State Fair Meadowlands will return, bigger and better than ever, to East Rutherford this summer, with 19 days full of action-packed fun for all ages.

New Jersey’s largest, annual familyfriendly event will run daily June 17 – July 5. This year’s fair will feature four new shows – Piccadilly Circus, with daring acrobats, hilarious clowns and majestic circus animals; Sea Lion Splash, a splashy and educational summer pleaser with funny, lovable sea lions; a thrilling Aerial Stunt Show featuring the original Batcopter from the “Batman” TV series and movie; and Hell on Wheels Trilogy BMX Show. Entertainment to these and other shows is free with entry ticket.

“Every year, we try to outdo ourselves and make State Fair the best and most exciting event possible for fun-seekers in the tri-state area. This year’s new acts, combined with our extensive array of food, rides and bargain ticket days, will help over 400,000 people keep fun close to home this summer,” said Al Dorso, president of State Fair at the Meadowlands Fairgrounds.

The fair will feature 50 food vendors and over 150 rides and attractions for all ages, with crowd-pleasing performers, thrilling rides, games, exhibits, shopping and special ticket deals. In addition to this year’s new shows, free nightly entertainment will include hypnotist Steve Bayner, racing pigs, Festival of Magic, and World of Wonder/Palace of Illusion, a real oldfashioned oddities show. The fair will also offer free concerts. Families can relax in the Kid Zone, a grassy area with picnic tables, umbrellas and space for parents and kids to unwind, according to Dorso.

This year’s food vendors will offer a wide selection, including the “donut burger” – a freshly grilled burger with cheese and bacon, in between two Krispy Kreme donuts – as well as jambalaya, cheese steaks, barbecue, pizza, Greek, Asian and Mexican delicacies, salads, ice cream, funnel cake, deep fried Oreos, flavored potato chips on a stick, and of course, cotton candy. The shopping zone will feature DVDs, jewelry, candies, clothing, arts and crafts, candles and more.

This year’s special events include a visit from the original fully refurbished Batcopter, offering rides to daring fairgoers. The fair will also hold a Jersey Tomato Fight on Saturday, June 19, and a record-breaking Bubble Wrap popping event on Sunday, June 27. All fair patrons are invited to be participants in these events and become part of history. Don’t miss the second annual Auto and Bike Show on Friday, July 2, from 6-10 p.m., and Saturday, July 3, 2-10 p.m. Spectacular annual fireworks displays will be held on July 3 and July 4.

State Fair will offer the following special values this year:

• Dollar Preview Night — June 17. Everything from parking, rides and select food items will costs $1 each, and admission is just $2.

• Father’s Day Special — June 20. Dads ride rides for free from 2 to 6 p.m.

• Midnight Madness will be held every Friday night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Rides and admission will be $19.95.

• Carload Night — June 24. Everyone who fits in one car (up to eight people) can enter and ride unlimited rides for one price of $69, with free parking included.

• Patron Appreciation Day — July 5. Pay One Price Combo for admission and unlimited rides for $25 per person.

Fair hours will be Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to midnight; Fridays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sundays from 2 p.m. to midnight. Special hours on July 3 and 4 will be from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and July 5 from 2 p.m. to midnight. On opening night, June 17, gates will open at 5 p.m.

Advance tickets for State Fair Meadowlands are on sale now through June 16 and can be bought online at www.njfair. com or by calling 973-450-1073. Special group packages are also available.

Advance tickets for State Fair Meadowlands are on sale now through June 16 and can be bought online at www.njfair.com or by calling 973-450- 1073. Special group packages are also available. Check njfair.com for updates on promotions and more about this year’s fair.

Crowd-pleasers

• Sea Lion Splash – Cuddly, splashy, rescued sea lions

• Piccadilly Circus – acrobats, animals and clowns

• Tomato Fight – Jersey fresh! June 19

• Record-Breaking Bubble Wrap Popping Event/Fashion Show – June 27

• Aerial Stunt Show — featuring the Batcopter, from the original “Batman” TV series, plus panoramic sightseeing rides

• Returning favorites – racing pigs, hypnotist Steve Bayner, World of Wonder, Palace of Illusion and more

• Auto and Bike Show – July 2 and 3 • Fireworks – July 3 and 4