Top Reasons To Visit The Monmouth County Fair This Year

1. It’s a true Jersey tradition.

This isn’t one of those pop‑up carnivals. The Monmouth County Fair has been part of summer life here for decades, and people plan their year around it.

2. The food is ridiculous (in the best way).

Funnel cakes, fresh lemonade, sausage sandwiches, deep‑fried Oreos — you know, all the stuff your dietitian would faint over. And yes, it’s worth every calorie.

Photo by Ty Finck on Unsplash

3. The 4‑H animals are actually the stars.

Baby goats, rabbits, cows, even chickens strutting around in little pens. Kids light up when they get up close, and honestly, so do adults.

Photo by Seiya Maeda on Unsplash

4. It’s where local talent shines.

Live music from Jersey bands, dancers, and performers who grew up right here. You’re cheering on neighbors, and they’re actually good!

Photo by Set.sj on Unsplash

Yasgur's Farm on Wednesday, Mission Dance Band on Thursday, Nicole Atkins on Friday, Yellow Brick Road - A Tribute to Elton John on Saturday, and Rock It Academy and Jackson Pines on Sunday.

5. The rides bring pure nostalgia.

Tilt‑a‑Whirl, Ferris wheel, that one ride that makes you scream like a kid again… it’s got that old‑school fair magic.

6. You can shop actual local crafts.

There’s a whole area of handmade soaps, jewelry, and woodwork from Jersey artisans. You leave with stuff you can’t get on Amazon.

Photo by Townsend Walton on Unsplash

7. The tractor pulls and demo derbies.

If you’ve never seen a line of souped‑up tractors roar down a dirt track, you haven’t lived. It’s weird, loud, and amazing.

8. Fireworks that actually impress.

They don’t phone it in. Bring a blanket, sit back, and watch the night explode over the fairgrounds. Wednesday, July 23, at 9:15 p.m., weather permitting.

Matthew Corley/TSM

9. It’s family‑friendly without being boring.

Little kids have plenty to do, but teens and grown‑ups never feel stuck babysitting. Everyone gets their own slice of fun.

10. It just feels like Jersey summer.

Sticky fingers from cotton candy, the hum of rides, laughter everywhere. Right in the center of the state. It’s loud, proud, and ours.

Photo via Canva

See you at the fair — because in Monmouth County, this is the one.

LET'S GO Back to the '80s: The Coolest Cars and the Ads That Sold Them

Whether you dreamed of cruising in a Porsche 944 like Jake Ryan, showing off in an IROC-Z, or riding shotgun with KITT from Knight Rider, the cars of the '80s had something for everyone. Some were fast, some were flashy, and some just got you to tennis practice. Keep scrolling to see the most iconic cars of the decade — and the ads that convinced us we needed them.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

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