MERCED – Beneath the scorching Merced sun, a different kind of dedication was on full display at the annual Merced County Fair. While thrill-seekers chased adrenaline on carnival rides and fairgoers savored delicious treats, a dedicated community of 4-H and FFA members, alongside their unwavering families, lived and breathed the spirit of agricultural showmanship. For these young individuals, the fairgrounds transform into a week-long testament to hard work, passion, and the undeniable bond between youth and their animals.