The Los Banos May Day Fair is approaching opening April 29 to May 3 and will bring excitement to the fairgrounds on F Street with a wide range of attractions. 

This annual event features thrilling rides, interactive games, delicious food, and some of the area’s best farm exhibitors. It also highlights the hard work of students from schools across Merced County, who come prepared to showcase the animals they have raised and cared for throughout only a short period of time.

Exhibitors will begin bringing their animals to the fair on Monday the 27, marking the start of several days of competition and presentation. The event will bring in showmanship competitions held from the 29 through the 30, as well as in divisions for grades 8 through 12. These final events are a key moment for students to demonstrate their skills, dedication, and connection with their animals.

For many exhibitors, preparation for the fair begins months in advance. “As an exhibitor, I have to prepare my animal months ahead of time by spending time training it and keeping it healthy, maintaining accurate records of all expenses, and tracking its weight so that it meets requirements at the fair,” said Angelina Borelli (12).

These animals need lots of care and time. At the fair it is mandatory to feed your animal at seven in the morning and five o’clock at night throughout the day exhibitors walk, wash, and prep their animals. Borelli stated, “Though it is a lot of work, it’s all worth it in the end to compete with the other exhibitors.”

 Borelli is one of many students looking forward to showcasing her hard work at this year’s fair. She will be exhibiting more than one pig, having spent months training and feeding them since February. Through this process, she has made a strong bond with her animals while ensuring they are in top condition for competition. With an investment of approximately $800 to $900, with just even the hope of breaking even, her commitment reflects the dedication shared by many exhibitors in this upcoming fair.