The theme of the New Jersey State Fair is “Always Something Happening,” and the organizers have made sure to stay true to the motto. One hundred and sixty-five acres of fun are yours for the enjoyment at the New Jersey State Fair. Start the week by watching the Quarter Horse show and marveling at the chainsaw carvings exhibit.
There are ten days of entertainment in all. You can pick and choose from motorcycle stunt performances, a demolition derby, and unbelievable canine performances. Cheer for your favorite artist in the Sussex County’s Got Talent Show.
Food fans will like the Jerky and Cured Meat Sausage Contest, the Cupcake Decorating Contest, and the Chili Contest. See if you agree with the judges and maybe score a sample. 4-H members show off their talents with livestock, rabbits, and small animals.
The carnival and rides are open every day as is the Bloodmobile. You may get free admission if you donate blood. Bee demos are given each day if the weather permits, and there are exhibits of ostriches and oxen. With too many activities to list, you have to attend to take it all in in Augusta, New Jersey.
With the New Jersey State Fair being so expansive, the selection of tickets is, too. A visit to the website is a must to choose the package that works for you. Check www.njstatefair.org to purchase your admission pass. If you’d like to attend every day, take the Mega Pass. Advance tickets will get you a bargain, and the one-day opening special is a steal. Prices range from $5 to $35. There are tickets for the Monster Truck and Demolition Derby, sold in addition to the fair entrance price.
Set course for US Route 206 but before doing so, turn the dial to the local radio station to stay informed on road conditions, closures, and weather alerts. You will drive through tree-lined rural roads that will call for your attention to wildlife. As you approach the fairgrounds, this popular event will be advertised well.
Parking is free and plentiful at the New Jersey State Fair. You will be parking on the grass, so be on the lookout for a spot that is flat and easy to maneuver into with your rig. Weekdays will be quieter than the weekend. Take note of the gate where you parked before heading to the entrance.
There is no public transportation service to the New Jersey State Fair, but you can take a ridesharing service or hire a taxi. Once at the fair, if you would like assistance getting back to a pick-up location or your vehicle if you drove to the event, there are shuttles called “people movers” to transport fairgoers to the parking lots.
The New Jersey State Fair does not offer camping on the event site, but there are places to camp in the area. The region offers an abundance of outdoor activities for those who love nature.
There is camping for RVs right in Sussex County, or you can travel further throughout the region to explore other options. Whether a tranquil, secluded state park (there are several) or a bustling and active campground suit you best, your choice will allow you to hike, kayak, cast a reel to fish or explore the local history. Where you decide to claim a spot will depend on your wants and needs. What do you prefer the most? Full hookups and pull-through sites? A fire ring and hiking right outside your door? The options are endless.
The New Jersey State Fair is very user-friendly for wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons. The main road through the festival area is paved, although display vendors are on the grass. In the event of inclement weather, you may want assistance for navigation if the grass gets mucky. Comfy shoes are a must for those on foot. Roller skates, skateboards, and bicycles are not allowed on the grounds.
Shorts and t-shirts make ideal apparel for fair day. A hat to protect the neck and ears from the sun is a must, as are shoes that don’t hurt your feet after one hour of walking. You may want a sweater for the evening hours or a light coverup to shield your shoulders from the heat and rays of the sun. Pack easy to wash clothing for this road trip because there is no doubt the kiddos will be exploring rocks, trees, and creeks in the campground.
Most likely, you will be camping in the wilderness, with plenty of forested areas. Clear skies at night allow for the best stargazing opportunities, so pack flashlights for navigating around the campsite in the dark. Top the packing list with toiletries, cooking supplies, extra towels, and umbrellas in case of a rainy day. Make sure the water supply is topped up before leaving home and have on hand extra hoses and clamps required for hooking up to water, sewer, or electricity.
Camping in densely forested areas means that heavy-duty bug spray will be your best friend. Apply liberally when on a hike or sitting around the camp at night. Sunscreen will be a necessity for daytime. Drink plenty of water and have the kids do the same. They may not realize they are getting dehydrated until they get tired, and a headache appears. Teach the family fire safety rules and set a good example by following restrictions at all times.
A stack of berry-filled crepes will start the day off right. If you are lunching at camp, throw together a one-pot macaroni and cheese dish. Supper can be pot-steamed salmon and veggie packets. When packing the RV, check the utensils, dishes, and pots supplies because when items are missing, it makes cooking a lot less fun.
Restaurants in and around Augusta offer a smorgasbord of tastes to suit every traveler. Choose from diner-style, light fare, brew pub food, pizzerias, and ethnic food like Mexican and Thai. Take a break from the barbecue and camp stove and treat yourself to a night out in the community.
Local non-profit organizations offer healthy fare at a reasonable price. Grab a meal or treat at the fair and support a cause at the same time. Buy produce fresh from the farm to stock the RV refrigerator. Take the kids through the craft and clothing section to get them a souvenir from the trip to New Jersey.
You cannot bring a cooler to the fair, but you can bring water in your backpack. Personal items may be subject to search by security staff. There will be volunteers and hired personnel on hand to ensure the safety of attendees and local police will assist. Alcohol can be consumed when purchased at the fair, but you cannot bring your own.
New Jersey State Fair will go on no matter the weather. If the rain rolls in, take cover under a vendor tent or check out an exhibition barn. The carnival rides will operate if the rain is light and will close if there is a heavy downpour. The evenings should cool down nicely, making for a great sleeping environment in the RV.
If you have a medical problem while at the fair, visit the administration office or ask a knowledgeable volunteer where the first aid stations are located. Pets are not allowed but service animals, properly identified are welcome. Before leaving home, top up the RV first aid kit with bandaids, after sun cream, pain relief medicine, gauze, and scissors. Stop in at a pharmacy within a 10-minute drive if needed.
