76th Middlesex County Fair Brings Together The Urban and The Rural

By Feroze Dhanoa

The Middlesex County Fair opened last night in East Brunswick and will run through August 10.

The fair is organized by The Middlesex County Fair Association, which was founded in 1938.

In its first installment, 2,000 people attended the fair paying an admission fee of 10 cents.

Today, on the first day itself over 7,000 people attended the fair, according to Alan Habiak, president of the Middlesex County Fair Association.

The mission of the fair has remained the same since its conception, which is “to hold and educational fair of an agricultural nature.”

The agricultural, commercial and industrial exhibitors make this possible through their exhibits and stalls.

The fair hours run from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

“The weather wasn’t perfect but the turnout was very good,” said Habiak. “The fireworks on Monday night started on our 70th anniversary and we continue that tradition today in order to draw people in.”

The ticket prices for the fair are $7 for adults, $4 for seniors 65 and over and $1 for children aged 3-12. Any children younger than 3 and those who donate blood at the Blood Center of New Jersey can enter and enjoy the festivities for free.

With the diversity of attractions at the fair there is something for everyone. Whether you’re one for pro wrestling or line dancing, the fair has you covered.

And if your kids are thinking about their future, they can even milk a simulated cow and see if farming is the right fit for them.

“The biggest things we can have is good weather,” said Habiak. “If we have great weather, the people will come.”

Photo credit: Jason Towlen for My Central Jersey