The New Jersey State Fair Is Getting Ready For The 75th Anniversary Celebration!

AUGUSTA, NJ—Get ready for fun, because this year’s Fair is set to be the biggest and best ever! In preparation for the 75th Anniversary of this state-wide spectacular, event organizers are bringing new and exciting features for the community to enjoy—while still maintaining the excellent traditions that have lasted for decades. Executive Director Barbara Wortmann welcomes old and new Fairgoers, promising that “we are going to shake up this year’s Fair to make it the most exciting Fair imaginable!”

The first Sussex County Farm and Horse Show was held in 1940! After operating in Branchville for many years, it moved to its current, spacious location in Augusta in 1976. The Fair has withstood Depression, a World War, and natural disasters, always coming back strong! From the start, The Fair has been committed to horses, agriculture, community, youth development, and family fun. The 1976 Bicentennial Fair caused one of the worst traffic jams in Sussex County—fortunately, we are now well-equipped to handle the traffic. Through the years, The Fair has offered concerts, petting zoos, demolition derbies, pig races, carnival rides, chain saw art, and more!

This year’s Fair will feature a trip down memory lane. Enjoy exhibits detailing the history of the fair, and reminisce with old photos, newspaper clippings, and more. Make sure to follow The Fairgrounds on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and see if you can find pictures from “back in the day.” For behind-the-scenes access to the most exciting elements of the Fair, download our mobile app! Available on iTunes App Store, Google Play, and the Windows Store, it is your go-to source for all the fun the Fair has to offer!

In support of the continued focus on agriculture, there will be a strong agricultural presence at this year’s event. Watch the beautiful equestrian shows, learn about farming, or sample some fresh foods from the Farmer’s Market. Visit the animals in the AG area, or have your kids participate in Animal Day, a special event full of furred and feathered creatures! Most of all, be prepared to have fun!

Last year’s Circus Hollywood was so successful; we are bringing it back again! Get ready to watch your favorite clowns, acrobats, and trained animals dazzle under the big top. Once you’re finished, head over to our Carnival for some thrilling rides, or check out our latest attraction—Tiny the Elephant! Brought to you by the Liebel Family Elephant Act, Tiny will dazzle the crowd alongside her human assistance, dancing and performing tricks that your family will remember for years to come.

The New Jersey State Fair is 100% community- and sponsor-supported. As a a non-profit, we do not receive any state or federal funding. We thank our loyal supporters, and are always looking for more! Sponsors receive prime partnership and advertising opportunities in addition to doing the best to help our community.

“You won’t want to miss this year’s event!” Barbara Wortmann reminds us. “There’s so much fun, you’ll want to come back a few times this summer!” Tickets for this year’s Fair are: $12 adults, $9 seniors, $6 children 6-12, free for children under 6, $8 adults after 8:30, veterans free! Megapass (1 day admission and ride bracelet – advanced ticket purchase only!): $28 Adults, $25 children. Tickets can be purchased at The Fairgrounds office or at local partners in the surrounding areas. For daily specials and a full list of places to purchase advance tickets, please visit The Fairgrounds website at www.njstatefair.org. Not an advanced planner? Don’t worry; tickets will also be available at the door at regular price.

The Fairgrounds is located at 37 Plains Road, Augusta, New Jersey. Office hours are currently from Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. For more information, contact The Fairgrounds at 973.948.5500, email thefair@njstatefair.org, or visit www.njstatefair.org.