s Merced County Fair. She is seen here with her father, County Supervisor Jim Pacheco and an Elks member. The Elks served a free lunch for all the attendees!
FFA members were on hand so that people living with special needs could enjoy a close encounter with the animals.
A group from the Central Valley Training Center enjoy the fair during the Friends Helping Friends event on Friday.