Robots and rodeo headline new events as NJ State Fair returns to Sussex County

Kyle Morel, Newton New Jersey Herald
·4 min read

FRANKFORD — The state fair will make its return to the Sussex County Fairgrounds late next week with a mix of modern entertainment and classic agricultural attractions familiar to the region.

The annual event, officially known as the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show, kicks off at 5 p.m. Aug. 4, and will run through Aug. 12. Each day features a variety of activities catered to a range of patrons, from local regulars to out-of-towners who want to experience a glimpse of life in Sussex County or just escape for a few hours' entertainment.

"Every year we try to add new things for people, but we also want to have those traditional things as much as we can," said Fair President Joan Smith.

What's new at the fair?

Among the new attractions is Combat Robotics, a competition of remote-controlled machines that Smith compared to the "BattleBots" television show. Fair attendees can watch 28 teams, including Sussex County Technical School students and members of the 4-H STEM Club, test their skills all day Aug. 5 in the BBQ Pavilion.

Opening day at the 2021 New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show as it returned to the fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ after missing last year due to the pandemic.
Opening day at the 2021 New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show as it returned to the fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ after missing last year due to the pandemic.

Bull riding will also make its fair debut, with the New York-based Painted Pony Rodeo performing at 7 p.m. on opening night in the Outdoor Entertainment Area. Tickets to the event are $5 for children ages 6-12 and $10 for attendees 13 and older in addition to fair admission.

Fair hours changing

Another new wrinkle this year is the weekday operating hours, which are noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, after opening at 10 a.m. in previous years.

The change was made, Smith said, in response to "a trend that we've seen in the last few years of more people coming later in the day." Vendors have also noted that they get little to no business on weekday mornings, she added.

The fair's hours will remain 5-10 p.m. on the first day, with $15 admission for most people ages 13 and older, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Returning favorites

The sensory-friendly carnival rides and Garden State Marketplace are making their return after well-received debuts last year. Fan favorites like the Demolition Derby, racing pigs and K-9s in Flight dog show will also be back. As always, attendees will be able to peruse the barns to see award-winning goats, cows and other livestock.

The fair represents the culmination of a year-round fundraising and organizing effort by the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show Association − many of whom have full-time jobs. Having fully emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, which canceled the event in 2020, fair officials are optimistic for another year of family fun.

"We're hoping for good weather and hoping for a great turnout," Smith said.

Ticket prices and promotions

Advance tickets are $10 for adults up to age 59, $4 for children 6 to 12 and $5 for seniors. They can be purchased online or at select local businesses until 11:55 p.m. Aug. 3. For regular admission tickets, available online or at the gate entrance, prices are $15 for adults, $5 for children, $10 for seniors and $7 for veterans and active military members.

The cow milking demonstration during opening day at the 2021 New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show as it returned to the fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ after missing last year due to the pandemic.
The cow milking demonstration during opening day at the 2021 New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show as it returned to the fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ after missing last year due to the pandemic.

Promotions such as Children's Day on Aug. 8, Celebrate America Day on Aug. 9 and Senior Day on Aug. 10 feature other ticket discounts. In addition, those who take part in the blood drive at the fairgrounds from Aug. 7-12 will receive free admission to the fair.

For more information, including a full schedule of events and detailed ticket information, visit www.sussexcountyfairgrounds.org.

Fair schedule and notable events

  • Aug. 4

    • Dollar Day: all rides $1

    • 7 p.m. — Bull Riding

    • 8-9:30 p.m. — Battle of the Bands

  • Aug. 5

    • 7-9:30 p.m. — Queen of the Fair Pageant

  • Aug. 6

  • Aug. 7

    • Green Day: eco-friendly vendors

  • Aug. 8

    • Children's Day

    • Noon - 2 p.m. — sensory-friendly carnival rides

  • Aug. 9

    • Celebrate America Day

    • Noon - 1 p.m. — Tribute to the Troops/Quilts of Valor programs

  • Aug. 10

    • Senior Day

    • Noon - 3 p.m. — Senior Day activities sponsored by Newton Medical Center, Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home and United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen

  • Aug. 11

  • Aug. 12

    • 5-9:30 p.m. — Sussex County Talent Show

Kyle Morel is a local reporter covering Morris and Sussex counties.

Email: kmorel@njherald.com; Twitter: @KMorelNJH

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: NJ State Fair 2023: New hours, attractions for Sussex County event