RockabillyView By Jennifer Allsup
July, our half way point of summer fun, let the fireworks begin!! Whether you are sitting lakeside in a vintage bikini or taking your fancy convertible out for a nice summer drive, carnivals, festivals and fairs are a place we venture to watch the children win the games that the carnies try so hard for us to play. Animal shows and horse racing. Those killer lemonade stands with a spool full of Cotton Candy. My favorite part is that the fair brings us local and national music to enjoy!
Looking throughout the years of Stanislaus County Fair, finding the musical aspects were challenging, starting out with Turlock’s first Melon Carnival in 1911, first held in the downtown area of Main Street where farmers donated watermelons to serve under the big tent for watermelon rolling contests. Shortly after a group of musicians, gathered to become the Melon Band. The Carnival stopped in 1941 which was then called the “Stanislaus District Fair” then cancelled due to World War II. In 1942-44 a carnival was held in the downtown area to add some war time relief. The first “Stanislaus County Fair “, started in 1956. Still haven’t found any type of musical acts that were ever mentioned that played these carnivals or fairs in a many year span, sadly.
Then I came to 1984 where the crowds were filled with excitement with acts like “Paul Revere & the Raiders”, “Johnny & June Cash” and the “Marshall Tucker Band”. Wishing I was there in 1984! Price for the fair then was $2.00 for adults and .50 cents for children. Definitely would have been well worth the price of admission! The Fair presented more musical acts, and added another free stage for our local artists. This brings us to a younger generation of musical youth and some oldtimers to add to the mix. Eli Goodtimes and the Oldtimers will be playing the local stage on July 19th from 8pm-9:30. This will be the final show of Eli Goodtimes and the Oldtimes, Eli Allsup vocals and rhythm guitar, Christian E Boyatt lead guitar and vocals, Stepehen Meeker harmonica; Nathan Ignacio drums and Jacob Canada bass. I suggest if you have not seen these gentlemen, go check them out at the fair. This is especially exciting for the front man Eli Allsup, for his uncle Michael Allsup of “Three Dog Night” will be playing the night before on the main stage. Always support your local music and musicians. Every local band needs your support and performing opportunities.
Hope to see you at the show and wishing you all a safe and fantastic 4th of July! Be safe in your family adventures and enjoy MUSIC!!!
