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New Jersey State Fair . Sussex County Fair Horse Show

FARM MEETS FUN AT THE NEW JERSEY STATE FAIR® Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.

New Jersey’s largest Agricultural Fair opens August the 6th. Nine days of Family fun- August 6th to the 15th, the Sussex County Fairgrounds comes to life with music, livestock competitions, equestrian events, art, horticulture and more. Community driven and volunteer powered, the annual NJ State Fair® Sussex County Farm & Horse Show is traditional and affordable County Fair fun and family entertainment. The Sussex County Fairgrounds is conveniently located off Rt 565 or Route 206 in Sussex County NJ- New Jersey’s Greenest County!

Rides, carnival games, petting zoo, Queen of the Fair pageant, Crafts, great food and motor events are just part of the schedule. Equestrian event, demo derbies, chain saw artistry, fiddling contests, food competitions, flower and vegetable shows and are all free with admission.

New events are added to the already robust schedule each year; this year’s highlights include “Art in Bloom” – Local florists interpret beautiful paintings created by several of the areas top artists. This exhibit is housed in the new, ecofriendly CONSERVATORY building. ECOTENT 09 Monday August 3- is a one stop destination for information, tips and ideas for greener healthier living from alternative energy choices to organic body products. National Wildlife Federation’s RANGER RICK will be on hand for photos with the kids. SpectraCross events, music events, demo derby, tractor pulls and more make up a menu of fun suited for every taste.

Tickets are 11.00 per adult and parking is free. Visit www.njstatefair for ticket discount and special pricing, special events and more information.

Over 200,000 visitors make the NJ State Fair® Sussex County Farm and Horse Show part of their summer tradition. You should too!

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Event Details:
Event Name: New Jersey State Fair® Sussex County Farm and Horse Show
Event Venue: Sussex County Fairgrounds
Event Street Address: 37 Plains Road
Event City: Augusta, NJ 07822
Event County: Sussex County
Event Date: 7-31 to 8.9 Gates open at 10am
Event Admission: 11.00 full price adult admission
Event Phone: 973 948 5500
Event Website: http://www.njstatefair.org

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Hot Air Balloon

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The Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is North America’s largest summertime hot air balloon festival featuring up to 125 sport and special-shape balloons, live musical entertainment, children’s entertainment, food and drink, interactive exhibits and attractions for New Jersey residents and visitors from across America. Held annually in central New Jersey, the event attracts some 175,000 people over three days.

When?

Friday, July 23: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 24: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 25: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where?

The Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning takes place annually at Solberg Airport in Readington, New Jersey. Located just 50 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia it is easily accessible from Routes 78, 22, 287, 1, 202, 206, Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike.

How Much?

Festival Admission in Advance
Adults, $17
Children (4-12 years old), $7
Children three and under, FREE

Festival Admission at the Gate
Adults, $25
Children (4-12 years old), $10
Children three and under, FREE

General admission tickets are available at all Quick Chek Stores beginning in June.
Call toll free 800-HOT-AIR-9 (800-468-2479)

Purchase Your Advance Tickets @ BalloonFestival.com.

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Balloon Ascensions: (wind & weather permitting)

Friday: 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Sunday: 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Festival Concerts:

The Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning’s open-air concert venue has hosted the likes of The Beach Boys, Hall & Oates, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Blues Traveler, Doobie Brothers, Charlie Daniels Band, Foreigner, Eddie Money, Dickey Betts & Great Southern, Peter Frampton, America, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, The Band, Dennis DeYoung: the Music of STYX, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Dave Mason Band, Herman’s Hermit’s starring Peter Noone, The Village People, and Grand Funk Railroad.

2010 Concerts:

Friday, July 23rd, 8:00 p.m.: TBD

Saturday, July 24th, 8:00 p.m.: George Thorogood and the Destroyers

Sunday, July 25th, 3:00 p.m.: TBD

Festival Entertainment:

The Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning’s family-oriented attractions in 2009 included: Songs & Fun for Young Children by Big Jeff, The NJ Monthly Magic Corner featuring Al Belmont, Juggler, Magician & Comedian Al Grout, Puppets with Personality by Ollie’s Adventures, Quick Chek Entertainment Tent, Amusement Rides, Friday Evening Fireworks Extravaganza, Saturday Evening Balloon Glow and non-stop entertainment in the Family Fun Center.

