Annual event to be held Saturday on grounds of municipal building.
By: Linda Seida
WEST AMWELL There is something for everyone at the 11th annual West Amwell Country Fair on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
For the kids, there will be enough action and activity to wear out even the most energetic among them. The young ones can take a ride on a pony or go on a hay ride, have their faces painted, be entertained by a clown and play games.
They also can meet some of the "residents" who share the region every day but seldom swoop in for a visit: the hawks and owls from the Mercer County Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Less wild but equally interesting farm animals also will be there, as well as farm displays and other exhibits.
Along with adults, children also can learn about the environment, and how products like oil and pesticides create pollution when they get into the local streams. The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association will explain it with an "enviroscape" model, which gives an aerial view of what happens when pollutants get into the groundwater.
There also will be music, a performance by the South Hunterdon Regional High School Marching Band, and a dunk tank for local politicians and candidates.
Contests will include one for pie eating and another for produce. The produce contest will have two categories: fresh garden or orchard produce, and canned fruits, vegetables, jams or jellies.
The fresh produce will be judged on color, freshness, uniformity and presentation.
The canned items will be judged 75 percent on taste and 25 percent on general appearance.
Entries should be dropped off at the municipal building Saturday between 9 and 10 a.m.
At 12:30 p.m., the contest winners will be announced. Prizes and ribbons will be awarded.
Booths and tables will feature information from the local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, schools and township boards and committees.
The fair will begin at noon with an opening ceremony, flag salute and the high school’s marching band.
Cake walks are scheduled for 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Timbo the clown will perform at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Pie-eating contests are scheduled at 2 and 4 p.m. Hay rides and pony rides will be available from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
For the first time, the fair will be held on the grounds of the municipal building at 150 Rocktown-Lambertville Road. The event has outgrown Hewitt Park.
Parking and admission are free.