County fair tradition goes back 72 years

The Middlesex County Fairgrounds in East Brunswick will soon be brought to life with the scent of cotton candy and the glow of neon lights.

Returning for its 72nd year, the Middlesex County Fair will bring food, music, rides and the usual attractions, as well as brand new shows and featured guests to the grounds at Cranbury and Fern roads.

“This year, we have our usual slate of events, but we also have some interesting first-time attractions,” said Dan Mulcahey, public relations manager for the Middlesex County Fair Association. “It’s shaping up to be a great year.”

The fair kicks off on Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. with a variety events, including the opening ceremonies, which features 2010 Farmer of the Year Alan Danser and 2010 Volunteer of the Year Marge Lake, as well as the singing of the national anthem by Morissa Schwartz. Following the opening ceremonies, the king, queen and princess contest will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A fireworks show, which is a tradition that began only two years ago, is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. that night.

Opening night also launches the premiere of several new shows, which are free with admission and are ongoing throughout each day and night of the fair. These new shows include Belmont Magic and Illusionist, a kid-friendly magic show, Barnyard Express, a mobile educational farm center, Agricadabra, an agricultural magic show, and The Bantu Wizards, a group of performers from Mombassa, Kenya who put on a show that combines fast-paced movement, music, dance and acrobatics.

According to Mulcahey, one of the most interesting events includes new guests from veteran fair participant HowlingWoods Farm, Jackson: the wolves featured in Disney’s “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”

“Howling Woods Farm has been here before, but this year their wolves happened to be chosen from many contenders to act in the movie,” Mulcahey said. “You can see the stars for yourselves at the fair.”

Fairgoers can also expect performances from bands including the Sherry Lynn County Band on Aug. 2, Ryan Pelton as Elvis on Aug. 3, the Princeton Garden Statesman Barbershop Chorus, Alluring Ballroom, Amish Outlaws and Taylor Hope on Aug. 4, Alisha Jones-Gardner and Ridgemont High Band on Aug. 5, Sibling Rivalry, Koka Band and Daniell Ashley on Aug. 6, Roux Bedrosian and After the Reign Country Band on Aug. 7, and Academy Music Kids Band, The New Royalty and A Clear Blurr on Aug. 8. Also performing will be the prominent New Jersey cover band, The Nerds. A performance date had yet to be scheduled. Other shows include routines from the Davis Academy of Irish Dancing on Aug. 7 and the Rutgers Promenaders Square and Round Dance Club and the Rhythm in Motion 4- H Cloggers on Aug. 8.

Additionally, there are several interactive activities scheduled, including Kid’s Day, which features a mystery game contest, and the Farmer’s Tan Contest, both on Aug. 8.

The Home Arts Competition, a fair staple, will continue this year with 14 different contest divisions, including vegetables, fruit, flowers, legumes, canning, quilts, needlework, selling, crafts, art, woodworking and photography. Interested participants can enter on Aug. 1 between 1 and 5 p.m. or prior to the event using a mail-in entry form. Judging will begin at 5:30 p.m.

“By the time the fair opens the next day, ribbons will have already been awarded and the winners will be on display,” said Kathy Donahue, Home Arts chairwoman.

Donahue said most of the winning work will be on display on the right side of the main gate; others will be situated close by.

“This is the only Middlesex County competition open to everyone,” she said. “Every age group from every walk of life can participate.”

Despite the unstable economy, Mulcahey said the Middlesex County Fair is continuing to grow every year.

“We’ve actually been benefiting from the economy,” he said. “People are staying closer to home for ‘staycations.’ We’ve had record attendance.”

Mulcahey said more than 68,000 people attended the festivities last year, and he expects an equally strong showing for 2010.

“For many area residents, this is the kind of unique event where young adults, parents and grandparents have been coming together every year since they were young,” he said.

“It’s a great tradition in the area, and it’s given at a great value,” he said.

Admission is $6 for adults; $4 for seniors; $1 for children age 3 to 12; and free for children 2 and under. Fairgoers could also purchase a pay-one-price ticket for $20, which would allow attendees to go on any ride as many times as they want on Monday and Wednesday from 5 to close, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A $40 mega-pass could also be purchased, and would allow fairgoers to ride any ride during all operating hours.

Free admission will be granted to blood donors who participate in the fair’s daily blood drives.

On weeknights the fair will be open from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit the website at www.middlesexcountyfair.org.