Monmouth County Fair July 27-31 This Year

Freehold, NJ - From opening night fireworks to pie-eating contests, the Monmouth County Fair, now in its 42nd year, offers all the excitement of an old-fashioned county fair with a modern flair.

The fair will be Wednesday-Sunday, July 27-31 this year, at the East Freehold Showgrounds on Kozloski Road, Freehold.

Organized and presented by the Monmouth County Park System in cooperation with the Monmouth County 4-H, the Fair maintains the agricultural nature of a traditional county fair with its Home and Garden Competition and 4-H animal shows and exhibits. Those looking for excitement should be sure to catch the High Flying Pages, Mutts Gone Nuts, and Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy acts. Returning favorites include the Firefighter’s Competition, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, and Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show.

At the heart of the Fair is the Home & Garden tent. See the county’s finest baked goods, vegetables, flowers and arts and craft pieces as residents compete for the honor of calling theirs the best. Inside the Home & Garden tent, fairgoers will also enjoy ongoing beekeeping, gardening and pottery demonstrations.

Once again, the FFA of Monmouth County will run a farm stand. Fairgoers can purchase Jersey Fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers. Proceeds will be used for FFA student activities.

“The Monmouth County Fair is a wonderful mid-summer tradition that showcases our deep roots in agriculture and continues the traditions of the past,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Park System and 4-H Association. “Families bake, grow and create blue ribbon entries and memories that will last a lifetime. Generations of families and visitors to the Jersey Shore can stay connected to a simpler time by attending this late July event.”

Those looking to learn more about the county’s agricultural heritage should stop by the Living History Tent and meet with staff from the Park System’s Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold and Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. Each year, the Living History Tent highlights an aspect of life as it was in Monmouth County years ago. This year’s tent focuses on leisure and recreation activities that were popular during the Victorian era. Fairgoers will have the chance to hear music from the 1890s and play old-fashioned lawn games and board games. Activities include croquet, base ball and horseshoes.

Entertainment is a big part of the Fair and this year’s performers promise to deliver. Wednesday night brings The Amish Outlaws to the main stage while Dr. Cheeko performs on Thursday. Rockit! Count Basie Live takes the stage on Friday while Jet Weston and His Atomic Ranch Hands perform on Saturday. The last act to take the main stage is The Chuck Lambert Band on Sunday.

The Fair just wouldn’t be the Fair without rides! Once again, the Fair rides are provided by Reithoffer Shows and will feature a separate Kids Zone Ride Area that’s perfect for younger children. Ride wristbands will be available on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday for $25 per person. These wristbands allow fairgoers to enjoy unlimited rides during their session. Tickets for the rides will be available daily. Please note that rides are weather permitting.

Fair hours are 5-11 p.m. on Wednesday-Friday, July 27-29; 3-11 p.m. on Saturday, July 30; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 31. 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.