The 66th Annual Ocean County Fair kicks off this Tuesday at the Robert J. Miller Airpark in Berkeley Township. The family-friendly event that puts the spotlight on 4-H Fair projects, will also feature live entertainment, amusement rides, food and a host of attractions.

Zu Zu African Acrobats
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Fair Manager O.J. Meyer IV of Toms River says his family has been running the event for over three decades.  He says it began as a one day event featuring 4-H Fair projects in a parking lot in Lakewood, then it was moved to Pine Park and eventually relocated to the Robert J. Miller Airpark when it was taken over by his Father and has continued to grow.

Meyer says the best way he can describe the fair, “it’s just a family event where you can come in and get a taste of the things that the county produces and the things that our county does and just be able to have a good time with the family.”

Some oldies but goodies, Meyer says the Pig Races will be back as well as the Chain Saw Carver.  However, he says they always try to feature something new.

“For the first time for us the Zu Zu African Acrobats who were one of the finalist from America’s Got Talent last year they’ll be performing every day.  We have Friday, a concert by Ocean County country band After The Rain. Wednesday, we have a Doo Wop Show.  On Thursday, New Egypt brings out race cars for us every year and on Saturday we have a Magical Illusion Show by John Bundy.”

Ocean County Fair in 2011
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When asked why they put it on year after year?  He says we mostly did it for our own kids.  “My parents did it for their kids and we do it for ours just so that they can continue to have something like this that they can enjoy and hopefully someday they’ll do it for their kids.”

Meyer says they begin planning for next year’s fair the month after the current one finishes.  He says the Fair is a nonprofit organization, staffed primarily by volunteers, so most of the resources they bring in goes right into the following year’s fair.

 

 

The Ocean County Fair begins Tuesday July 10th and runs to the 15th.  He says on Tuesday and Wednesday the fair runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.  On Thursday, Friday and Saturday it runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m.  to 5 p.m. Rain or Shine.    Check OceanCountyFair.com for a full schedule of events.

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