Here Comes the Fair!

Whether it's a family tradition or your first time visiting, the Monmouth County Fair is filled with fun for every age. Held on Wednesday-Sunday, July 26-30 at East Freehold Showgrounds in Freehold, this is a highly anticipated County event. With thrilling rides, exciting entertainment, delicious food, and more, you won't want to miss this annual agricultural Fair.

Rides

Thrilling Rides

This year's rides are once again provided by Reithoffer Shows. Two rides areas will once again be available, one for smaller children's rides and another for the thrill seekers in your family. This year wristbands will be available every night at a cost of $25 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and $30 on Friday and Saturday. Single ride tickets will also be available for purchase. Ride wristbands are also available for early-bird purchase on the Reithoffer website for $25 each.

Entertainment
There's so much to experience when you visit the Monmouth County Fair. Returning Fair favorites include Robinson's Racing Pigs, Bwana Jim Wildlife Show, Mutts Gone Nuts and Hell on Wheels - BMX Stunt Show. Newcomers World of Wonders & Escape Explosions will bring the thrills of sword swallowing, knife throwing, fire eaters, escape artists and more.

Local Artist Nicole Atkins

And you certainly don't want to miss the musical entertainment hitting our Main Stage. The Moroccan Sheepherders kick things off on Wednesday night, performing a mix of classic rock covers and original music at 8:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. On Thursday night experience the indie folk band Jackson Pines, led by singer-songwriter Joe Makoviecki, at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The young musicians from Lakehouse Music Acadmeny will astound as they hit the stage on Friday at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday night will get your feet moving as local artist Nicole Atkins brings a blend of orchestrated pop and modern indie-rock at 8:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. And The Chuck Lambert Band will bring the Fair to a close on Sunday with their eclectic blues sounds at 12 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.

Vendors

FFA Farm Stand Featuring Jersey Fresh Produce

From shopping to eating, there are plenty of vendors to visit during the Monmouth County Fair. Some of this year's vendors include Country Candles, Kitchen Magic, Pete Airbrush, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, The Tooth Fairy, and so many more. Be sure not to miss the Made in Monmouth booth where you'll find a variety of goods while supporting local Monmouth County businesses. And if you're craving Jersey Fresh fruits and veggies, be sure to stop by the FFA Farm Stand to purchase some of the freshest, local produce in the area. Plus, if you need a bite to eat, there will be more than 25 food vendors to choose from, including Empanada Guy, Delicious Orchards, Sweet Carolina BBQ, Tasty Trolley, and Freehold Jersey Freeze.

So Much More

Home & Garden Competitions & Exhibits

There are countless things to see and do while visiting this year's Monmouth County Fair. Other highlights include a variety of Monmouth County 4-H exhibits and events such as animal shows, contests, demonstrations, and entertainment. The Home & Garden Tent features entries in a variety of competitions from photography to painting, fruits and vegetables to baking, and so more, plus daily demonstrations that may spark your interest in learning something new.

The Monmouth County Park System tent will feature a "Land Escapes" theme while the Living History Tent will transport you to the late 1800s with butter making demonstrations, cow milking demonstrations, music from yesteryear and more.


The only way to experience all the excitement is to join us in the fun. The Fair gates will be open from 5-11 p.m. on Wednesday-Friday, July 26-28; 3-11 p.m. on Saturday, July 29; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 30. Cost to enter is $8 per person; children 12 and under enter for free.

For more information on the Monmouth County Fair, visit our website.

The Pergola "Echo" at Deep Cut Gardens

At the far end of Deep Cut Garden’s parterre (rose garden) stands an elegant pergola. Pergolas, like gazebos, are outdoor structures used for entertainment or leisure. They are typically square or rectangular, although the one at Deep Cut is round. 

Built in 1935 by then-owner Vito Genovese, the pergola and parterre are fashioned in a style evocative of Genovese’s native Italy. Both are constructed out of local peanut stone.

The atypical shape and local stone make this pergola a special place in our parks, but it has another unique feature: an echo! If you stand in the center of the pergola, directly underneath where the crossbeams of the roof meet, you can hear an echo of your voice. You may have to adjust your feet if your first attempt is unsuccessful. Only when you are perfectly positioned in the center of the pergola will this trick work. But here’s the catch: No one else in the pergola will be able to hear the echo. Next time you visit the park with a friend or a group, try it for yourself.

For more information about beautiful Deep Cut Gardens, located on Red Hill Road in Middletown, visit our website.