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Cape May Court House – Come experience the annual Cape May County 4-H Fair, one of New Jersey’s oldest fairs, on July 18, 19, and 20 at the shady 4-H fairgrounds located at 355 Court House – South Dennis Road in Cape May Court House. This year’s theme is Oh, the Places We Will Go with 4-H! So, expect to see fun and whimsical displays highlighting our 4-H’ers projects and accomplishments as you experience all the traditional fair activities with more than 70 vendors that will make the 4-H Fair the place to be in July.
Admission to the 4-H Fair is free and there is a host of events planned, live entertainment, amusement rides, carnival games, livestock and horse shows, and more.
Limited premium parking is available at $10 per car at the Atlantic Cape Community College campus, located next door to the fairgrounds. Free parking is at the Cape May County Park and Zoo with free, air-conditioned shuttle service to the fair provided by Fare Free Transportation. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and fully handicapped accessible.
Public hours for this family friendly event are 3 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday (all vendors will be open by 3 p.m.), and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. The grand opening parade and ceremonies will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 18.
The 4-H Fair is a Cape May County tradition that offers a Chicken BBQ sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Agriculture. The famous Chicken BBQ will be served starting at 5 pm nightly. The cost is $22 per platter and tickets will go on sale starting at 4 pm each day on the Fairgrounds. There will be no advance sales of tickets this year. The Chicken BBQ sells out quickly each evening, so, come early, there are plenty of shaded picnic tables and there are always old friends to catch up with. Take-out is also available with special parking for easy in and easy out.
4-H Fair favorites include livestock and equestrian shows, a livestock animal auction, a children’s discovery area with a lineup of activities designed for our youngest fair visitors, and over 70 vendors with delicious food and interesting items. Amusement rides, carnival games, and more will be buzzing on the 4-H Fairground’s Midway. Experience the ultimate adventure with Shore Axes- Mobile Axe Throwing! No experience needed, just fun and friendly competition! Plus, Float Boat CO is returning this year with a lagoon full of paddle boats and water walking balls. What a great way to beat the July heat!
This year’s 4-H Fair features a wide array of entertainers. The fair’s headlining events will be CAT5 and the Double Shot Band. CAT 5 with powerhouse lead female vocal Cat Manning will have everyone rocking the night away on Friday, July 19 from 7 to 10 p.m.
The Double Shot Band, a classic rock band, will take the main stage on Saturday, July 20from 7 to 10 p.m. Rock ‘n’ Roll & Remember all those classic great tunes from the 60’s and 70’s including the music of the Rolling Stones, Chicago, Elvis Presley, the Temptations, the Eagles and more.
Enjoy your Chicken BBQ on Thursday, July 18 after listening to singer Rachel Miller open the 4-H Fair and then watch Ken the Magician & Jazzy Jen and experience the fun of balloon twisting from 6 to 8 p.m.
And, if you want a chance to win a full year’s supply of pet food, check out the popular Pet Show at the 4-H Fair, sponsored by Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies on Saturday, July 20 at 10 a.m. on the main stage. It only costs a $1 per class entry to participate and is open to both children and adults. The public is invited to attend, and anyone can participate, even if you are not a 4-H member.
Also, on Saturday, please plan to attend the solemn Flag Retirement Ceremony at 2 p.m. at the Flag Plaza. All veterans and interested community members are invited to attend.
Make sure to go inside the Lockwood 4-H Youth Center for games and activities, the Herpetology Show, to see 4-H projects and to cast your vote for your favorite work of art. The Art Show is taking place all three days and winners will be announced, prior to the Double Shot Band performance on the Main stage, on Saturday, July 20 at 7 p.m.
The AJ Johnson Fun Factory Amusements will be at fair with amusement rides and carnival games. So come and ride the Round Up, the Slide, the Swing, Tubs of Fun, a Train Ride, a Fun House, a Roller Coaster, the Airplane, a Moon Bounce, and more. Ride hours will be Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. with discount wristbands available, Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m. wristbands available, and from 5 to 10 p.m. Individual tickets cost $1.25 each., 20 tickets are $20, 45 tickets are $40, 60 tickets are $50, and wristbands will be offered for $25 each at times indicated and are available to anyone of any age.
As you can see there is something for everyone at the Cape May County 4-H Fair. See you there on July 18, 19, and 20 at the 4-H Fairgrounds. Please note: No dogs permitted, except for certified service animals.
For detailed information about the 4-H Fair, including a schedule of all events, please visit our website at https://capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/fair/ or call 609-465-5115, ext. 3605.
The 4-H Youth Development program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