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New Hope PA and Lambertville NJ Winter Festival

The Lambertville – New Hope Winter Festival is a two-town, two-state, five-day celebration of parades, ice-sculpting, music, art and entertainment that spans the Delaware River. The twin towns of Lambertville, N.J., and New Hope, Pa., host the annual event filled with free, family-friendly fun as well as ticket-only special events.

The Lambertville – New Hope Winter Festival 2010 is January 27th through 31st. Tickets for special events tend to go quickly; advance tickets available online mid-October. For additional information, call 215-862-5067 or visit www.winterfestival.net.

About Twin Rivertown Projects

Twin Rivertown Projects, Inc. is 501(c) non-profit corporation of hard-working and fun-loving New Hope, Pa., and Lambertville, N.J., business owners, residents and other good-spirited volunteers. The group has two goals in producing Winter Festival: to provide a healthy, invigorating cold-weather experience in the two river town communities, and to demonstrate that the multi-faceted communities along the Delaware River offer as exciting and diverse activities during the winter months as any other time of year. Winter Festival primarily benefits the Lambertville, New Hope and Solebury Township parks and recreation departments. Proceeds also help local schools, police departments, and fire and rescue companies.

To learn more about the festival, go here.

If you went to the winter festival this year and have a review for us, we would love to hear from you. If not, see you next year!

Carousel Ride: Photo by Ishmaelo on Flickr

The 63rd Annual Ocean County Fair opened yesterday and will continue through Sunday, July 19, 2009. The fair is held at the Robert J. Miller Air Park on Pinewald-Keswick Road a.k.a. Route 530 in Berkeley Township. The fair is managed by the Ocean County Board of Agriculture. The fair will be open nightly until 11:00 PM except Sunday when it will close at 5:00 PM. Adult admission is $6.00 per person and children under the age of 10 get in free.

Here’s an overview of events and activities and an entertainment schedule from the fair:

Attractions Include:

Amusement Rides:

Everyday – (Tues. or Wed. – Pay $20 and Ride 6-11pm) Daily ride special – ride noon to 5pm for $20

Other Attractions:

Children’s Games

Craft Demonstrations

4-H Animals

Agricultural Displays

4-H Displays and Demonstrations

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Entertainment Schedule for the 63rd Annual Ocean County Fair

Tuesday, July 14 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

• Dales Jones the One-Handed Juggler
• Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show
• Hot Dog Pig Racing
• 6:00: Therapeutic Riding Demonstration, Horse Show Ring
• 6:30: Seeing Eye Puppy Demonstration, 4-H Show Tent
• 7:00: The Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 7:00: Ultimate Dog Square Dancing, Horse Ring
• 7:30: O. C. Animal Shelter Volunteer Auxiliary, 4-H Show Tent
• 8:15: The Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 9:30: The Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage

Wednesday, July 15 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• Dales Jones the One-Handed Juggler
• Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show
• Hot Dog Pig Racing
• 5:00: Broom Stick Polo practice, Horse Show Ring
• 6:30: Toms River Township K-9 Unit, Horse Show Ring
• 7:00: Puppy Power Seeing Eye Dog Show, 4-H Show Tent
• 8:15: Williams Riley Country band hosted by Captain Jack and Thunder 98.5, Main Stage
• 9:30: The Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage

