MORRIS COUNTY — The annual Morris County 4-H Fair, a showcase and fun celebration of the efforts of 4-H youths from across Morris County, will kick off on this evening, Wednesday, July 20, at Chubb Park in Chester Township, and continue through the weekend.
A host of family-friendly activities are planned for the fair, including pony rides, hay rides, petting zoos, animal shows, fireworks, tricky tray, car and motorcycle show, hot air balloon rides, watermelon eating and cake decorating contests, live entertainment, delicious food, and amusement rides.
Saturday will be filled with special events: hot air balloon rides (6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.), car and motorcycle show (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) goat races in the late afternoon, and a tricky tray (8:00 p.m.).
Most important, the county’s 4-Hers will get to display their animals and projects, which are a culmination of the past year’s hard work.
“The 4-H Fair is a showcase and celebration of the wonderful achievements of 4-Hers from around the county. It is great opportunity for all in the community to come out for wholesome family fun,” said Kelly Dziak, Morris County 4-H Program Associate.
“This is a great family friendly event that is centered around the hard work done by these great 4-H kids, who represent some of the best young people, and who are future leaders of their communities and our county,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Doug Cabana, who will participate in formal opening ceremonies at the fair this week.
“We should all be extremely proud of the efforts they have made and the work they will show off at the fair.’’
The 4-H Fair will be open on Wednesday, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.; Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and parking is $5.00, except for a $10.00 charge on Friday after 6:00 p.m. for fireworks.
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 1:00 p.m. A small fee applies. Participants must bring a dog brush for a portion of the test.
Daily schedules of events, such as dog and small animal shows, and fairground maps will be available in the information booth at the fair.
The Exhibit Tent will be packed with arts and crafts entries, informational displays, and hands-on activities for visitors. The Entertainment Tent and Coffee House will feature live musical performances and interactive demonstrations.
Other tents will house animals, including dogs, horses, goats, cows, pigs, poultry, rabbits, and other small animals. Most animal tents will have petting areas, in addition to a Petting Barn that will be filled with farm animals.
Non-profit organizations will be in the Food Tent selling items ranging from tasty treats to full meals.
The fair is sponsored by the Morris County 4-H Association in support of the 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
For more information about the 4H Fair, including the fair schedule, or about becoming a 4-H volunteer, visit the 4-H Fair website by clicking here or call (973) 285-8301.
