5 Reasons to Visit the Middlesex County Fair Day after Day

The 84th annual Middlesex County Fair is so big that they have to celebrate it with not one, but two fireworks shows. They'll open Monday, Aug. 1 with fireworks and crowning the fair king and queen, and they'll close Sunday, Aug. 7 with fireworks, too.

Around 85,000 people attend or participate in the fair each year, so this year, organizers are making it 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 at $50 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-10 and for seniors 65 and older. It's only available online, so click here to order now. They also offer a 3-day admission and daily admission.

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

1) Night after night of great musical performances. After the Reign is dominating the stage with country music on Saturday night, while Arena Relive the Rock, an arena rock tribute band will be performing Friday. Also scheduled are:

Monday: Brother/sister duo Justin and Alina
Tuesday: Singer/songwriter Jess Kellie Adams
Wednesday: Amish Outlaws
Thursday: Asbury Fever (Bruce Springsteen tribute band)

2) Just so much for the kids to do. Aside from the rides, Jason D'Vaude, The Circus Man, is offering multiple performances each night, and Kid's Day (2-3 p.m. Saturday, August 6) offers classic games such as Penny in the Haystack and watermelon eating.

3) UWA Elite Wrestling is presenting a whopping 24 shows throughout fair week. The UWA Elite Supercard Crossroads will be a full two-hour event.

4) Meet the fair king and queen. The fair has all the traditions you associate with county fairs, including crowning a king and queen (ages 7-11) and a prince and princess (ages 4-6) during Monday night's opening ceremonies.

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 from the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture. There's even a display to encourage children to think about whether they'd like to be a farmer when they grow up.

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