Monmouth County Fair offers fun for all ages

The 2017 Monmouth County Fair will be held from Wednesday through Sunday, July 26-30, at the East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold Township.

The annual event is organized and presented by the Monmouth County Park System in cooperation with the Monmouth County 4-H, according to a press release.

“The fair is the ultimate showcase of so many of the wonderful aspects about life here in Monmouth County,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “From the Sheriff’s Department to our agriculture-based organizations, to the Public Works Department, and many other opportunities for entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy over the five days of the event.”

Organizers said each day of the fair is filled with exciting acts such as Hell on Wheels – BMX Stunt Show and World of Wonders and Escape Explosions.  Returning favorites include Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Mutts Gone Nuts, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, and Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show. In addition, there will be strolling entertainment, food, games and rides.

Rides are once again provided by Reithoffer Shows and will feature a separate Kids Zone Area. Ride wristbands will be available daily to allow fair-goers the chance to enjoy unlimited rides during their visit. The cost per day for a wristband is $25 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; and $30 on Friday and Saturday. Single ride tickets will be available daily. Rides are weather permitting, according to the press release.

Live music includes a Wednesday night show by Moroccan Sheepherders on the main stage, while Jackson Pines will perform on Thursday. Lakehouse Music Academy takes the stage on Friday, while local artist Nicole Atkins performs on Saturday. The last act to take the main stage will be the Chuck Lambert Band on Sunday.

Guests looking for the feel of a traditional county fair should head over to the home and garden competition and see the county’s finest baked goods, vegetables, flowers, and arts and craft pieces. There will be ongoing beekeeping, gardening and pottery demonstrations, according to the press release.

There will be a Living History Tent with staff members from the Monmouth County Park System’s Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold Township and Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. This year’s tent focuses on farm life in the 1890s.

The FFA of Monmouth County will have a farm stand where Jersey fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers will be available for purchase. The fair also features 4-H animal shows and exhibits.

The fair is open 5-11 p.m. July 26-28; 3-11 p.m. July 29; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 30. Admission is $8 per person; children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit www.MonmouthCountyFair.com or call 732-842-4000.