Just a few days to go until all the summer fun kicks into full gear at the annual 2014 Morris County 4-H Fair at Chubb Park, Route 24, Chester, Thursday, July 17 thru Sunday, July 20. The Fair will be open Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
“The 4-H Fair is a showcase and celebration of the achievements of 4-Hers around the county. It is a great opportunity for all in the community to come out for wholesome family fun,” said Kathy Murarik, Morris County 4-H Program Associate.
Daily schedules and fairground maps are available in the Information Booth. The Exhibit Tent is packed with arts and crafts entries, informational displays, and hands-on activities for visitors. The Entertainment Tent features live musical performances and interactive demonstrations. Other tents house animals belonging to Fair entrants, including dogs, horses, reptiles, poultry, rabbits, and small animals. Most animal tents have a petting area, in addition to the Petting Barn of farm animals. Non-profit organizations will be in the Food Tent selling items ranging from tasty snacks to full meals. Fairgoers can enjoy traditional Fair food and even a cold root beer float or the famous 4-H Chicken BBQ dinner.
A whole host of fun activities are lined up, including pony and hay rides, a model airplane demonstration, watermelon eating and cake decorating contests, a talent show, Dress-a-Pet and Dress-a-Cage contests, a children’s pet show, and of course amusement rides. A special $10.00 pay-one-price for all kiddie rides is scheduled for Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., and a $20 pay-one-price for all amusement rides will be offered on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This year’s new events include a Goat Show on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., in which 4-H members can display their goats, and archery offered by the Morris Marksmen club. Times for archery have not yet been determined.
Friday evening a Blood Drive is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. sponsored by the Blood Center of New Jersey. Friday night’s activities will be capped with a fireworks show!
The popular Tricky Tray will once again be a highlight of Saturday evening. The Tricky Tray allows everyone the chance to win a donated gift. Prizes can include anything from a healthful gift basket to a bicycle.
Cow Pie Bingo, a well-known game with a unique agricultural twist will be featured again for the second year in a row. A fenced area will be marked with lines to turn it into a bingo grid, and fairgoers will be able to choose specific squares. Then a cow will be turned out to graze in the area. The location of the cow’s first “pie” will determine the winner. Another popular attraction is the Car Cruise, where people can show off their special set of wheels to an admiring crowd on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (preregister by calling the 4-H office at 973-285-8301). Other activities include make-your-own T-shirts that are limited only by your creativity, and a scavenger hunt that will get you exploring every tent on the Fairgrounds!
There is no admission fee to the Fair; however a parking donation of $5.00 per vehicle is requested. Friday evening, in preparation for the fireworks, parking will be $10 and will include free 3-D Fireworks Glasses.
The Fair is sponsored by the Morris County 4-H Association in support of the 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. 4-H members, volunteer Fair managers, 4-H Club leaders and parents work together to make this a major event in Morris County. 4-H alumni are invited to stop by the 4-H Information Booth to pick up a special gift.
Dogs may be brought to the Fair, but they must be on a 6-foot leash. Retractable leashes are not allowed in the park. Canine Good Citizen testing will be available for dogs to take on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All Morris County residents are invited to enter the 4-H Fair, serve as a volunteer at the Fair or participate in the many activities and contests open to the public. Come out and enjoy the “country-fair” atmosphere, great entertainment, good food, and informative educational demonstrations.
For more information about the Fair, 4-H clubs, or becoming a 4-H volunteer, visit the 4-H website at http://morris.njaes.rutgers.edu or contact the 4-H office (973) 285-8301 or email 4hmorris@njaes.rutgers.edu. All 4-H programs are offered to all youth, grades K -13, on an age-appropriate basis without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, or disability.