Thursday, July 16 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show
• Hot Dog Pig Racing
• 11:00: Open Western Horse Show, Horse Show Ring
• 11:00: Small Stock Showmanship, 4-H Show Tent
• 11:00: Judging of 4-H Exhibits, General 4-H Tent
• 11:00: Bow Benders Demo, Rear parking lot
• 11:00: Poultry Show, Small Stock Tent
• 11:00: Poultry Showmanship, Small Stock Tent
• 11:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 12:30: Dale Jones the One-Handed Juggler, Main Stage
• 1:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 2:00: Children’s Games, Midway
• 2:30: Dale Jones the One-Handed Juggler, Main Stage
• 3:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 4:00: Kiddie Pedal Power Tractor Pull, Midway
• 4:30: Balloon Toss, 4-H Show Tent
• 6:00: “Race Night” cars on display from New Egypt Speedway, Midway
• 6:30: D.O.G 4-H club show, 4-H Show Tent
• 7:00: Morgan – escape artist, Main Stage
• 7:00: Cage Decorating, Small Animal Tent
• 8:00: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 9:00: Morgan – escape artist, Main Stage
• 10:00: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage

Friday, July 17 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Dales Jones the One-Handed Juggler
• Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show
• Hot Dog Pig Racing
• 11:00: Open English Horse Show, Horse Show Ring
• 11:00: 4-H Goat Show, 4-H Show Tent
• 11:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 12:30: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 1:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 2:00: Children’s Games, TBD
• 2:00: Dairy Calf Show, 4-H Show Tent
• 2:30: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 3:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 4:00: Kiddie Pedal Power Tractor Pull, Midway
• 4:30: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 6:00: Vintage cars on display, Midway
• 6:00: Small Stock Show, 4-H Show Tent
• 7:00: John Bundy and Morgan Magical Illusion Show, Main Stage
• 9:00: John Bundy and Morgan Magical Illusion Show, Main Stage

Saturday, July 18 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Dales Jones the One-Handed Juggler
• Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show
• Hot Dog Pig Racing
• 11:00: Parent Fun Day, Horse Show Ring
• 11:00: 4-H Presentations, 4-H Show Tent
• 11:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 12:30: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 12:30: Horse Costume Contest, Horse Show Ring
• 1:00: Children’s Races (Just walking to 6 years old), Midway
• 1:00: Chicken Dance (open to all 4-H and fairgoers), 4-H Show Tent
• 1:00: Prep Member Horse Show; Horse Show Ring
• 1:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 1:30: Rooster Crowing Contest (open to all 4-H and fairgoers), 4-H Show Tent
• 2:00: Dirt Devils ATV Classes, Horse Show Ring
• 2:30: Trenton Devils Hockey Team with Scorch and the Trenton Devils Street Team, location to be determined
• 2:30: Children’s pie eating contest, location to be determined
• 2:30: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 2:30: Hamster Dance (open to all 4-H and fairgoers), 4-H Show Tent
• 3:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 3:30: 4-H Cat Show, 4-H Show Tent
• 4:00: Kiddie Pedal Power Tractor Pull, Midway
• 4:30: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 4:30: Precious Pets Presentation, 4-H Show Tent
• 5:30: Small Animal Costume Contest, 4-H Show Tent
• 5:30; Team Penning Clinic, Horse Show Ring
• 7:00: John Bundy and Morgan Magical Illusion Show, Main Stage
• 7:30: 4-H’ers got talent, 4-H Show Tent
• 9:00: John Bundy and Morgan Magical Illusion Show, Main Stage

Sunday, July 19 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Dales Jones the One-Handed Juggler
• Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show
• Hot Dog Pig Racing
• 11:00: 4-H K-9 Fun Show, 4-H Show Tent
• 11:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 11:30: 4-H Fun Day begins, Horse Show Ring
• 12:15: Gala Egg Hunt, location to be determined
• 12:30: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 12:30: 4-H Goat Fun Day Classes, 4-H Show Tent
• 1:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 1:30: 4-H Fashion Show, 4-H Show Tent
• 1:45: Children’s ice cream eating contest, location to be determined
• 2:30: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 2:30: 4-H Prep Graduation, 4-H Show Tent
• 3:00: Kiddie Pedal Power Tractor Pull, Midway
• 3:00: 4-H Program awards, 4-H Show Tent
• 3:30: Ventriloquist Tom Crowl, Main Stage
• 3:45: Fun Balloon Toss, 4-H Show Tent
• 4:00: Dazzling Mills Family, Main Stage
• 4:00: 4-H Watermelon treat (open to all 4-H and fairgoers), 4-H Show Tent

*Notes: The photo at the top is from Flickr and was created by Ishmaelo, you can see his fine work here. The image was published with a Creative Commons license which means:

“you can download the images (at full resolution!), reinterpret the images and display them under the condition that you give credit to the original artist (me) AND allow any other artist to manipulate and distribute your version under the same agreement.”

