The New Jersey State Fair: Aug. 3-12, 2007

The New Jersey State Fair is an extremely popular event that draws crowds of people from all over the Northeast. In fact, people come from all over to attend the ten-day event that has something for everyone. With reasonable entrance fees and no cost for parking, the New Jersey State Fair is an excellent value as a day trip for anyone within driving distance. Approximately a quarter of a million people attend this event each year. The event has been made notable by it's inclusion in the national Geographic Travel magazine and it's designation by the American Bus Association as one of the top one hundred events in North America. Even though it is held in rural Sussex County, NJ, This is not your typical small country fair.

The history of the fair dates back to 1821 and to the traditional Sussex County Horse Show. The fair continues to have a focus on agriculture and livestock; in fact, this is the largest livestock event in New Jersey. The event also includes a wide range of art, music and food events to appeal to a wide audience. Visitors can see displays of bee keeping, typical farm animal exhibits and enjoy concerts and great artwork displays. Visitors may be surprised to learn that New Jersey also has a considerable llama and alpaca farming community. The horses show continues to be a large focus of this even and includes a wide variety and huge number of horses including thoroughbreds and farm horses.

This year's concerts include Jerry Lee Lewis and the Killer Band, The Outlaws. Robb Taylor Band, Southern Fury, and Dangerous Dan Toler, former guitar player of the Allman Brothers. The concerts have an additional fee, so check the website for times and cost.

The free outdoor entertainment this year includes a demolition derby, lawnmower racing, tractor pull, monster truck show and a cyclocross/BMX event. This year there will also be a polka contest, talent show and a chainsaw sculpture artist auction. There are many events for kids and rides are abundant. There is of course an abundance of foods, many grown or made locally as well as options form all over the world

Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children with discounts for buying online and parking is free. The event is held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Plains Road in Augusta, NJ.