Get Ready: The Monmouth County Fair Is July 26-30

FREEHOLD, NJ — Call it an unforgettable family outing, a local tradition, or even the highlight of the summer. No matter how you look at it, the Monmouth County Fair promises to thrill. Held from Wednesday-Sunday, July 26-30, at the East Freehold Showgrounds on Kozloski Road in Freehold, this annual event pulses with energy while retaining the charm of an old-fashioned county fair. The Monmouth County Fair is organized and presented by the Monmouth County Park System in cooperation with the Monmouth County 4-H.

“The Fair is the ultimate showcase of so many of the wonderful aspects about life here in Monmouth County,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “From the Sheriff’s Department to our agriculture-based organizations, to the Public Works Department, and many other opportunities for entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy over the five days of the event. Bring your family and friends and experience first-hand some of the special people and programs that make up this great county!”

Each day of the Fair is filled with exciting acts such as Hell on Wheels - BMX Stunt Show and World of Wonders & Escape Explosions. Fairgoers will delight in returning favorites including Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Mutts Gone Nuts, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, and Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show. In addition, there will be strolling entertainment, food, games, and, of course, rides.

Those looking for the feel of a traditional county fair should head over to the Home and Garden Competition and see the county’s finest baked goods, vegetables, flowers and arts and craft pieces. In addition to the displays, there will be ongoing beekeeping, gardening and pottery demonstrations.

Sure to delight thrill seekers of all ages, the rides are once again provided by Reithoffer Shows and will feature a separate Kids Zone Area. Even better, ride wristbands will be available daily to allow fairgoers the chance to enjoy unlimited rides during their visit. The cost per day for a wristband is $25 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; and $30 on Friday and Saturday. Single ride tickets will also be available daily. Please note that rides are weather permitting.

Live music is always a big part of the Fair and this year’s performers promise to deliver. Wednesday night brings Moroccan Sheepherders to the main stage while Jackson Pines performs on Thursday. Lakehouse Music Academy takes the stage on Friday while local artist Nicole Atkins performs on Saturday. The last act to take the main stage is The Chuck Lambert Band on Sunday.

Delve deeper into Monmouth County’s agricultural roots by visiting the Living History Tent and meeting with staff from the Park System’s Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold and Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. This year’s tent focuses on farm life in the 1890s. Then be sure to stop by the FFA of Monmouth County’s farm stand where Jersey fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers are available for purchase. The Fair also features 4-H animal shows and exhibits.

The Fair is open 5-11 p.m. on Wednesday-Friday, July 26-28; 3-11 p.m. on Saturday, July 29; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 30. Admission is $8 per person; children 12 and under are free. Be sure to follow the Monmouth County Park System on social media. Upcoming Fair contests will be announced on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, offering an opportunity to win admission tickets and more. For more information about the Fair, visit www.MonmouthCountyFair.com, or call 732-842-4000.

Photo supplied by the Monmouth County Parks System