On July 29 the Monmouth County Fair ended on a wet note when a summer rain storm forced an early closing on its fifth and final day at the East Freehold Park showgrounds in Freehold Township.
Interestingly, while it rained repeatedly in other parts of the county up until then, the fair enjoyed four solid days of dry weather, steady attendance and lots of fun.
Even minus the popular pie-eating contest that usually caps off the last day, the 2007 fair attracted 65,500 visitors.
This year’s event featured many of the usual crowd-pleasers – all different types of entertainment from pig races, reptile shows and 4-H demonstrations to music on the main stage, foods of every color and variety (the frozen chocolate-covered bananas looked tasty), and critters from all corners of the farm, including some very large rabbits competing in 4-H-sponsored events.
Butterfly gardens, environmentally friendly pesticides and composting demos were on display in the Home and Garden Tent, where judges also graded the most beautifully grown flowers, produce and herbs along with drawings, photos, crafts and some very elaborate baked items from local artists and cooks. In all, more than 1,470 ribbons and trophies were awarded to area competitors.
A special thank you is in order to the sponsors who make many of our most popular events a reality: JCP&L First Energy Foundation for the Home and Garden Tent; Tri-State Building Specialties for the racing pigs; K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital for the petting farm; and Verizon for the lumberjack show. Wemrock Orchards once again donated the tasty pies (which were donated to local nursing homes after the contest was rained out).
Finally, as fair chairman, I especially appreciate the hard work put in by all the staff to make this event a reality. I’d like to personally thank the 2007 Park System Fair Committee, as well as all the talented coordinators from 4-H for their hard work.
This cooperative effort between the Monmouth County Park System and the 4-H Association is a great summer tradition that provides affordable family fun and great memories for all.
Drew D’Apolito
chairman
2007 Monmouth County Fair
Freehold Township