When out-of-towners come to New Jersey, they assume the entire state looks like Newark Airport. They don’t know about the open spaces in Sussex County, the wildlife (yes, we have bears), or the corn and tomatoes that could compete with any state in the union. And they have not been to our crown jewel of agricultural achievement, the New Jersey State Fair.

The whole thing began in 1919 with the Branchville Riding Club, when cars were rare and horseback was still the main way to get around. The first official horse show was held in 1923, and it was such a hit they just kept going.

From 1936 to 1940, it was simply the Sussex County Horse Show. Only in 1940 did it officially become the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show, and not until 1999 did it adopt the name New Jersey State Fair.

In 1963, they bought 126 acres in Augusta for $55,000 — a bargain investment! The new fairgrounds officially opened in 1976.

Attendance at the fair is now about 220,000 people. That’s basically the entire population of Sussex County… plus every cousin who “just happened to be in the area.”

The fair has many quirky traditions; The Rooster Crow Competition, Queen of the Fair Pageant, chainsaw art, pig races (starring Kevin Bacon, Britney SpareRibs, and Harry Porker, to name a few), tractor pulls, giant vegetable contests, talent shows, and The Fun Farm, where small children can play at farm experiences. It has always been deeply agricultural and proudly New Jersey. Sorry, Iowa, but New Jersey corn and tomatoes are the Beyonce of produce. Everyone else is just a backup dancer.

Many 4-H groups showcase their livestock and pets at the fair. There are horses, cows, sheep, bunnies, chickens, ducks, and roosters. The bird tent is very noisy! Children love visiting the animals, but my recent visit convinced me I would never enjoy working on a farm. A visit to the fair is enough for me.

New Jersey has one of the few fairs where the proceeds go to charity. This tradition dates back to 1933, when the horse show donated its earnings to the Sussex County Tuberculosis League. Today, fair proceeds support local nonprofits.

The fairgrounds are huge, and beautiful. The last day of the fair is today, Sunday, August 9. But if you missed it, don’t worry. They are certain to return in August 2027. If you live in the area and are into quilting, art, gardening, or entertainment, you can enter your talent and become part of the show next year. You don’t have to live on a farm to participate. In years past, my daughter won prizes in the talent show and for her jalapeno peppers, and my husband won a ribbon for his flower arrangement.

Rolling hills, mountain views, barns, conservatory and sports areas… it’s basically the Disney World of agriculture.

Vintage Fair, 1998

Fun Farm Little ones love the animals, the rides, the singing vegetables, and the Fun Farm.

New Jersey Tomato These were grown in our backyard garden in Lake Hopatcong, and I still have the shirt! The last time I wore it at least five people I didn't know stopped to talk about it. I guess I'm still a New Jersey Tomato! By the way, the extra hand is my neighbor, who is an excellent gardener.

Last night Rich, Elizabeth and I attended the fair. We arrived just in time to see the pig races. The highlight was the little Dachshund puppies dressed in hot dog costumes. They were enthusiastic and couldn't wait to race. We treated ourselves to homemade ice cream and walked through the flower and vegetable competitions. But the highlight of the evening was in the entertainment tent. "The Nerds" performed in concert, and the fair managed to make it like a club experience. There were chairs on the sides of the tent, the middle was a dance floor, and they even had a bar in the back. We were all swaying in place, but when they played "What I like About You" Elizabeth and I couldn't help ourselves; we had to dance! After that, we were on the dancefloor most of the night. The second set featured audience participation too, so we were singing as well. "The Nerds" are a party band, and the crowd was ready to party.

We enjoyed a perfect Saturday night at the fair. How can you beat seeing a free concert, racing pigs, and vegetables that compete?

New Jersey is filled with fun events and novel experiences. It's one of the reasons my characters, no matter where they travel, seem to find their way to New Jersey. I hope you have a great week. Until next Sunday, enjoy our fleeting summer days ... Joanne