From hip-hop to big band, entertainment at the Monmouth County Fair has a different flavor each night. Hiphop dance group Illstyle and Peace Productions kicks off the fun when they take the stage on July 27 at 8:30 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. Rooted in hip-hop, the group blends an eclectic mix of dance and performance disciplines including tap, ballet, DJing, beatboxing, and spoken word.
July 28 brings the Klez Dispensers, an American-style klezmer group with jazz and folk tones, at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Music lovers are sure to appreciate the talent of rising country and western singer Sherry Lynn when she graces the stage from 9-10:30 p.m. July 29. A New Jersey native, Sherry Lynn is due to release her second recording this summer.
Hold on to your hats when Latin sensationAlô Brasil takes over on July 30 at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. These 12 musicians, accompanied by costumed dancers, promise to draw the audience into a “tornado of rhythm and sound.”
Last, but certainly not least, the Silver Starlight Orchestra will perform at noon and 1:15 p.m. July 31. Audiences will be dancing to the sounds of this 20-piece big band.
Monmouth County’s volunteer firefighters are ready for anything and they will prove it at the fair. At 7 p.m. July 27, the Busted Hose and Ladder Competition will give fairgoers a chance to see teams of local firefighters in action. The busted hose event features six firefighters in full gear racing to replace a section of hose and shoot at a target. Fire companies from throughout Monmouth County will compete.
On July 30 the fair will feature canines who like to work and play hard. First, at 3:30 p.m., meet volunteers who raise and socialize dogs for the Seeing Eye guide school as they demonstrate how their puppies are trained. At 4:45 p.m., watch working dogs in action during a demonstration by the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit. These highly trained dogs work year round keeping residents safe.
At 6 p.m., the Bayshore Companion Dogs Club will perform agility and rally demonstrations. This club can help pet owners learn how to better handle their dogs. Then it’s fun and games at 8:15 p.m. when the Performance Canine Association and Paw Pals hold a lure coursing demonstration.
And, be sure to catch some live entertainment new to this year’s fair, like Tommie Turvey – Horse Stunt Rider and Riders of the Thunderdome – Motorcycle Stunt Show, as well as fair favorites including DLW Timber Works Lumberjack Show, Bwana Jim’s Reptile Show and Robinson’s Racing Pigs.
The Monmouth County Fair runs from July 27-31 at the East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold Township. Admission is $7 per person; children 12 and under are free.
The Monmouth County Fair is organized and presented by the Monmouth County Park System in cooperation with the Monmouth County 4-H Association.