If you’ve ever wandered the Middlesex County Fairgrounds on a warm August night—cotton candy in hand, the sounds of laughter mingling with carousel music—you’ve been part of a tradition that stretches back nearly a century. But the fair we know today, with its thrill rides and sizzling food stands, had humble beginnings in a much quieter corner of Middlesex County.
It All Started with a Grange and a Dream
The year was 1937. The country was still clawing its way out of the Great Depression, and communities were looking for ways to reconnect, to celebrate the simple joys of life, and to support one another. In Milltown, a group of dedicated locals from Grange No. 151 hosted a one-day flower and crop show in 1937, which inspired the idea for a county fair.
It wasn’t flashy. There were no Ferris wheels or neon lights. But there were homegrown vegetables, hand-stitched quilts, pies good enough to win ribbons, and a whole lot of heart. The event was a hit—so much so that the organizers quickly realized this couldn’t be a one-off. The Middlesex County Fair Association, Inc. was born not long after, with a mission to grow the fair into something the whole county could be proud of.
1938: From Pop-Up to Community Staple
A year later, the second annual fair was held in late September 1938 at Dunham’s Corner in East Brunswick Township.
Experts judged flower arrangements, 4-H kids proudly showing off their animals, and long tables filled with home-baked goods and garden harvests. Despite gray skies and rain showers, around 2,000 people showed up, a strong turnout for its first official year. Proof that something special was taking root in Middlesex County.
Agricultural leaders stepped in to help guide its future, bringing credibility and a broader vision for what the fair could become.
1939: A Fair Worth Fighting For
By 1939, the fair had momentum. It was set once again at Dunham’s Corner, and the organizing committee promised it would be “bigger and better” than ever before. Interest from local vendors skyrocketed. There was a sense in the air that this wasn’t just an annual event—it was becoming part of Middlesex County’s identity.
An advisory committee was formed, focused on building a worthwhile agricultural and educational program. This wasn’t just about entertainment; it was about preserving the county’s rural roots while bringing people together in celebration of hard work, craftsmanship, and community.
The fair paused during the World War II years and resumed post-war, continuing to grow in size and scope.
The Fair Finds Its Forever Home
As the years went on, the fair outgrew its early spaces. It needed a place to truly stretch out—somewhere that could accommodate the growing crowds and the ever-expanding list of activities. In 1965, that dream became reality when the fairgrounds on Cranbury Road in East Brunswick were established.
Finally, the fair had a permanent home. And with that came room for livestock pens, rides, a sprawling midway, vendor booths, and permanent buildings to house exhibits and demonstrations.
The Middlesex County Fair Today
Today, the Middlesex County Fair is one of New Jersey’s most beloved summer events. Held every August, it spans seven days and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors. And while it now includes:
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Carnival rides
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Live music and shows
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Food vendors serving everything from sausage sandwiches to funnel cake
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Craft booths and commercial displays
…it still stays true to its roots.
Walk a little farther past the games and food trucks, and you’ll still find kids proudly showing off their rabbits, pies lined up for judging, and local crafters carrying on old traditions.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
The Middlesex County Fair didn’t just happen. It grew—from a few tents and some hopeful neighbors into a county-wide celebration of community, agriculture, and tradition. It’s a story of perseverance, of volunteers who believed in building something year after year, rain or shine.
So the next time you’re there, walking under the fair lights or cheering on a pie-eating contest, take a moment to remember: it all started in 1937, with a grange, a dream, and a lot of heart.
📍 Location:
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ
Phone: (732) 257-8858
🎡 DATES & HOURS
When: Monday, August 4 – Sunday, August 10, 2025
Hours:
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Monday–Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM
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Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
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Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
🎟️ ADMISSION & PASSES
Gate Prices:
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Adults: $10
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Seniors (65+): $4
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Children (3–10): $4
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Children under 2: Free
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Parking and general entertainment: Free
Early Bird Online Only (until August 3):
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7-Day Adult Pass: $50 (normally $70)
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7-Day Child Pass: $16 (normally $28)
🎢 RIDES (by Skelly’s Amusements)
Ticket Options:
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Single ticket: $2
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12-sheet: $20
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32-sheet: $50
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64-sheet: $100
Unlimited Ride Wristbands:
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Tuesday–Friday (5 PM–11 PM): $30 per day
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Saturday & Sunday: $35 per day
Mega Pass Wristband (All Week Access):
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Early Bird: $50 (online only through August 3)
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Regular Price: $55 (during the fair)
🎆 FIREWORKS
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Opening Night: Monday, August 4
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Grand Finale: Sunday, August 10
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Rain Date (if needed): Wednesday, August 6
🎶 ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Mainstage Schedule:
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Monday, Aug 4:
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5–6 PM: Shoresyde Band
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6 PM: Opening Ceremony (Anthem by Dr. Morissa Schwartz)
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8–11 PM: Shoresyde
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Tuesday, Aug 5:
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6–7 PM: Athletic Dance
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8–10:30 PM: Jesse Garron’s Elvis Tribute
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Wednesday, Aug 6:
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6–7 PM: Fitzgerald School of Irish Dance
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8–11 PM: “Crash My Party” Luke Bryan Tribute
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Thursday, Aug 7:
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8–11 PM: Bon Jovi Tribute “Bonpoison”
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Friday, Aug 8:
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6–7 PM: Allied Performing Arts
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8–11 PM: Face First
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Saturday, Aug 9:
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12–1:30 PM: Kids Day
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8–11 PM: After the Reign
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Sunday, Aug 10:
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1:30–2:30 PM: Mr. Ray
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5–9 PM: DJ Set
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Special Acts (All Week):
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Flying Cortes Trapeze Spectacular
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Canine Stars Dog Show
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Agricadabra Magic Show
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Mobile Dairy Classroom
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Kris Clayton the Stilt-Walker
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Dangerous Feats of Comedy (juggling and fire acts)
🏆 HOME ARTS EXHIBITS
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Entry Drop-Off: Sunday, August 3, from 12 PM – 5 PM
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Pre-Registration Deadline: Friday, July 25
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Charity Cake Challenge:
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Entry: Sunday, August 3
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Public Voting: Monday 5 PM – Saturday 11 PM
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Winner Announced: Sunday, August 10 at 1 PM
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🐰 4-H & AGRICULTURE
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4-H animal exhibits
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Pony rides
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Home-grown vegetable displays
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Craft and home arts competitions
