(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- From the roar of the rides to the cheers at the pie eating contest, the Monmouth County Fair offers thrilling rides, live entertainment, and the charm of an old-fashioned county fair from start to finish. Held from Wednesday-Sunday, July 24-28, at East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold, this annual event is organized and presented by the Monmouth County Park System in cooperation with the Monmouth County 4-H.
This year’s Fair will once again feature rides provided by Reithoffer Shows and offer 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.
Each day of the Fair is filled with exciting acts such the Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show, Hell on Wheels - BMX Stunt Show and Pirate Cirque-Tacular. Returning favorites include 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 and games.
Live music is always a big part of the Fair and this year’s performers are better than ever. Wednesday night brings Start Making Sense, Talking Heads Tribute Band to the main stage while the Big House Band performs on Thursday. Jake’s Rockin’ Country Band takes the stage on Friday. Saturday features performances by the students of the School of Rock and “The Spirit of Asbury Revue” by Jobonanno & the Godsons. The last act to take the main stage is Last Whippoorwill on Sunday.
At the heart of the Fair is the Home & Garden Tent where visitors can see winning baked goods, vegetables, flowers, and arts and craft pieces from theHome & Garden Competition. (Those interested in entering the Home & Garden Competition should visit www.MonmouthCountyFair.com for details.) In addition to these displays, the Home & Garden Tent hosts ongoing beekeeping, gardening and pottery demonstrations.
While at the Fair, be sure to visit the Fair’s Living History Tent and discover the county’s rich agricultural history. Staffed by the Park System’s historic sites - Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold, and Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, - this tent offers hands-on activities, demonstrations and exhibits. Then 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 5:00pm-11:00pm on Wednesday-Friday, July 24-26; 11:00am-11:00pm on Saturday, July 27; and 11:00am-6:00pm on Sunday, July 28. 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.
The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks and Recreation agency.
