The four-day Gloucester County 4-H fair returns this year to the county fairgrounds next Thursday through Sunday.
Hours for the fair – expected to draw 20,000 visitors, according to the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station – are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The event aims to provide an experience reminiscent of an old-time country fair. Its $10 cost includes all-day access to attractions and serves as a donation to the 4-H.
“This year’s fair will feature 4-H youth shows and exhibits, children’s activities, day at the farm, live entertainment, tractor pulls, draft horse pulls, a car show, livestock auction, vendors, food trucks, Rode’s BBQ, Jersey fresh produce and much more,” said the fair’s Kathy Daws-Lawrence.
“Each year, a wide variety of activities are planned to encourage participation by agricultural and commercial exhibitors,” notes the Rutgers’ website. “For only one parking fee, fair attendees can take advantage of all four days … to discover the many facets of Gloucester County, the 4‑H Fair and Jersey Fresh-Jersey Grown products.”
Animals will be on hand for contests, displays and activities, including equestrian precision exercises, rabbit and goat shows, dog obedience classes and a reptile exhibit.
The event also celebrates the work of children who are part of the Gloucester County 4-H youth development program, where they learn to hone important life skills such as public speaking, citizenship and leadership.
The county fairgrounds are located at 275 Bridgeton Pike on Route 77 ih Mullica Hill.