Celebrations and Festivals
Around Merced County
Exhibit Opening at the Courthouse Museum

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Merced County Courthouse Museum will open the “Celebrations and Festivals Around Merced County” exhibit on Thursday, March 13, at 5 p.m. From older traditions, such as the 4th of July parade, to newer customs, such as the Lao New Year celebration, these vibrant festivals bring people together and offer a fascinating glimpse into different cultures. Featuring 65 annual events, the exhibition is arranged in six categories: traditional, seasonal, agricultural, social, local, and cultural. It explores how different newcomers, settlements, and the development of the local economy and industries have shaped Merced County’s cultural landscape and enriched its social fabric. During the exhibit opening at 6 p.m., Dan Nelson of Los Banos will talk about the May Day Celebration/Spring Fair; Mary Ann Bloom of Gustine, Portuguese Festa and Bloodless Bullfight; Patti Kishi of Winton, Japanese New Year Celebration and Mochi making; and Ye Thao of Merced, Lao New Year Celebration. The program and exhibit are free to the public. For more information about the exhibition, please contact the Museum office at (209) 723-2401.


4th of July and Lao New Year
4th of July and Lao New Year


2016 Atwater 4th of July parade with Georgia Johnson as Grand Marshal in the 1919 fire truck by The Merced County Times
2016 Atwater 4th of July parade with Georgia Johnson as Grand Marshal in the 1919 fire truck by The Merced County Times

Los Banos May Day Parade was the second most attended parade in the state in 1954 (2nd to only the New Year's Rose Bowl Parade)
Los Banos May Day Parade was the second most attended parade in the state in 1954 (2nd to only the New Year's Rose Bowl Parade)

Portuguese Festa in Gustine, 2011
Portuguese Festa in Gustine, 2011

Shaman Bouaphanh Phengsavanh at the Laotian New Year Parade, 1988
Shaman Bouaphanh Phengsavanh at the Laotian New Year Parade, 1988