(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Fair is marking its 50th anniversary with opening night hot air balloon rides and a spectacular firework display (both are weather permitting). Held at East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold, this year's event runs Wednesday-Sunday, July 23-27. Hours are 4:00pm-11:00pm Wednesday-Friday, July 23-25; 11:00am-11:00pm on Saturday, July 26; and 11:00am-6:00pm on Sunday, July 27.
"On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, I’m thrilled to invite everyone to join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Monmouth County Fair,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. "There will be special attractions to mark the occasion and also to launch the countdown to America’s 250th anniversary with historical performances and entertainment for all ages! You don’t want to miss this exciting event!"
Packed with excitement, the Monmouth County Fair features live entertainment, 4-H shows & exhibits, the Park System's exhibit Nature Through a Lens, and more. Acts include Wonderzone Dinosaur Zoo, DAWG Pro Wrestling presents DAWG Days of Summer, Andrew’s Big Show, Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show, Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Mutts Gone Nuts, Tommie Turvey's Stunt Horses & Dogs, and more.
The Fair also features live music, rides and games. Main stage entertainment includes performances by Yasgur's Farm on Wednesday night; Mission Dance Band on Thursday night; Nicole Atkins on Friday night; Yellow Brick Road - A Tribute to Elton John on Saturday night; and Rock It Academy and Jackson Pines on Sunday.
Those looking for thrills should be sure to check out the rides provided by Reithoffer Shows. Ride wristbands will be available daily and allow fairgoers the chance to enjoy unlimited rides during their visit. The cost for each wristband is $30 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; and $35 on Friday and Saturday. Please note that rides are weather permitting.
At the heart of the Monmouth County Fair is the Home & Garden Competition. Categories include crafts, needlework, art, photography, vegetables, flowers, and baked goods. Details for individual categories are listed in the Home & Garden Brochure, available online at www.MonmouthCountyFair.com. This year’s competition features Black Jar Honey and on-site native plant flower arranging competitions. After judging, entries will remain on display in the Home & Garden Tent.
"The Monmouth County Fair is a fantastic opportunity for both residents and visitors to experience the award-winning Park System and celebrate Monmouth County’s proud agricultural heritage," said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. "With live entertainment, the Home & Garden Competition, and a wide variety of vendors, the Monmouth County Fair truly has something for everyone to enjoy."
General admission to the Monmouth County Fair is $10 per adult; children 12 and under are admitted free. Half price admission will be offered during the first two hours of each day; 4:00pm-6:00pm Wednesday-Friday; and 11:00am-1:00pm Saturday & Sunday. Veterans and active military with ID also enter for free. On Sunday, seniors 65 and older and students with ID 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.
The Monmouth County Fair is presented by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in cooperation with the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County 4-H.
