California Fairs   Merced County Fair, Over 100 Years of Fun     MERCED - Merced County Fair. 119th Annual Fair runs through June 20. Highlight performances include Sons of San Joaquin, and Clay Walker. Time: Daily. Cost: $10 approx. Location: 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced, CA 95341. Phone: (209) 722-1506.  mercedcountyfair.com   Merced, California-- Merced County Fair is one of the most authentic country fairs in all of California. The animals seem bigger, stronger, and healthier, and the people who come for competitions and entertainment know how to have a great time. From car derbies to bronc bull riding, the midway with funnel cakes, to the exposition halls with quilts, cakes and photo contests, this is a fair that has a flair. This is real cowboy country living and laughing.   History:   Merced County Fair was founded in 1891, and has been held nearly every year since its launch. The Lennon Sisters of Lawrence Welk’s weekly TV variety show, were hosted by The Merced County Fair in 1966. From past fair events, in 1939 you could have seen: Hollywood's Famous Lone Yodeling Cowgirl, Famous 7 year old Frankie Cavatalo, fruits & vegetables galore, and the proclamation that Gustine was the dairy center of the U.S. From the Fair Program for 1939: "Merced, the all-year, all-weather gateway to Yosemite valley is one of the central stopping points on Highway 99 and eastern terminal for Pacheco Pass travel. Its geographical location affords immediate access to many of the world's most alluring and photographed beauty spots.  From Merced the tourist may drive comfortably, within his own time limit, over "table top" roadways to a countless number of nature's showplaces. One well-traveled rout over which thousands of visitors tour annually is the Merced-Los Banos-Gustine "Loop" trip. The interesting city of Dos Palos and surrounding farm area may be conveniently included in one's itinerary.  Driving time required to complete this trip is about two and one-half hours. Total distance is approximately 120 miles.