STOCKTON - You can take Dad out to the ball game, to a soccer game, to the golf course, or to the movies.

But this year’s Father’s Day happens to fall on Sunday, June 16. And that means you can also take out Dad to a whole day of fun at the San Joaquin County Fair for multiple times the fun. And it just happens to be the last day of the family-oriented annual fun at the fairgrounds on South Airport Way and Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue that opens this Wednesday at noon.

There are multiple events and attractions that cater to whatever individual taste that fathers enjoy – from musical entertainments featuring big-time names in the industry on the grandstand and elsewhere, animal shows and competitions showcasing the agricultural abilities and skills of FFA and 4-H students throughout the county, pig races, a BMX show, and tractor pulls.

Appearing on the Suzy Haner Stage on Sunday at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. will be the California Cowboys. On the Silver Bullet Stage will be Scotty & Trink scheduled to appear at 1, 2:30, 4 and 5 p.m.; the Rock On! Karaoke Band at 7 p.m., and Stephen Lord at 1:30, 3, 4:30 and 6 p.m.

Fathers will be able to enjoy the day with Mom and kids at the Family Fun Zone Stage which will have the Gossamer Magic at 5 and 7 p.m., Jeff Stiffler at 6 p.m., and Manteca’s own Idol winner singer Cheyenne Milligan at 6:30 p.m. Attractions for Dads who like entertainment with a Hispanic flavor are also available on Father’s Day: Ballet Folk Estrellas at 12:30 p.m., Ballet Folk De Frank Zapata at 2 p.m., Las Fernandes at 3 p.m., and Central Valley Latinos at 8 p.m.

For Fathers with a yen for cowboy-oriented entertainment, scheduled on Father’s day is the International Bull Riding event.

The traditional regular fair offerings in the county fairgrounds’ buildings will be available throughout the day as well. These include community exhibits and ag mechanics in Bldg. 1; fine arts, photography, mechanical drawing, and woodworking in Bldg. 2; commercial exhibits in Bldg. 3, clothing and textiles as well as foods, arts and crafts in  Bldg. 5, and horticulture in Bldg. 6.

The bonus part of a day’s treat to this year’s San Joaquin County Fair – admission is free, but you may need to fork out a few dollars for food and drinks and parking.



By ROSE ALBANO RISSO

209 staff reporter