By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
The pigs have stopped racing, the daredevils have gone home and the rides and amusements have gone dark.
The Freedom Fest State Fair, billed as New Jersey’s premiere agricultural festival, ended Sunday night at 10 p.m. after six days of festivities, food and fun at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Upper Freehold.
”The attendance was the best we have ever had,” organizer Nick DeMauro said. “The publicity Upper Freehold received was tremendous.”
Free attractions included Robinson’s Racing Pigs and the Belmont Magic Show. There were also pony rides and camel rides at Eudora Farms Petting Zoo. The Ives Brothers also made their only New Jersey appearance at the festival with their “Wall of Death,” a drome they ride motorized bikes around while fairgoers watched from the top.
”The highlights were the great bands, 101.5 broadcasting live from the fair on Saturday and News 12 NJ broadcasting live on Friday,” Mr. DeMauro said.
There were concerts every night, with entertainment provided by The John Byrne Band, The Glimmer Twins, The Matt O’Ree Band, The Eaglemania Band, Tusk, Citizen’s Band Radio, The Molly Hatchet Band, Artimus Pyle Band (Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band), 12th Southern Steel, Jeffrey Gaines, Gin Blossoms, and CSN Songs.
Fairgoers could also meet the stars of Lizard Lick Towing. There were also agricultural events daily, master gardeners and honey making demonstrations. On July 12, patrons were invited to “Organic and Healthy Eating Saturday.” “Proceeds from the event will be donated to DARE NJ, the Allentown football team and others to be determined,” Mr. DeMauro said. “It is too soon in the process to decide on donations.”

