🎡🍭🥧Plenty of county fairs in New Jersey this summer!

It’s Monday, New Jersey!

☀️Weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

👀What’s on tap today

• Attend a county fair in New Jersey this summer

• New study: Gratitude may lead to a longer life

• Pickleball has some competition. Try Padel

Up first…

County fairs in New Jersey this summer

This summer, New Jersey's county fairs will feature plenty of laughter, music and merriment. These annual celebrations, steeped in tradition and community spirit, offer a perfect escape from the everyday routine. For seniors, county fairs offer a chance to reminisce, indulge in delightful treats, and spend time with grandkids. Here’s a list of county fairs taking place across the state this summer.

Cumberland County Fair
July 9 – 13
This exciting event features a variety of fun activities and attractions for all ages. Enjoy thrilling rides, delicious fair food, and live entertainment throughout the week. Don’t miss the livestock shows, where you can see some of the finest animals in the region. There will also be games, contests, and special events each day, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Bring the whole family to experience the joy and excitement of the fair.
3301 Carmel Rd, Millville, NJ
Cost: $5, Kids 6 and under are free

Ocean County Fair
July 10 – 14
This five day family event features entertainment, rides, food vendors, 4-H Animals & Displays, and more.

Burlington County Farm Fair
July 16 – 20, 4 pm – 10:30 pm
This annual family event promotes agriculture, social life, and youth as well as educating the general public by conducting a yearly agricultural fair with exhibits, livestock, and farm products. The activities include: carnival rides, 4-H events, animals, food, vendors, live entertainment, pig races, tractor pulls and much more. Guests on Opening Night will also be treated to a special fireworks display. This year’s theme is Christmas in July.
Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road, Springfield Township, NJ
Cost: Free. $15 – $30 per car to park

Cape May County Fair
July 18 – 20
The Cape May County 4-H Fair, a beloved annual tradition, returns to Cape May from July 18 to 20. Hosted by the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program, this fair offers an array of family-friendly activities, showcasing the talents and achievements of 4-H members. Attendees can explore animal exhibits, enjoy thrilling rides, and indulge in classic fair food. The fair also features live entertainment, educational displays, and fun contests for all ages.
4-H Fairgrounds, 355 Courthouse South Dennis Rd, Cape May Courthouse, NJ
Cost: Free. $10 for premium parking

Monmouth County Fair
July 24 – 28
There will be a variety of shows and exhibits, including 4-H showcases, thrilling rides provided by Campy’s Blue Star Amusements, and live music on the main stage. You won’t want to miss Robinson’s Racing Pigs, the Bwana Jim Wildlife Show, and The Raptor Project. For some laughs and impressive skills, check out Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy and Aaron Bonk’s Fire, Whips & Danger Tricks. Get ready to be amazed by the Flying Fools High Diving Show and capture fun memories at Goodwin’s Good Time Photo Booth. On Thursday and Friday, you can even meet Crunchy the T-Rex! Additionally, you’ll find living history displays, home and garden demonstrations, and interactive displays by the Monmouth County Park System. Don’t forget to explore the commercial vendors and indulge in delicious food from various vendors.
East Freehold Fairgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Rd, Freehold, NJ
Cost: $10, kids under 12 are free

Morris County Fair
July 26 – 28
This family-friendly event features a variety of attractions, including animal exhibits, thrilling rides, and delicious fair food. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, participate in fun contests, and explore educational displays showcasing the talents and projects of 4-H members. The fair also offers unique events such as the popular pet show and horse show.
High View Farms, 416 Sand Shore Rd, Mt Olive, NJ
Cost: Free. Suggested $5 donation for parking

Warren County Farmers’ Fair
July 27 – August 3
The 2024 highlights for the annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair include the Main Arena events, Hot Air Balloon Festival, Traditional Arts Expo, Kids’ Corral, 4-H shows and competitions, more free concerts highlighting local bands, for your enjoyment. Get your demolition derby and rafter z rodeo advance tickets via mail order. A beer garden this year will feature Czig Meister, Invertase and Buttzville Breweries. 1350 Strykers Rd, Phillipsburg/Harmony, NJ
Cost: Adults: $10, Ages 6-12: $5, Children 5 and Under Free (includes both the Farmers’ Fair and the Balloon Festival)

Mercer County 4-H Fair & Wheat Threshing
July 27 & 28
This event features animal shows and exhibits, homemade ice cream, hay rides, pony rides, music magic shows and farm tours. On Saturday, Howell Farm’s 2022 wheat sheaves will be fully dried and ready to be “threshed” to separate the grain and straw. Live music featuring the Jugtown Mountain String Band, Magnolia Street String Band, and Crown Acoustic.
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ
Cost: Free

