New Jersey State Fair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show |
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Incorporated in 1940
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| Genre | Agricultural Fair |
| Dates | August |
| Location(s) | Augusta, New Jersey |
| Website | The New Jersey State Fair |
The New Jersey State Fair is a super fun event that happens every August. It takes place at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, New Jersey. It's a big agricultural fair, which means it celebrates farming and country life!
Since 1999, the New Jersey State Fair has been held together with the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. Lots of people visit each year, about 220,000! Locals often call it the Sussex County Fair. Don't mix it up with the State Fair Meadowlands. That's a different carnival held in June in East Rutherford.
Contents
What the Fair is All About
The main goals of the New Jersey State Fair / Sussex County Farm and Horse Show are:
- Show off New Jersey's amazing farms and crops.
- Give everyone safe and fun things to do.
- Teach people new things.
- Help young people grow and learn.
- Raise money for local charities.
What You Can See and Do
The New Jersey State Fair is an exciting yearly event. It happens during the first week of August. You can find it at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.
As a traditional farm fair, it has many cool things to see. You can watch animal competitions. There are also food tasting contests. Kids in 4-H clubs show off their projects. You can see amazing crafts too.
Horse Shows and Competitions
Horse lovers will enjoy the AHSA-approved horse competitions. These include the Sussex County Grand Prix. You can also see the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur-Owner Classic.
Other Fun Fair Favorites
The fair has many other popular activities. There's an annual fiddlers contest. You can also watch the Queen of the Fair competition. Don't miss the exciting demolition derby! There are also oxen and tractor pulls. Of course, you'll find plenty of carnival rides. You can also explore exhibits from local groups.
Helping the Community
A special tradition at the fair is giving back. The money earned from the fair goes to local charities. This tradition has been happening since 1933.
The Fair's History
The fair's story began a long time ago, in 1923. A riding club in Sussex County held a horse show. It was just for the children of its members.
Growing Over the Years
The horse show became bigger and bigger. It was held every year in Branchville, New Jersey. This happened from 1933 to 1975. Then, from 1976 until today, it moved to its current spot in Augusta, New Jersey.
Name Changes Through Time
The fair had a few different names. From 1936 to 1940, it was called the Sussex County Horse Show. Then, from 1940 to 1999, it was known as the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.
In 1999, something big happened. The Sussex County Farm and Horse Show bought the rights to the New Jersey State Fair name. This name used to belong to a fair at Garden State Park in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. After that, the fair officially became the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.
Times the Fair Didn't Happen
There were a few years when the fair didn't take place. It was paused from 1942 to 1945 because of World War II. It also didn't happen in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gallery
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Constructing the American flag using K'NEX
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Donkey judging contestant
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Carnival ride
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Honeybee exhibit
