(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- The best part of summer is almost here! The Monmouth County Fair opens on Wednesday, July 27 and runs through Sunday, July 31. Held at East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold, this annual event is presented by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in cooperation with the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County 4-H Association. Brimming with excitement, the Fair features opening night fireworks (weather permitting), rides, live entertainment, Home and Garden Competitions, 4-H shows and exhibits, and more.
This year’s rides are provided by Campy’s Blue Star Amusements and will once again feature a separate Kids Zone Ride Area for younger children. Families with little ones will enjoy the Puppy Chase, Berry Go Round, Teacups and more. Those looking for excitement should check out the Gravitron, Ring of Fire, and Scrambler.
Ride wristbands are available daily and allow fairgoers to enjoy unlimited rides on any one day. The cost of each wristband is $25* on Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday; and $30* on Friday and Saturday. Reloadable ticket cards* will be also available daily. (*For purchases using a credit card and/or at an automated kiosk, a $2.00 convenience fee will be applied at time of purchase.) Please note that rides are offered weather permitting.
Entertainment is always a huge part of the Fair and this year’s promises to be better than ever with acts including Hell on Wheels - BMX Stunt Show, Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Ready GO Dog Show, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show, Amazing Feats of Comedy Show with Michael Rosman, and The Raptor Project - Birds of Prey. Several days will also feature equine horse shows by Jeff Wilson and Tara Jones.
Musical entertainment on the Main Stage each night includes performances by The Haven, Chuck Lambert Band, Yasgur's Farm, Zydeco Revelators, Waiting on Mongo, Dark City Strings, and School of Rock Red Bank House Band. Dates and times are listed at the end of this article.
The Fair is open 4:00pm-11:00pm on Wednesday-Friday, July 27-29; 11:00am-11:00pm on Saturday, July 30; and 11:00am-6:00pm on Sunday, July 31. Admission is $8 per person; children 17 and under are free.
Each day of the Fair also offers live music at the Main Stage. The schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, July 27 - The Haven from 8:00pm–8:45pm & 9:30pm–10:15pm
Thursday, July 28 - Chuck Lambert Band from 8:30pm–10:00pm
Friday, July 29 - Yasgur’s Farm from 8:30pm–10:00pm
Saturday, July 30 - Zydeco Revelators from 4:30pm–6:00pm and Waiting on Mongo from 8:30pm–10:00pm
Sunday, July 31 - Dark City Strings from 12:30pm–2:00pm and School of Rock Red Bank House Band from 4:15pm–5:00pm
TOP PHOTO: Zydeco Revelators