I have made adjustments to the photo to work on this page for my purposes and in my format. I hereby publish the photo here under the same license that the owner published the original. You are free to take my version of the photograph and adapt it to your purposes as long as you give me credit for my adaptation. I would also love it if you would give the photographer credit also, as they deserve the credit.

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Berkeley Township is located in Ocean County in South Jersey.

Vagabond Vistas

BUSINESS NAME: Vagabond Vistas Photography
YOUR NAME POSITION: David Simchock, Owner / Photographer / Instructor
ADDRESS: 11-B Cedar Lane
TOWN STATE ZIP: Titusville, New Jersey,
COUNTY: Mercer
PHONE: 609-737-8388
WEBSITE: http://www.vagabondvistas.com

Professional freelance photography, workshops, photo tours and speaking. Photography specializes in travel, music/festivals, portraiture, events and fine art. Workshops and private lessons offered throughout the year in Pennington, NJ and other locations. Instructional, hands-on help. Pennington is located in Mercer County in Central Jersey.

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NAME 3 LOCALLY OWNED NJ RESTAURANTS:

1. Sumo Sushi (Pennington): fresh, delicious

2. Wildflowers (Pennington): Fantastic pizza

3. Rutt’s Hut (Clifton): It`s all about the relish

NAME 3 LOCALLY OWNED NJ BUSINESSES :

1. Conscious Wellness: Holistic health counseling (www.cousciouswellness.net)

2. Whole Earth (Princeton, NJ): Organic, healthy offerings

3. Duncraven Farm (Titusville, NJ): Friendly owners / managers

NAME 3 REASONS YOU LOVE NJ:

1. Diversity

2. Historical Delaware Valley

3. Trout fishing

YOUR OFFER:

10% discount on 2009 Photography Workshops in Pennington, NJ

Our guide covers the North Jersey counties of Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, Passaic County, Sussex County and Warren County.  If you notice that we left out a great celebration that your little town puts on every year, let us know! Here’s our 2009 Guide to the Best 4th of July Fireworks Displays in North Jersey:

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Bergen County New Jersey 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations:

Hasbrouck Heights, Bergen County:

The Hasbrouck Heights Lions Club presents the 25th Annual Independence Day Fireworks Display on Thursday, July 2, 2009. Festivities begin at 8pm at Gary Depken Athletic Stadium (Rt. 17 & Franklin Ave, Hasbrouck Heights.) Presale tickets are available for $3 at several local businesses. Tickets can be purchased at the Gate for $5 and children under 5 are free. Tickets and gate fees pay for this event. Enjoy inflatable rides for children, a dunk tank, 50/50 raffles and entertainment provided by a professional disc jockey. Attendees may bring blankets to sit on, but no chairs are allowed inside the stadium.

[Hasbrouck Heights-Bergen County-North Jersey]

Get more info @ BestofNJ.com

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Ridgewood, Bergen County:

July 4: Ridgewood New Jersey has one of the oldest July 4th Independence Day celebrations in the state, at least one of the best documented ones. They have a detailed journal of how their community has celebrated the 4th going back almost 100 years. One of the little bits of trivia from this journal includes the fact that 30,000 people showed up in 1924 just to watch the parade with Civil War veterans and the towns new ambulance.

The 2009 festival features: a flag raising at 9:00 in the morning, a classic all American parade with color guards, marching bands, local dignitaries, civic groups, rescue squads, fire departments, antique cars and floats, an Independence Day Celebration & Concert featuring the Illumination Twirlers, Dad’s Night, Fallin’ Angels Skydivers, a patriotic concert by The Ridgewood Concert Band and to top it all off a fireworks display.

