MONMOUTH COUNTY FAIR HELD JULY 26-30

FREEHOLD --- Some traditions get better with age! Need proof? Check out the 48^th Annual Monmouth County Fair at East Freehold Showgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Road, Freehold, Wednesday-Sunday, July 26-30.  From opening night fireworks to Sunday’s pie-eating contest, the Monmouth County Fair offers five days of exciting entertainment, thrilling rides, tasty food, and so much more!  And this year promises to be better than ever thanks to new acts joining the lineup.

Topping that list is the Flying Fools High Diving Show.  Both lighthearted and suspenseful, the show features acrobatic divers jumping from great heights into a 10' deep pool.  Audiences will be amazed as performers climb higher and higher with their daredevil dives.  The Fair also welcomes Aaron Bonk’s Fire, Whips & Danger Tricks for the first time.  This high-energy, family-oriented show combines death-defying stunts, comedy, fire, whip-cracking danger and juggling. 

While these newcomers will be at the Fair all five days, some are joining the festivities for a day or two.  The NOLA-influenced and Jersey-based brass band Ocean Avenue Stompers is performing on Wednesday and Thursday.  Led by Ian Gray, this rotating cast of musicians always delivers a high-spirited good time.  Thursday also brings a Team Penning Qualifying Event hosted by RSTPA (Ranch Sorting Team Penning Association). During this fast-paced sport, horses and their riders compete against other teams and the clock to pen specific cows in the herd.

Those looking for their favorite acts won’t be disappointed!  Returning this year are Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Bwana Jim Wildlife Show, The Raptor Project, Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy and, after a brief hiatus, Mutts Gone Nuts.  The Fair will also feature Tommie Turvey’s Stunt Horses & Dogs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Campy’s Blue Star Amusements is once again providing rides for the Fair.  And this year, they’re bringing “the Beast” with them!  This over-the-top ride uses a claw to rotate riders through the air as their feet dangle below.  It’s just one of the many rides that promises to thrill fairgoers.  Parents bringing their little ones will be equally thrilled to hear that there will once again be a separate kiddie area. 

Fairgoers can take advantage of the daily ride wristbands that allow them 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. Please note that rides are weather permitting.  

Each day of the Monmouth County Fair also brings 4-H shows and exhibits, live music, strolling entertainment, the Home & Garden Competition, the New Jersey Fire Museum display, Touch-a-Truck, games, food and so much more!   The Fair is open 4-11 p.m. on Wednesday-Friday, July 26-28; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday, July 29; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 30.  Admission is $8 per person; children 12 and under are free.  Veterans and active military with ID also enter for free.  On Sunday, seniors 65 and older and students with ID are free.

The Monmouth County Fair is presented by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in cooperation with the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County 4-H Association. Be sure to follow the Monmouth County Park System on social media. Upcoming Fair contests will be announced on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, offering an opportunity to win admission tickets and more.

For the most current information about the Monmouth County Fair, visit www.MonmouthCountyFair.com or call 732-842-4000.  For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.