There will be something for people of all ages to enjoy at the 41st annual Monmouth County Fair.
“We are gearing up for another five days of traditional family fun, along with some new highlights,” said Karen D. Jarmusz, assistant superintendent of recreation, Monmouth County Park System.
The Monmouth County Fair will take place July 22-24 from 5-11 p.m., July 25 from 3-11 p.m. and July 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the East Freehold Showgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township. Approximately 75,000 visitors are expected to visit this year’s event, Jarmusz said.
New rides will be provided this year by Reithoffer Shows and will include Avalanche, Wild Claw, Tornado and Zero Gravity. Classic rides, such as the Gentle Giant Ferris Wheel, Grand Carousel and Fun Slide will also be featured. A separate area for young children will offer the Circus Train, Hot Wheelz, Jumping Jumbos and Snowball Express.
Visitors to the fair can purchase wristbands for unlimited rides on any one wristband day. Ride wristbands can be purchased at http://reithoffershows.com/buy-megapass for the discounted price of $23 each. The online sale of wristbands ends July 21.
Wristbands will also be available for purchase at the fair for $25. Wristband days are July 22, 23 and 26.
Entertainment will take center stage at the fair with different performers each night. The Amish Outlaws will play their eclectic style of music at 8:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. July 22. The 11-piece Motor City Revue will cover Motown hits at 8:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. July 23. Dr. Cheeko will perform party island music at 8:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. July 24.
The six-piece country band After the Reign will play at 8:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. July 25. NYC Dueling Pianos, a part rock show and part comedy show, will take the stage at noon and 1:45 p.m. July 26.
Children ages 7-10 are invited to join in the cupcake decorating contest at 5 p.m. July 25, while children ages 11-14 can sign up for the cake decorating contest at 6:30 p.m. July 25. Participants are required to bring all necessary supplies and must register by July 22.
For the pie eating contest, children 12 and under will compete at 1 p.m. July 26, and individuals age 13 and up will compete at 1:15 p.m. July 26. Pies will be donated by Wemrock Orchards, Freehold Township.
Other highlights will be a fireworks display on July 22 at 9:15 p.m.; a home and garden competition; a produce stand from the FFA; and 4-H displays and performances.
“The home and garden competition offers member of the community an opportunity to show off their talents from homemade canned goods and honey, homegrown fruits, vegetables and flowers, to photography, arts, crafts and baked goods,” said Christina Carlson, recreation program coordinator at the Creative Arts Center of the Monmouth County Park System.
Fair admission is $8. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
The Monmouth County Fair is organized and presented by the Monmouth County Park System in cooperation with the Monmouth County 4-H Association.