The parade is free. Admission at the gate to Veteran’s Field, the scene of the concert and the fireworks, is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. Advance tickets are sold all over town at participating businesses. Parking is free and limited handicap parking is available.

Get more info @ RidgewoodJuly4th.org

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Hudson County New Jersey 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations:

Macy’s Fireworks,  great viewing in Weehawken and Hoboken, July 4, 2009

The biggest fireworks show in America has moved a little closer to New Jersey this year. That makes the New Jersey communities of Weehawken and Hoboken very happy indeed. They will both be great spots to view Macy’s 4th of July fireworks spectacular.

The staging area for the fireworks is directly across from Weehawken and in front of the Intrepid. The entire show is staged on barges that will be anchored from 24th Street to 50th Street in Manhattan. [Hoboken and Weehawken-Hudson County-North Jersey]

To get more information, see our Fireworks Press Release from Macy’s Here.

Morris County New Jersey 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations:

Florham Park, Morris County:

Florham Park has been throwing  a party for the 4th of July for 52 years and it seems that they didn’t let the economy slow them down this year. Here’s their extensive schedule of events for the day:

Schedule
9:00 AM Flag Raising Ceremony at Firehouse #1 on Brooklake Road
9:30 AM Parade begins (Rain or Shine) at Ridgedale Ave. and Brooklake Road Road
10:30–3:00 PM Family Picnic at the Borough Hall Lawn—Featuring…

• Kiddie Rides and Games
• Monster Wave Slide Mega Obstacle Course Fairytale Castle Combo
• Bungee Run Sea of Balls Trailer Hay Ride
• Sports Radar Cage 3-1-1 Sports Combo
• Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
• Visit the St. Barnabas “Fire Safety House”
• And the July 4th Celebration Day Continued…

11:45 AM Presentation of Parade Trophies by Mayor Eveland
12 PM–3:00 PM Social Garden (must be over 21 to enter, mug purchase (required to enter).

• $6.00 mug purchase required to enter.
• Music provided by the Mariachi Band

9:00 PM Fireworks begin. Refreshments Available.

Refreshments

• Hamburgers 3 Tickets
• Hot Dogs 2 Tickets
• Soda/ Water 1 Ticket
• Beer 3 Tickets and the purchaser must be 21 years or older. Read rules at the Social Garden.
• Pizza, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Ice Cream & Italian Ice are available as cash sales only.

The rain date for the Florham Park Fireworks is Sunday, July 5, 2009. [Florham Park-Morris County-North Jersey]

For more information on Florham Park’s Fourth see their website. It is one of the best 4th of July websites in the whole state of New Jersey. It is full of information and it includes a great collection of photos.

See this great New Jersey community website here.  

Mountain Lakes 4th of July Fireworks Display, Saturday, July 4, 2009

The fireworks are scheduled for Saturday, July 4th at 9:00 p.m. over Mountain Lake. The rain date for the fireworks is Sunday, July 5th. Today, June 21, 2009 the town had raised just about 1/4 of the cost of the fireworks through individual donations. [Mountain Lakes-Morris County-North Jersey]

Get more information on Mountain Lakes New Jersey here.

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Parsippany July 4th Fireworks, Saturday, July 4, 2009

The Parsippany fireworks will take place at dusk on Saturday, July 4, at Parsippany Hills High School. Rain date is Sunday, July 5. [Parsippany-Morris County-North Jersey]

Get more information on Parsippany New Jersey here. 

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Passaic County New Jersey 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations:

Paterson, Passaic County:

Paterson will celebrate Independence Day and the birthday of the city of Paterson on Friday, July 3, 2009. The fireworks will be staged at approximately 9:00 PM at Garret Mountain overlooking the city. The display is sponsored by the businesses and merchants of downtown Paterson.

Get more info from the Downtown Paterson SID @ 973-881-7300.

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