RINGOES: 4-H Fair features fiddles, fireworks and fun

Now through Sunday

A "Farm to Table" auction, garden tractor pulls, amusement rides and all kinds of 4-H shows are all part of the 15th annual Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair that began Wednesday and runs through Sunday at the 4-H Fairgrounds in South County Park on Route 179 near Ringoes.
At almost all times, there are events taking place in each of the four animal barns, entertainment on the Main Stage, shows and demonstrations in the horse ring, contests and presentations in the dog tent and draft horse activities.
For the complete schedule, go to the fair website at www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/4hagfair.htm.
Dan "Dr. D" Torrone, a former Hunterdon 4-H sheep club member, handles the Main Stage activities. This year he is introducing a new daily segment — "4-H Live on Stage" performances.
Each afternoon, club members will take the platform. On opening day, for instance, the county Dairy Princess "Spectacular" will take place, with the new princess and her court — a group of younger 4-H members — giving a presentation to promote milk and milk products.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, "Circus Incredible" will perform right next to the stage. The high-wire act features aerial artistry, acrobatics and balancing and includes fifth- and seventh-generation members of the famed Wallenda family of circus act and daredevil stunt performers, Mr. Torrone said.
The Beth Coleman Band, a bluegrass group, and Dave Bond and Real Country, a traditional country group, play on Thursday evening. Mr. Bond is a Ringoes farmer and retired farm equipment dealer, who was in partnership with Roger Everitt, president of the fair board.
It’s free ice cream sundaes for all on Friday starting at 2 in a dairy industry promotion.
Friday night is the Tracy Lee and Ravine River Band (they’re a little bit country, Mr. Torrone says) and the Large Flowerheads, celebrating the pop rock of the ’60s and ’70s. "They’re a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, Mr. Torrone added.
When darkness falls, a fireworks show will continue a Friday-night fair tradition.
Saturday’s main music attraction is Johnny Counterfit, a "comedian impressionist," with his Time Travelers Band in concert. Coming from Nashville, he does voice impressions of singers, actors and politicians, in clean comedy, music variety and non-partisan political humor.
For many, the highlight on the fair’s final day will be the Flemington Speedway Historical Society program from noon to around 4 p.m. The program will include interviews with former racers at the speedway at the former Flemington Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Raritan Township. Old race cars are displayed during the fair’s run.
The Hunterdon 4-H Fair was created in 2000 after the owners of the privately owned Flemington Fairgrounds ceased holding it and closed the speedway.
The fair has been at South County Park since 2004. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. through Saturday, and closing at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Parking costs $10 (shared with the volunteer fire companies whose members supervise the parking fields), but there is no admission charge.