By Sunayana Prabhu
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – The Monmouth County Fair is turning 50 this summer, and organizers are planning a golden jubilee celebration packed with thrills, entertainment and old-fashioned fun.
Set to run from Wednesday, July 23, through Sun- day, July 27, at the East Freehold Showgrounds on Kozloski Road in Freehold Township, the milestone fair will feature everything from opening night fireworks and hot air balloon rides (weather permitting) to a pie-eating contest and a full slate of carnival rides.
“On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, I’m thrilled to invite everyone to join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Monmouth County Fair,” Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said, announcing details of the celebration in a news release. “There will be special attractions to mark the occasion and also to launch the countdown to America’s 250th anniversary with historical performances and entertainment for all ages. You don’t want to miss this exciting event!”
Presented by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County 4-H Association, the fair will be open 4 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
More than two dozen amusement rides by Reithoffer Shows will be available, including high-adrenaline attractions like Rip Tide, Pharaoh’s Fury and the Sky Flyer. For younger visitors, a separate Kiddie Area will offer family-friendly options such as the Fun Slide and Mini Wave Swinger. There will also be plenty of timeless favorites – the Tilt-a-Whirl, Ferris wheel, and carousel. In total, the fair will feature 25 rides.
One of the fair’s most popular traditions will return Sunday with the pie-eating contest. Sponsored by Wemrock Orchards, the event welcomes children 12 and under to compete at 12:30 p.m., followed by ages 13 and up at 12:45 p.m. Registration will open at 11 a.m. at the main stage, and winners walk away with a trophy – and a very full stomach.
Throughout the fair, visitors can enjoy live music, animal and agricultural exhibits, food vendors, games and a variety of performances, including DAWG Pro Wrestling’s DAWG Days of Summer, Mutts Gone Nuts, Tommie Turvey’s stunt horses and dogs, and the Wonderzone Dinosaur Zoo. Musical acts include Nicole Atkins, Yasgur’s Farm, Yellow Brick Road – A Tribute to Elton John, and more. Also featured is the Home & Garden Competition, showcasing local talent in arts, crafts, flowers and baked goods, with new categories, including native plant arranging and black jar honey.
General admission to the fair is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under enter free, as do veterans and active military with valid identification. Seniors 65 and older and students with ID get in free Sunday. Half-price admission is offered during the first two hours each day. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $30 Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and $35 Friday and Saturday. More details about the fair can be found at monmouthcountyparks.com.
The article originally appeared in the July 17 – July 23, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
