77th Somerset County 4-H Fair begins this week; everything to know
The jungle-themed 4-H Fair is free and hosted by the Somerset County 4-H, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County, and the Somerset County 4-H Association.
For three days, the fair will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the North Branch Park in Bridgewater, offering entertainment, food, and family fun for all ages. The Somerset County 4-H Fair was voted as an "Outstanding Event" by Somerset County Tourism in 2020.
Since 1947, the Somerset County 4-H Fair has been bringing people of all backgrounds together in a way that embraces community and teamwork. As the largest free 4-H fair in the state, the annual event typically attracts more than 60,000 visitors.
The first 4-H club in Somerset County was the New Centre Dairy club, which is still in existence today. The first Somerset County Fair was in 1948 located at Far Hills. The Fair moved from Far Hills to North Branch Park in 1962, and the location of the Fair in North Branch Park was renamed the Somerset County 4-H Fairgrounds in 2007.
Now, the annual fair is a three-day fest filled with 4-H animals, displays and activities, as well as shows, food, vendors and more.
Members of the 4-H youth organization host a diverse range of free activities found in various tents at the fairgrounds. Attendees can enjoy animal exhibits, art and science exhibits created by talented 4-H members, as well as local vendors, offerings from other departments of the Somerset County Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and a variety of offerings from Somerset County.
A long-standing tradition, non-profit organizations serving residents of Somerset County sell food and refreshments at the Fair.
"We hope that everyone is ready for an unforgettable experience at the Somerset County 4-H Fair," said Somerset County CEDH and 4-H Agent Lisa Rothenburger. "From kid-friendly hands-on activities to amazing exhibits showcasing the 4-H member's work, there's something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate community, learning, and a whole lot of fun."
Beyond its members, the value of 4-H extends to the larger community, said Fair organizers.
4-H is the largest nationwide youth development organization in America, offering resources to youth through engaging clubs and activities, volunteer opportunities, and informative workshops to create compassionate, responsible and skilled citizens in the community and beyond. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis.
The Somerset County 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Rutgers University, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
Through various community outreach projects and public events, 4-H contributes to youth development and education throughout Somerset County. The Fair serves as a showcase of the accomplishments of 4-H youth members, allowing them to take pride in their work and share their knowledge with the community.
In turn, the 4-H Association takes pride in the accomplishments of its members throughout the year, and the Fair serves as an opportunity to showcase the time and energy invested in the 4-H program.
The Somerset County 4-H Fair is sponsored by (as of June) A Peace of Om Yoga, Alstede Farms, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 726, Bagel Garden-Kenefic Inc., Basil Bandwagon Natural Market, Beatrice Chiropractic Care, Bobbi's Canine Coiffures, LLC, Chiang & Jones Family Dentistry, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aeries 2137, Gentle Dental Branchburg, Golden Corner, Gray's Florist, Hunterdon Dermatology LLC, Kingwood Foreign Auto Service, Laufer, Dalena, Jensen & Doran, L.L.C, Leonard C Sitrin, PHD, Loew & Patel Orthodontics, Nickolas Oakley, DVM, Premier Energy Group LLC, Riverwalk Physical Therapy, Round Valley Animal Hospital (Dr. Lorraine Marks), Sal's Talk Of The Town Barber Shop, Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Somerset County 4-H Anime & Manga Club, Somerset County 4-H The Clover Ensemble, Somerville Elks Lodge #1068, The Center School, The Delaney of Bridgewater and Time to Eat Diner.
For more information about the Somerset County 4-H Fair, go to https://4histops.org/fair.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Somerset County 4-H Fair is August 6-8; everything to know
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