MARIACHI VARGAS TO CLOSE STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIR

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan is the grand finale for the Stanislaus County Fair’s 2008 summer concert lineup.

Mariachi Vargas will perform at the Stanislaus County Fair on Sunday, August 3, 2008, at 8:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage. The concert is hosted by Radio LOBO 98.7 and is included with Fair admission.

“Mariachi Vargas has withstood the test of time and proved itself to be an ever-changing, yet traditional musical group,” said Pennie Rorex, spokesperson for the Stanislaus County Fair. “This is a great way to wrap up our 10 nights of free concerts.”

Mariachi Vargas started over 110 years ago in Tecalitlan, Mexico and has since continued the tradition of great music and brotherhood. The group has appeared in more than 200 motion pictures and was featured on Linda Ronstadt’s Grammy winning Spanish album in 1987. Since its foundation, the group has reorganized many times—changing members and changing instruments. However, one thing has not changed—the group’s ability to entertain audiences without the abandonment of roots and tradition. This is clearly heard in their latest recordings: “5^ta Generacion,” “Sinfonico I,” “Sinfonico II” and “Penas, Desenganos…Y Amores.”

The Stanislaus County Fair’s 2008 lineup on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage includes:

• Clay Walker – Friday, July 25, 2008

• Bowling for Soup – Saturday, July 26, 2008

• Sawyer Brown – Sunday, July 27, 2008

• Building 429 and Matthew West – Monday, July 28, 2008

• Little Big Town – Tuesday, July 29, 2008

• The Doobie Brothers – Wednesday, July 30, 2008

• Raven-Symoné – Thursday, July 31, 2008

• The Beach Boys – Friday, Aug. 1, 2008

• The Temptations – Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008

• Mariachi Vargas – Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008

The 2008 Stanislaus County Fair opens Friday, July 25 for a 10-day run. Discounted Fair admission tickets, arena event tickets and unlimited ride wristbands are now on sale. Visit www.stancofair.com for complete ticket sale details.

This year’s Stanislaus County Fair is themed “Nuts are DINO-mite,” a salute to the valley’s robust nut industry. The Almond Board of California, a major sponsor of the Fair’s themed tribute, will be offering free samples of almonds each day of the Fair.

New to the 2008 Fair will be Jurassic Journey, an 8,000 square foot life-size dinosaur replica exhibit. The dinosaur exhibit is sponsored by Sky Trek Aviation and is making its California debut at the Stanislaus County Fair.

In 2008, the Stanislaus County Fair was awarded a first place award for the best Overall Children’s Program by the Western Fairs Association. The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, education, entertainment and technology.