New Jersey State Fair marks 75th anniversary
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the New Jersey State Fair this weekend at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Sussex. The annual New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show will run through Aug. 9.
In honor of its 75th anniversary, event organizers are introducing new features to join the fair’s long-standing traditions that have lasted for decades, from agriculture and horse shows to exhibits, rides, and entertainment.
“We’re shaking up this year’s fair to make it the most exciting fair imaginable,” said Barbara Wortmann, executive director.
The first Sussex County Farm and Horse Show was held in 1940. After operating in Branchville for many years, it moved to its current location in Augusta in 1976. The fair has survived the Depression, a World War, and natural disasters.
The fair has always been committed to horses, agriculture, community, youth development, and family fun. Throughout the years, the event has offered concerts, petting zoos, demolition derbies, pig races, carnival rides, and more.
“There’s truly something for everyone; today, there aren’t that many activities that families can enjoy together,” she said. “But even when you have a 5-year-old, a 13-year-old, and two adults, the entire family can spend the day at the fair and everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”
With a continued focus on agriculture, the fair features equestrian shows, educational farming exhibits, and samples from a farmer’s market. There will also be animal shows and plenty of animals for children and families to visit.
“We’re really proud of the fact that we’re an agricultural fair,” Wortmann said. “Agriculture and farming have given way to new technologies, and many children think their fruits and vegetables come from a grocery store…so we love to engage people in the importance of agriculture, and offer some educational opportunities to learn more about where your food actually comes from.”
This year’s fair will also a feature exhibits detailing the history of the fair, including old photos and newspaper clippings.
“It’s really incredible to think about what that original farm and horse show has become today,” she said.
After a successful run of last year’s Circus Hollywood, this year’s fair will offer clowns, acrobats, and trained animals under a big top. The carnival area provides rides and a new attraction, Tommie Turvey, a master horse trainer, who will be making a special appearance every evening. Tommie performs feats from horseback — somersaulting from one horse to another, jumping through rings of fire, and more.
There will be a special parade and fireworks display in honor of the anniversary on the fair’s opening night, tonight.
“This is an event that people come to every single summer; I always meet parents who tell me that they came to the fair as a child, and now they’re bringing their own children,” she said.
Among the fair’s other activities are craft vendors, a demolition derby, tractor pulls, and a rodeo, in addition to a variety of food vendors.
“Everyone goes off their diet when they come to the fair,” Wortmann said. “There are so many delicious food vendors, from barbecue to seafood to traditional fair favorites like cotton candy.”
For behind-the-scenes access, a mobile app is available with maps, event schedules, and more. The New Jersey State Fair is community- and sponsor-supported.
Tickets can be purchased at The Fairgrounds office or at local partners in the surrounding areas. For daily specials and special ticket promotions, visit the website at www.njstatefair.org. Tickets are also available at the door.
“You won’t want to miss this year’s event,” Wortmann said. “There’s so much to see and do…don’t be surprised if you want to come back a few times this summer.”
NEW JERSEY STATE FAIR/SUSSEX COUNTY FARM AND HORSE SHOW
WHEN: Through Aug. 9
WHERE: 37 Plains Road, Augusta
COST: $12, $9 for seniors, $6 for children 6 to 12, free for children under 6
INFO: 973-948-5500 or www.njstatefair.org