Monmouth County Fair Kicks Off July 24

Written by Elaine Piniat

The 39th annual Monmouth County Fair is set for Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 28.

The fair, which is said to “offer all the excitement of an old-fashioned county fair with modern flair,” features a Home and Garden Competition, 4-H animal shows and exhibits as well as entertainment.

There will be Paragon Jousting, a E3 Skateboarding Stunt Show, Hell on Wheels BMX Stunt Show, a Fere Thrill Show, pig racing, dog demonstrations and Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show.

The Home and Garden tent will have baked goods, vegetables and flowers and arts and craft pieces. There will also be beekeeping, gardening and craft demonstrations. Fair-goers can participate in a pie-eating contest or the children’s cake/cupcake decorating contest.

The Future Farmers of American chapters in Monmouth County will run a farm stand in the Agriculture Tent. Fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers can be purchased. All proceeds will benefit FFA student activities. Antique tractors will be on display, and children can play “Guess the Vegetable” at this tent.

The Living History Tent will feature historic gadgets with demonstrations and activities.

An antique and classic auto show will take place Sunday, July 28 featuring antique/production autos to 1932, production cars from 1933 through 1985, sports cars to 1985 and fire trucks to 1972. Street rods, modified cars, racecars and motorcycles will also be at the show, which will be judged by the Antique Motoring Club of Monmouth County. Trophies will be awarded for Best in Show, Longest Distance, Oldest Vehicle and Chairman’s Choice.

Entertainment will include performances by The Benjamins on Wednesday night, Brian Kirk and the Jirks on Thursday, the Amish Outlaws on Friday, Daddy Pop on Saturday night and 1910 Fruit Gum Company on Sunday.

A variety of rides will also be on site. Ride wristbands can be purchased for $20 per person Wednesday, July 24 from 5 to 10 p.m.; Thursday, July 25 from 5 to 1 p.m. and Sunday, July 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Monmouth County Fair, organized by the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County 4-H, will be at the East Freehold Showgrounds on Kozloski Road in Freehold. Fair hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is $7 per person; children 12 and under are free.

For more information visit www.monmouthcountyfair.com or call 732-843-4000.