By Christina Whittington, Special Writer
SPRINGFIELD — Burlington County celebrated its rich agricultural history last week when the 146th annual Burlington County Farm Fair returned to the township from July 18 through July 21.
It marked the second consecutive year the fair took place at the new Burlington County Fairgrounds.
This year’s theme was “Bounty of the County,” which, according to an event press release, “aims to capture the essence of the agricultural flavor of Burlington County.”
The fair opened at 9 am July 18 and 8 a.m. July 19, 20 and 21 and closed nightly at 11 p.m. It had something to offer fairgoers of all ages.
Various 4H animal contests, exhibits and shows took place daily throughout the day. Many farm animals were showcased at the fair, including chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, cows and horses. Fairgoers were able to get an up-close-and-personal look at these various animals as well as ask questions of the handlers.
Marcus Reyes of the New Jersey All Breed Pigeon Club, who had various Valencia Figurina pigeons on display in the 4-H Fancy Feathers tent, was excited to share his love of raising pigeons with fairgoers.
”We are trying to get young kids interested in raising pigeons,” Mr. Reyes said. “The hobby of raising pigeons is slowly declining.”
Shane Grady, of Shamong, a member of the Fancy Feathers 4-H Club, was eager to answer questions about his 4-year-old guinea hen, Mwenda, which he raised from a chick.
”Its fun to be with the birds. They all have different personalities,” he said.
The midway opened daily at 4 p.m. with dozens of rides for all ages. Each day, rides were reduced by one ticket from 4 to 7 p.m. Boardwalk style games also were on the midway for various ages and skill levels.
An antique farm equipment revue also took place daily at 5 p.m.
Tractor pulls were a special attraction of the fair. The Central Jersey Tractor Pullers Association put on these events, which featured adult tractor pulls July 19 and on Saturday and garden tractor pulls Saturday.
Children’s tractor pulls also took place every night.
Nightime entertainment consisted of live music and contests such as men’s spike driving and women’s skillet throwing.
The Future Farmers of America of Northern Burlington was on hand with a display about the club. As part of its exhibit, it had a hay bale toss for children and adults.
Kathy Potts, of Mansfield, one of the five advisors for the Northern Burlington FFA, said, “These kids are down-to-earth, honest, happy and love what they do.”
Ms. Potts said there are about 300 students in the agriculture program in which “there is now a statewide focus on the biotechnological aspect of agriculture.”
One of the ongoing exhibits, “Farmer for a Day,” which was sponsored by the Burlington County Board of Agriculture, was an interactive display for children to experience the different aspects a farmer encounters on a daily basis.
Activity tables filled with corn, soy and grain allowed children to play with tractors on them. A wooden cow was also on display for children to “milk.”
According to Sara Swiernik, of Burlington, a member of Farm Bureau Women, which assists in the “Farmer for a Day” exhibit, “We wanted to give the kids an idea of the different jobs a farmer does every day.”
For some, it was the first time they had attended the fair.
Joe and Paula Appio, of East Windsor, came to the fair July 19 for the first time.
”We were visiting our daughter who lives in Delran, and she told us about the fair,” Mr. Appio said. “We decided to meet our daughter and her family down here (at the fair) and check it out.”
Julie MacKinnon, of Delran, and her family also attended the fair July 19.
”This was our first year attending,” she said. “We know some people at the Remax office in Columbus, and they were giving hot air balloon rides. In the end, Remax was unable to take anyone up in the hot air balloon.
She added, “The kids went on some rides, and we had dinner. My family had a nice time, and we enjoyed all the Amish baked goods.”
For others who attended the fair, it was an ongoing tradition.
”I grew up here,” said Danny Koon, of Browns Mills, who came to the fair on July 19. “I came here every year growing up. I enjoy seeing all the animals and the farming aspect of the fair.”
Kevin Hetzel, of Medford, also at the fair July 19, came back for the second year in a row.
” The fair is great for the kids, and I like the agricultural aspect of it, and, of course, the kids love the rides,” Mr. Hetzel said.
Colleen Murphy, of Burlington Township, went to the fair Saturday with her family.
”This wasn’t our first year coming to the fair,” she said. “It was the second year going to the new fairgrounds, but we have gone years before to the old location. It’s very family oriented for any age. We had a great time. The kids loved to see all the different animals, pet them, hear about them and see the different awards they won.
She said her children also loved the rides, and “we will probably come back next year.”

