A summer tradition returns with the 77th Somerset County 4-H Fair, August 5-7, at North Branch Park in Bridgewater. The fair features 15 acres of exhibits, animals, activities and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Admission and parking are free.
The Fair is the highlight of the year for almost 1,000 county 4-H club members. Through exhibits and competitions, fairgoers can connect with the county’s agricultural heritage and glimpse the future thanks to the broad spectrum of 4-H projects. Livestock, robotics, model trains, rabbits, rocketry, dairy cows, archery, and Seeing Eye puppies are just a few of the dozens of project areas that can be found at the Fair.
Be sure to bring your appetite. The 4-H Fair’s legendary Food Tent offers a wide selection of your favorite fair foods and summertime treats. Food sales benefit the nonprofit community groups that host each stand and the 4-H Association to help make the fair possible.
Somerset County will have displays, information on services, and giveaways. The Park Commission and many community groups will also be at the fair.
4-H is the nation’s oldest and largest youth organization. Offered in New Jersey through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 4-H empowers young people with the skills that they need to succeed in life. Children from kindergarten to grade 3 may join a 4-H Prep program. Traditional 4-H club members in grades 4 to one year out of high school complete hands-on projects in areas such as science, health, agriculture, civic engagement and the arts. You can see 4-H in action by visiting the Fair.
The fair is hosted by the Somerset County 4-H Association, which supports the 4-H Youth Development Program of Somerset County. The Association owns and maintains the Ted Blum 4-H Center, offers scholarships and provides monetary and volunteer support for 4-H programs and events. Learn more at 4HisTops.org.