New Jersey State Fair – Sussex County Farm and Horse Show
August 2 – 10
The New Jersey State Fair – Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, running from August 2 to 10, offers a vibrant celebration of agricultural heritage and community spirit. Held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, the event features an array of attractions, including livestock exhibits, horse shows, agricultural displays, and a variety of entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, games, live music, and a diverse selection of food vendors. With activities for all ages, the fair provides an engaging and fun-filled experience for families and fairgoers alike.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ
Cost: Adults (13-59)- $15, Veterans/Active Military – $7, Child (6-12) – $5, Seniors (60+) – $10

Middlesex County Fair
August 5 – 11
The Middlesex County Fair, taking place from August 5 to 11, is a lively event that brings together the local community for a week of family-friendly fun and entertainment. Hosted at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds, the fair features an exciting lineup of attractions, including carnival rides, games, live entertainment, and a variety of food vendors. Visitors can explore agricultural exhibits, craft displays, and enjoy performances by local talent.655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $10 for adults, $4 for seniors over 65 and kids age 3-10. Multi day passes available as well

Salem County Fair
August 6 – 9
The Salem County Fair, held from August 5-9, 2024, is a family-friendly event celebrating agricultural heritage. Located at the Salem County Fairgrounds, the fair offers livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, contests, and a variety of entertainment options. With no admission fee and $20 parking for all five days, it provides an affordable and engaging experience for all attendees
Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Harding Highway (Route 40), Woodstown, NJ
Cost: Free, $20 parking for all 5 days

Somerset County Fair
August 7 – 9
The Somerset County 4-H Fair, held from August 7-9, 2024, at North Branch Park in Bridgewater, NJ, is a cherished community event that highlights the achievements of 4-H members. The fair features local entertainment, delicious food, and family-friendly activities, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees. The event provides a platform for 4-H clubs to showcase their projects and promotes community engagement and support for local businesses
North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ
Cost: Free

Atlantic County Fair
August 9 & 10
The Atlantic County 4-H Fair, taking place on August 9-10, 2024, at the Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds in South Egg Harbor City, NJ, offers free admission and $5 parking. The event features a car show, crab cake and chicken BBQ dinners, baby and pet parades, a pie-eating contest, and more. Ride specials are available with wristbands for $25 per day. The fair provides family-friendly fun with a variety of activities and exhibits.
Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds. 3210 Rt 50, South Egg Harbor City, NJ
Cost: Free. $5 parking

Hunterdon County Fair
August 21 – 25
The Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair runs from August 21-25, 2024, at the South County Park Fairgrounds in Lambertville, NJ. The fair offers free admission and $15 parking, featuring livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, rides, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The event showcases local talent and provides an engaging community experience.
South County Park, 1207 Route 179 Lambertville, NJ
Cost: Free. $15 Parking

Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival
September 20 – 22
The three-day event at Overpeck Park features a giant carnival from Midway Carnival, a variety of food options including festival food and gourmet treats from food trucks, and over 75 exhibitors selling arts, crafts, collectibles, and more on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Additional attractions include county farm displays, live music, and fit & wellness demonstrations. The event concludes with a fireworks display on Saturday evening at 8pm.
Overpeck County Park, 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ
Cost: Free

Navigating Aging

• Gratitude May Bring Longer Life: Senior women who scored high on a gratitude test had a 9% lower risk of early death compared to those who scored lowest. HealthDay

• Pickleball Has Some Competition: Try Padel: The game debuted in Acapulco in 1969 and is popular in Mexico and Latin America. Now Padel is making quite a racket in the U.S. Next Avenue

• Lack of Affordability Tops Older Americans’ List of Health Care Worries: A new wave of research highlights the reach of these anxieties. When the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging asked people 50 and older about 26 health-related issues, their top three areas of concern had to do with costs: of medical care in general, of long-term care, and of prescription drugs. More than half of 3,300 people surveyed in February and March reported being “very concerned” about these issues. KFF Health News

Today in New Jersey history

• 1967: Newark riots begin: The Newark Riots, a major civil disturbance, started on July 8, 1967. This event was triggered by long-standing racial tensions, police brutality, and economic inequality. The riots lasted for six days and resulted in 26 deaths, numerous injuries, and extensive property damage. The Newark Riots were a significant part of the larger Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

• 1746: The College of New Jersey is granted a charter: On July 8, 1746, the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University, was granted its charter. This prestigious Ivy League institution, located in Princeton, has since become one of the leading universities in the world, known for its rigorous academics and influential alumni.

• 1808: The Morris Canal is authorized: On July 8, 1808, the New Jersey Legislature authorized the construction of the Morris Canal. This canal played a crucial role in the transportation of coal and other goods across the state, significantly contributing to New Jersey's industrial growth in the 19th century.

Today's Birthdays

Happy 83rd Birthday to Hal Petersen of Nutley! 🎉Wishing you a wonderful day filled with joy and celebration. 🎂🎁 Enjoy every moment with family and friends in beautiful Nutley. 🌳🥳 Cheers to many more fantastic years ahead!

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Hal include children’s musician Raffi is 76; celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is 75; actor Anjelica Huston is 73; and actor Kevin Bacon is 66.

Thought for Today

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😊See you tomorrow!