6 Reasons to Visit the Middlesex County Fair Day after Day

The 87th annual Middlesex County Fair is returning Aug. 4-10 with some new features and old favorites in keeping with its title as the second largest fair in New Jersey.

Around 85,000 people attend or participate in the fair each year, so organizers have made easier to enjoy everything each day has to offer with multi-day tickets. The week-long admission ticket gives you TWO DAYS OF ADMISSION FREE. It's only available online, so click here to order now. They also offer daily admission tickets.

Early bird pricing is also available through Aug. 3.

The schedule is so packed with fun, you'll find so many reasons to come back for more. Here are our six favorites:

1) Night after night of great musical performances. After the Reign is back again with country music on Saturday night, while the Face First band will be taking the main stage on Friday night. Also scheduled are:

Monday: Shoresyde Band
Tuesday: Jesse Garron's Tribute to Elvis
Wednesday: Crash My Party (The Ultimate Luke Bryan Tribute Band)
Thursday: Bon Poison (A Bon Jovi tribute band)
Sunday: NPP DJ

2) Enjoy aerial thrill tricks by the celebrated The High Flying Cortes Trapeze Spectacular. This multi-generation troupe has performed with Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Big Apple Circus, and Circus Flora. They are bringing their trapeze acts to our fair, with multiple performances a day: 6:30 and 8 p.m. Monday - Friday; 2, 5, and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

3) Just so much for the kids to do. Aside from the rides, Kris Clayton Stilt Walker will be performing daily, while the Dangerous Feats of Comedy, Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, Agricadabra Magic Show, the Mobile Dairy Classroom, and more are all prepared to delight and enrapture the youngest fair attendees.

4) UWA Elite Wrestling is presenting a whopping 22 shows throughout fair week. The UWA Elite Crossroads supercard will be a full two-hour event on Saturday night:

• Monday - Friday: 6:00, 7:30, 9:00
• Saturday: 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, and UWA Elite Crossroads at 8:00
• Sunday: 2:30, 4:30, 6:30

5) Celebrate local agriculture (and maybe learn a little more about it.) The fair offers dozens of educational exhibits, including home arts and antique farm equipment. There's even a display to encourage children to consider careers in farming.

6) 4-H is offering a Sensory Tent for the first time, thanks to a grant from Minnie's Helping Hand. Any friends who need a break from all the excitement can visit the tent behind the Big Red Barn; keep an eye out for directional signs. The tent is available from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon-7 p.m. Sunday.

For a full listing of events and exhibits and to grab your tickets, see middlesexcountyfair.com. There's tons of fun for all ages!