UPPER FREEHOLD — The Freedom Fest State Fair is coming to Monmouth County with food, rides and musical entertainment for individuals of all ages.
The festival will run from July 8-13 at the Horse Park of New Jersey, 626 Route 524, Upper Freehold Township.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens. Children under 10 will receive free admission. Military personnel are admitted free with valid identification. Halfprice admission tickets are available at local Walgreens stores for $5.
The festival’s hours of operation are 5- 11 p.m. July 8-10 and noon to 11 p.m. July 11-13.
Nick De Mauro, manager of the Freedom Fest, said the fair started out as a local event.
“Freedom Fest began as a small church event in Allentown and sponsored local charities in the area. It was never just a carnival, [it was] a fun, family-oriented event,” he said.
The festival will feature food vendors, business representatives, and arts and crafts vendors. The fair is sponsored by nonprofit organizations.
“The fair is like a jewel in the area, and for a reasonable price it offers dozens of fun attractions,” De Mauro said.
Freedom Fest will have visits from Robinson’s Racing Pigs, the Belmont Magic Show and the Ives Brothers Wall of Death, which features stunts performed by daredevil riders.
The fair will have a petting zoo, pony rides and more than 30 amusement rides.
The John Byrne Band will perform Celtic folk music on July 8. The Glimmer Twins will pay tribute to the Rolling Stones on July 9 as part of Carload Night.
On July 10, rocking blues will be the theme of the night at Freedom Fest with performances by the Matt O’Ree Band, Eryn Shewell and Sandy Mac.
A fireworks night is planned for July 11, with entertainment provided by Tusk, paying tribute to Fleetwood Mac, and Eaglemania, paying tribute to the Eagles.
July 12 will feature southern rock with performances by Molly Hatchet, a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd by Artimus Pyle, Citizens Band Radio, and Southern Steel.
On Freedom Fest’s closing day, there will be a performance by the Gin Blossoms. Other performances that night will include Jeffery Gaines and CSN Songs, a tribute to Crosby, Stills and Nash.
From 2-7 p.m. July 12-13, fans of the television show “Lizard Lick Towing” will have a chance to meet the stars of the show, including Ron and Amy, Krazy Dave and Cousin Johnny.
De Mauro said Freedom Fest “is just a fun night for the whole family where kids can ride the rides, and parents can relax, eat and enjoy live music and entertainment.”
For more information, visit the website www.freedomfeststatefair.com.