Friday Starts the Annual Firemen's Fair: A Fair Haven Tradition

The last week of August marks a bitter-sweet time for the people of Fair Haven: the end of Summer and the annual Firemen's Fair. 

"The Firemen's Fair is an integral part of Fair Haven," said Mayor Michael Halfacre. "It is an event that people look forward to all year long. It marks the end of summer, and provides an excuse for reunions of all types."

The annual Firemen's Fair is a long time tradition for Fair Haven. The first fair began after the turn of the century. It was developed then, as it is now, as a fundraiser for the local fire department. After building construction in 1958, the Fair moved to it's current location at the Fire House Grounds.

The Fair Haven Firemen's Fair is the longest running fair in the state of New Jersey. The Fair runs from Friday, August 26th through Saturday night of Labor Day weekend. The fair is closes on Sunday, but re-opens on Monday.The hours of operation are 6PM to 11PM. The founding fathers of Fair Haven chose the last week of August to hold the fair because that week is known to be the quietest and driest week of the summer weather wise.

Do to the length of the fair, Fair Haven holds an attendance record for the most visitors at any single event. "The fair attracts tens of thousands of people every year," Halfacre said. Each night, the fair attracts thousands of people at various times throughout the evening. Times that by eight nights, and the number will start to grow quite large.

It takes a lot of time and volunteerism to organize such a large event. Three members of the (FHFC) volunteer to form a committee and organize the fair. Andy Shrank, John Feeny and Jim Butler form the committee this year and have been hard at work making sure the Fair will be a success.

"We started planning and setting up for the fair August 1st," said Schrank. "It takes about 125 people a night to run the Fair. No one gets paid, everyone volunteers. Its pure love." Volunteers are made up of members and residents of the community.

The Firemen's Fair is widely known as a family fair and citizens of Fair Haven take pride in that. The fair offers many different attractions for people of all ages. Two different places to eat are set up at the fair. There is restaurant style eating that sits about 150 people. Fresh seafood is brought in daily and the main and most popular courses are flounder, shrimp, scallops, and clams.

"People are in the kitchen at 6:00 a.m. preparing the seafood and setting everything up to serve for dinner that night," Schrank said. "The food we serve here is some of the best food you can get at any fair in New Jersey."

The second place serving food at the fair is the hot dog booth where they serve hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, snow cones, cotton candy and more.

Known to be the cleanest and safest amusement rides, Majestic Amusements provides all the rides. From thrill seekers to small children, the Firemen's Fair will have a ride for just about anyone. Besides the rides, a miniature golf course and fire truck rides are also offered at the Fair.

As far as games, the Fair has over 14 games of skill and chance with many different prizes. For the older crowd, there is a cash wheel and a 50/50 raffle. The grand-prize will be a constant 50/50 that will run through out the fair and be given out on the last night. Last years winner took home $26,177. Wednesday night is Family Night and it will cost one ticket less to get on each of the rides.

More then the Fair being a fundraiser for the Fire Department, it is an important tradition for the town of Fair Haven and the people that live there."Though this is a fundraiser for the FHFC, the money is not what is most important," Schrank said. "What's most important is the community, the families and the tradition this Fair brings to Fair Haven."

Trudy Felsmann, member of the Ladies' Auxilliary of the fire company, says she has been coming to this fair with her family for as long as she can remember. "This Fair means a lot to Fair Haven," Felsmann said. "There are many generations of fire fighter families that participate in this fair and the tradition is such a wonderful thing for this town." Kirstin Felsmenn, daughter of a FH Fire Fighter, says her favorite part about the fair is the ice cream and rides.

The Firemen's Fair is in many ways what Fair Haven is known for. For such a small town to have such a large fair, the attraction reaches out across the state. "The Fair is part of Fair Haven's character. It's small, friendly and has everything you want," said Mayor Halfacre.

The Fair celebrates the greatness of small town America. From the delicious food, the fun rides, and the familiar faces - the Fair Haven Firemen's Fair is an important tradition for Fair Haven and we hope to see you there!