Drawing roughly a quarter of a million people from all over the Northeast and beyond, the New Jersey State Fair, known for many years as the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, has already been picked as one of the top one hundred events in North America by the American Bus Association, and a star attraction by the National Geographic Travel magazine. A real country fair, the home pride of generations worked closely with the land is everywhere to be seen: in the good food, good works, and good times that are the true bounty and community of the rural, agricultural heritage of Sussex County. The fair's roots extend back to 1821, and the annual Sussex County Horse Show took place in ever-expanding form in Branchville from 1936 to 1976, when the fair moved to new grounds on a 150 acre dairy farm on Plains Road in Augusta.
Visitors enjoy the tremendous agricultural exhibits for which the Fair is famous. Animals are everywhere you look - from a bee and honey display to the barns at the livestock exhibitions, in the horticultural exhibits and contests, and in the Horse Show Ring.
The Show is the largest livestock event and AHSA sanctioned festivity in New Jersey, with horses of all kinds; from workhorses to the sleekest thoroughbreds. In addition to the Horse Show all week you can see racing pigs, a llama show, woodchopping contests, arts & crafts shows, a performing arts tent, a queen pageant, and more, more, more!
You'll taste food whose recipes hail from the heart of rural New Jersey or from just about anywhere in the world. All of the various waves of immigrations that have built the state of New Jersey bring good things to these tables!
Demo derbies, motocross, monster truck rides, equestrian events, tractor pulls and concerts occur on varying days. And don't forget head over to our Carnival for some thrilling rides.
More about this and other summer fairs....
Every member of the family will love this remarkable event. Groups and motor coaches are welcome. Parking is free. Adults $15, Seniors, $10, Children $6, under 5 free. Reduced advance tickets are available. Rt. 206 & Plains Rd.. There are specials all week long. The Sussex County Fairgrounds are located on Plains Road in Augusta, between Newton and Branchville. Information: 973-948-5500, or website.
The Byram lake is a good kayaking destination.
Located in Sussex County near the Kittatinny Mountains the camping resort offers park model, cabin and luxury tent rentals as well as trailer or tent campsites with water, electric and cable TV hookups on 200 scenic acres.
One day you are likely to find yourself headed to New Jersey's northernmost corner in search of adventure.
