New Jersey State Fair Opens on August 1 – Enjoy Some New Attractions with Annual Favorites

AUGUSTA, NJ – The New Jersey State Fair, fondly known as the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show to longtime locals, celebrates its opening day on Friday, August 1, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, and wraps up on Sunday August 10.

There are the annual favorite activities, such as the games, the rides, the food, the animals, the horse shows, the many exhibits and displays, the entertainment and the many things to see and do.

Events will take place at the fair every day, rain or shine.

What are the newest events fair fans will expect this year?

One of them is Circus Hollywood, with performing animals and exciting human feats. The “Globe of Death” which is a cage ball with a motorcycle within it, is one of the other features of the circus.

Other new additions are within the carnival section of the fair. The “Air Race” is a ride that is new with airplane-style cars that do barrel rolls. “Zero Gravity” is a second ride, where participants are spun around in a cage, giving a sense of zero gravity. The “Circus Train” is a train that takes participants of all ages through the circus. The “Crazy Outback” is a funhouse with Australian cartoon characters. The “Magic Maze” is an exciting glass maze to navigate through. “The Claw” is a large spinning ride that simulates an experience within a construction machine.

“Redneck Wrestling” is something new, with matches between Newton and High Point on the fair’s kickoff night, August 1. At intermission, country music will be played.

What is on the fair’s “Don’t Miss” list for this year? The Daily Horse Show, a Circus Hollywood Show, the RoNetco Family Entertainment Area, the petting zoo, and chainsaw artist are all recommended.

Monday through Friday, August 4 through August 8, the “Animal of the Day” Program will be held. Kids visiting the fair especially will enjoy this attraction, as they get to learn about and meet some of the animals at the fair.

Here is a daily recap of some of the many upcoming events at the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show:

On Friday, August 1 at 5 p.m., the fair kicks off with its opening ceremonies at the main ring. Throughout the day, there are events scheduled in the agricultural area, outdoor entertainment area, RoNetco Supermarkets Family Entertainment Area, Snook Agricultural Museum, Conservatory, Performing Arts Tent, and Greenhouse. Dream Alchemy is at the Performing Arts Tent from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. Emma Brooke performs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Powerville from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 2 includes many great things to do, including the Queen of the Fair Pageant at 7 p.m. Paul Gargiulo is at the Performing Arts Tent from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Country Cousins is on from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. and the Rated R Band from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 3 offers all of the great activities, including Demolition Derby at 7:30 p.m. Dustin Vye is at the Performing Arts Tent from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm., Country Comfort from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Nikki Briar from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Chelsea Carson from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Robin DeLorenzo from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Monday, August 4 is “Green Day,” where there is a focus on environmentally friendly businesses and residences. Demolition Derby is also on the slate of things to do, again at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 5 is “Children’s Day” with admission only $5 per child ages six to 12 years. There is a one price admission at the carnival this day from noon until 6 p.m., and ride bracelets for $22 each.

Wednesday, August 6 includes the usual fair fun, with the Circus Hollywood, Melody Farm Follies, and much more at the Shotwell 4-H Building, Performing Arts Tent, Miller Lite Outdoor Entertainment Area, Snook Agricultural Museum, and the Carnival.

Thursday, August 7 is “Senior Day” with music, presentations and more for seniors age 60 and above, with entry at $4. The one price admission for carnival rides from noon until 6 p.m. at $22 for the bracelet is also in effect.

Friday, August 8 includes the usual fair fun, with the Circus Hollywood, Melody Farm Follies, and much more at the Shotwell 4-H Building, Performing Arts Tent, Miller Lite Outdoor Entertainment Area, Snook Agricultural Museum, and the Carnival. On Friday, August 8, Rags and Bones is in the Performing Arts Tent from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, and the Burg blues Band from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 9 includes the usual fair fun, with the Circus Hollywood, Melody Farm Follies, and much more at the Shotwell 4-H Building, Performing Arts Tent, Miller Lite Outdoor Entertainment Area, Snook Agricultural Museum, and the Carnival. Sussex County’s Got Talent, also takes place at 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 10 is “Last Blast Sunday.” with adult entry at $8 per person and children and seniors are free. The carnival rides are a one-price deal once again, this time from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at $22 per bracelet. The “3 Little Pigs Auction” also takes place on this final day. There are three pigs that can be bid on, by local artists Art Frisbie, Patricia Redline and Carol Decker. The funds will benefit the Fairground Improvement Fund. Click here for more information about the pigs on display, “Rebel The Road Hog,” “Beauty,” and “When Pigs Fly,” as well as the artists.

Click here for the calendar of events and the fair’s main page, with ticket sales information and more.

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