Ocean County Fair Winds Down Today

There's still plenty to do on the last day of the Ocean County Fair, even though the fair has shortened hours, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fair visitors can pay a flat $20 to go on all of the rides today.

Admission is $6 for adults and children over 10. Children 10 and under are admitted free.

Fair organizer Kitty Meyer said some visitors are surprised to learn there is an admittance fee. The fair used to be free back when it was held at Ocean County Park.

"We had no tents, none of the amusements we have now," she said.

But the county can no longer afford to pay for the massive tents, security and some of the entertainment, now that the fair is held at Robert J. Miller Airpark on Route 530, Meyer said.

"Our tent bill alone is $20,000," she said. "People don't realize the county no longer has the money to pay for this. Nothing is free anymore. All the entertainment has to be paid for. This is no volunteer enterprise."

There are a variety of Ocean County 4-H Club events scheduled, including a K-9 fun show at 11 a.m. in the 4-H show tent, 4-H fun day at 11:30 a.m. in the horse show ring, 4-H goat fun day classes 12:30 p.m. in the 4-H show tent, the 4-H program awards at 2:30 p.m., a balloon toss at 3:30 p.m. in the show tent and a 4-H watermelon treat at 4 p.m. in the show tent.

The women's cast iron skill toss will get underway at 1 p.m. in horse ring 2. It will be followed by a children's pudding eating contest at 1:45 p.m., location to be announced.

At least two of the wolves from the Disney movie "Sorcerer's Apprentice" will be on hand. Visitors can have their pictures taken with the animals from Howling Woods Farm all day.

Also on hand all day are Bwana Jim's Wildlife Show, chainsaw carving demonstrations by Dennis Beach, Bounce Oo La La and Daniel and the ever-popular hot dog pig races.