The Merced County Fair and Valley fair food vendors have gained much success with the new “Fair Food Fridays” event at the Merced County Fairgrounds. The event series launched on Friday, May 1, drawing lines of cars all waiting to get their fair food favorites like corn dogs, kettle corn, Icees and cotton candy at special pandemic pricing. Although this event draws a long line of cars, the events have run smoothly, with most getting their food within 30 minutes.
The list of available foods includes: Corn dogs, ICEE in souvenir cup, cotton candy, small and large kettle corn, caramel kettle corn, French bread pepperoni pizza, funnel cake with powdered sugar, funnel cake with fruit and whip cream, funnel cake with chocolate, fruit and whip cream, and a six pack of frozen or hot cinnamon rolls with frosting on the side.
Despite the recent cancellation of the 2020 Merced County Fair, CEO Teresa Burrola wanted to bring the taste of the fair for the community to still enjoy, while supporting the fair’s Valley food vendors and their families who have been hit hard by COVID-19 and widespread cancellation of fairs and events throughout the state.
“We wanted to bring something positive to the fairgrounds and give the community something fun to do while still aligning with the pandemic guidelines,” said Burrola. “So we came up with the idea to have a drive-thru food event. It has definitely put a smile on people’s faces and our food vendors could not be more thankful for the support. We look forward to continuing our ‘Fair Food Fridays’ throughout the month and into June.”
The Merced County Fair’s “Fair Food Fridays” is a drive-thru, to-go only food event with special pandemic pricing. This event is cash only, with the exception of Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls who will accept card. For more details, call (209) 722-1506 or visit www.mercedcountyfair.com/fair-food-fridays.
Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; dates are May 29 and June 5, along with June 11, 12 and 13.
Merced County Fairgrounds is at 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced. Enter the fairgrounds from 11th Street and exit on Childs Avenue.
