Countdown Begins NJ State Fair, Sussex County Farm And Horse Show

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — COVID sidelined the New Jersey State Fair and Sussex County Farm and Horse Show in 2020, but this coming Saturday the fair's back, with a lineup of favorite happenings and new ones for 2021.

Held annually at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, the Fair and Farm and Horse Show celebrates 81 years in the community this year.

Here’s a recap of what’s on at the fair, which runs each day through Saturday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. See some of the schedule for the fair below:

• Saturday, Aug. 7: The fair celebrates its opening day with the Queen of the Fair Pageant at 7 p.m., with Project-Self Sufficiency a non-profit in the spotlight. Other fair fun, in addition to the carnival and food, includes Monster Truck Rides, Lumberjack Competition (rain date on Aug. 11), petting zoo, winemaking competition winners announced, awards for young historians, custom carvings, magic illusion show, Hot Dog Pig Races, Dog Obedience Show and more.
• Sunday, Aug. 8: Non-Profit Spotlight on BARKS, Eleventh Hour Rescue and Father John’s Animal House. Enjoy six barns with animals, Monster Truck rides and live musical performances. There’s the annual chili cookout, chopstick knitting, blindfold knitting, rides, games, food and other fun.
• Monday, Aug. 9: Green Day at the fair, focusing on eco-friendly exhibits and businesses. DASI and Family Promise are non-profits in the spotlight. Demolition derby, Family Favorites Cookie Contest, “pay one price” wristband special for carnival rides, live music and other fun, are among the happenings. The Bloodmobile will be there from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a free admission wristband to donors to be enjoyed on the same day.
• Tuesday, Aug. 10: It is Children’s Day at the fair, with kids activities and fun all day. Birth Haven and Ginnie’s House are non-profits in the spotlight for the day. There’s a kids’ cupcake decorating contest, live music and one-price wristband special for rides, among the fun.
• Wednesday, Aug. 11: “Celebrate America Day” is happening at the fair, with Quilts of Valor, “Dollar Day” $1 rides, the Bloodmobile returning, Tribute to the Troops, Blueberry Contest and other happenings. The Project Help Bus and Sussex Elks are the non-profits highlighted.
• Thursday, Aug. 12: Senior Day is going on at the fair, with the non-profit of the day the United Way of Northern NJ. Seniors can enjoy a polka night dance contest, bake sale, meeting the Queen of the Fair, Collector Car Night, one-price wristband special for carnival rides and free admission to those who donate at the Bloodmobile.
• Friday, Aug. 13: The non-profits for Friday are Grateful Shed and Benny’s Bodega. New Jersey’s Best Cheesecake Contest, the Battle of the Bands, 4H Goat Costume Contest, live musical entertainment, carnival and games and much more.
• Saturday, Aug. 14: For the last day of the fair, Center for Prevention and Counseling and Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. are in the non-profit spotlight. The Bloodmobile is back for the final day, with a free admission to every donor. Live music, 50/50 drawing, 4-H Seeing Eye Demonstration, 80s Wrestling with Ted Dibiase and more.

For the full New Jersey State Fair, Sussex County Farm and Horse Show schedule for 2021, click here.

To buy tickets online for the fair, click here.

For all happenings at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, visit www.sussexcountyfairgrounds.org.

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