FREEHOLD, NJ – Several Made In Monmouth businesses will be showcasing and selling locally made products at the 2014 Monmouth County Fair as the County continues to encourage people to shop local.

“We are very excited to have some of our Made in Monmouth vendors participating in the County Fair this year and give fairgoers the opportunity to shop local and see some of the amazing products produced right here in Monmouth County,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “Made in Monmouth is a successful shop local initiative that our Economic Development team has been advancing for the past few years.”

Made in Monmouth vendors are scheduled for every night of the fair and will feature items such as artwork, jewelry, baked goods and bath and body products that are all made in Monmouth County.

Monmouth County government will also be showcasing its many programs and services at the 2014 County Fair with its “Touch A Truck” display, Sheriff’s Ident-A-Kid program and lots of County information during all five Fair days at East Freehold Showgrounds on Kozloski Road.

“The ‘Touch A Truck’ exhibit put together by the Department of Public Works and Engineering will be back and give children of all ages an opportunity to experience what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of some of the County’s heavy duty equipment that keep our roads in good shape,” said Arnone.

Fairgoers will have an opportunity to see and touch a fire truck, road sweeper, bucket truck and a dump truck outfitted with a snowplow. Children will also be able to control traffic signals as part of this interactive display of real public works equipment.

The Monmouth County Fair is presented by the County Park System in cooperation with the County 4-H Association. The Fair maintains the agricultural nature of a traditional County Fair with its Home and Garden Competition, petting farm and 4-H animal shows and exhibits. 

“For the past 40 years, the Park System and the 4-H Association have combined efforts to put on a mid-summer extravaganza,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Park System and 4-H Association. “Fairgoers can see the chickens, rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep, cows and horses that are cared for by the youth of the 4-H Association. In taking responsibility for the animals year round, these youngsters represent the future and viability of our agricultural community – we should all support their efforts.”

County staff will be handing out information, giving demonstrations and answering questions. An entire tent, located just inside the Fair’s front entrance, is dedicated to resources from various County departments including: Consumer Affairs, Health, Human Services, Brookdale Community College, Care Centers, Workforce Development, Library System, Public Information and Tourism.  
 
“Monmouth County is proud of the variety of services it provides to the community,” Freeholder Deputy Director Gary J. Rich Sr. said. “The County Fair is a great way for residents to look at what we do, how we do it and meet County staff. I hope everyone can visit this year’s County Fair and meet with County staff and pick up the latest information on the services available to them.”

“This is the Fair’s 40th anniversary year and there are some great things planned for every Fair day,” Freeholder John P. Curley said. “The Fair reminds us of an earlier time in the County and helps us enjoy some truly great American traditions – blue ribbons, a pie-eating contest and amusement rides.”

“Even if residents do not make it to the County booth at the Fair, they can always access many of the same resources on the County’s website,” Freeholder Serena DiMaso said. “The website provides 24-hour access to County information and services.”

The Fair runs Wednesday through Sunday, July 23 to 27. The Fair gate is open 5 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (July 23 to 26) and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 27. The Fair is held at East Freehold Park Showgrounds on Kozloski Road, between Routes 33 and 537 in Freehold Township. Admission is $8 per person. Children 12 and under are free at all times. For more information on the Monmouth County Fair, visit www.visitmonmouth.com or call 732-842-4000.