Food, rides and musical entertainment for people of all ages will be on the schedule when the Freedom Fest State Fair takes place from July 8-12 at the Horse Park of New Jersey, 626 Route 524, Upper Freehold Township.
Admission will be $15 for adults and $7.50 for individuals over the age of 65. Children under 36 inches tall will receive free admission. Pre-event tickets ($5 off) are available at Walgreens.
Admission includes unlimited rides, parking and entertainment. Festival hours will be 5-11 p.m. July 8-9; noon to 11 p.m. July 10-11; and noon to 10 p.m. July 12.
The festival will feature an international food court, a farmers market, and business and craft exhibitors.
Nick De Mauro, manager of the Freedom Fest, said, “The festival is all about freedom and exploring its roots and talking about it further. It also exemplifies the agricultural aspect of the state.”
Freedom Fest will include a visit from Robinson’s Racing Pigs, magic and hypnosis shows by Lance Gifford and Company, pony rides and camel rides from Eudora Farms Petting Farms, and live sharks from the Shark Adventure.
Tusk will perform a tribute to Fleetwood Mac on July 8. Eaglemania will perform songs made popular by the Eagles on July 9. Nashville country duo Megan and Liz will also perform on July 9.
On July 11 the headline entertainment at 8 p.m. will be the Rock of Ages Band featuring Constantine Maroulis from Broadway’s “Rock of Ages.” The night will also feature musical performances from the River Dogs, Crazy Uncle, Reverse Order, and Human Wheels paying tribute to John Mellencamp.
“Our entertainment this year is huge and we have great shows planned,” De Mauro said.
A fireworks show is planned for July 11, as is Organic and Healthy Eating Day which will include demonstrations from master gardeners and herb tasting.
On July 12 there will be a performance by The Outlaws, with additional music provided by the Artimus Pyle Band paying tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Southern Steel. Pyle was a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The headline performance will begin at 7 p.m.
The New Jersey Education Association will offer free admission to any educator who belongs to the union, according to De Mauro.
Other attractions will include a nightly horse show, agricultural exhibits, a carnival midway and games of skill.