Families are invited to experience a weekend of animals, agriculture and family-friendly fun as the Mercer County 4-H Fair returns to Howell Living History Farm on July 26 and 27.
The annual fair, which draws hundreds of visitors each year, runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free, though attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation for Rutgers Against Hunger.
Hosted by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County, the event celebrates the achievements of local 4-H youth and showcases agricultural traditions with animal exhibits, hands-on activities and educational displays.
Attendees can expect hayrides, pony rides, homemade ice cream, music, magic shows and farm tours throughout the weekend.
The fair’s Saturday schedule includes highlights such as the 4-H Invitational Goat Show, a farm animal costume contest, rabbit show, pie-eating contest, a frozen shirt contest, and evening country dancing to live music. Sunday’s events include a poultry show, pedal tractor pull, and the 4-H Round Robin showmanship contest.
Returning favorites include the Snakes-N-Scales Radical Reptiles show, archery demonstrations, and “Chicken Poop Bingo.” Musical acts such as Ray Owen, Magnolia Street String Band, and Jugtown Mountain String Band will perform both days.
Exhibitors and vendors will include the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, the Mid-State Beekeepers Association, the Mercer County Wildlife Center Friends, the New Jersey High School Rodeo Association, and many more local organizations. Educational booths will feature gardening, food, crafts, health and environmental topics.
The fair takes place at Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane in Hopewell Township. For full event details and a schedule, visit the Mercer County 4-H website at mercer.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/fair.
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