The fair begins Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds in Harrison Township.
For nearly 70 years, the Gloucester County 4-H Fair has celebrated rural life in South Jersey.
With livestock and agricultural exhibits, equestrian demonstrations, 4-H projects and plenty of fun and food, the fair offers a four-day summertime celebration for the whole family.
The fair runs from July 28-31 at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds, 275 Bridgeton Pike, in Harrison Township. Admission to the fair is free, but a one-time $10 parking fee is valid for all four days. Check out the full fair schedule online.
Here's a look at several attractions visitors will find during the fair.
1. It's all about 4-H
Unlike many fairs, this one isn't about amusement park rides and carnival attractions. The heart of this event is 4-H and the work of area children and volunteers.
"We are a true 4-H fair," explained Linda Strieter, Gloucester County 4-H Program coordinator and fair coordinator. "We are not a county fair."
The event is run entirely by 4-H volunteers.
The fair opening ceremonies and 4-H Parade of Clubs begin Thursday evening at 5:30 in the horse show arena. This is a chance to highlight each of the 4-H clubs taking part in the fair and recognize scholarship recipients. The ceremony includes appearances by elected leaders and other dignitaries.
Strieter hopes attendees will take time to learn about 4-H.
"They should come to see and meet 4-H members and leaders to learn about the projects that they have worked on all year long," she said. "This is the culmination of their projects."
For example, students who have raised rabbits have learned how to feed and care for their animal over the past year, while keeping detailed records on the animal's progress. A young person raising pigs has learned about proper care, but also about the business side of the process. "They are raising that pig for sale," Strieter said.
Some parents attending the fair may want to learn more about how to get their kids involved in 4-H.
"This gives the visitor an opportunity to interact with a 4-H member and learn about that," she said.
Younger kids can enjoy a Day at the Farm/petting zoo each day in the Miserendino Building
It's not just about animals, though. Cooking, sewing and craft clubs, as well as a teen service club, are other options.
Volunteer Amy Haig, in charge of vendors at the fair, participated in 4-H as a child. Her daughter, Stephanie Eastlack, is now involved in the 4-H sheep, swine and beef programs. She wants to be a large animal veterinarian.
"I grew up here," Haig said as she paused for a moment Wednesday to reflect on why she enjoys the fair. "This is something I look forward to every year."
2. Whole lotta horses
One of the most popular attractions at the fair are the horse programs.
"The horse events are always a huge favorite," Strieter said. "People just love our horse events."
Thursday's events include the Gold Clover Dressage Show, starting at 8:30 a.m. and a versatility horse show at 7 p.m. Friday activities include a Western Horse Show, while Saturday's main event is an English Horse Show kicking off at 8 a.m. A draft horse pull program is slated for 7:30 p.m.
The 4-H Cloverbud Exhibition, featuring riders up to grade 4, starts at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
3. Mud run fun for all ages
The 2016 4H Mud Run is Saturday morning. The 5K course is designed for all ages, but those under 12 must have an adult running with them and a parent waiver must be signed.
You can sign up online to participate. Watching the messy spectacle is free of charge.
Following the mud run is the Kids Mud Mess for kids 12 and under on Saturday afternoon. Sign up online.
4. Fundraisers planned for 2 troopers
Two events are planned to honor the memories of New Jersey State Police Troopers Eli McCarson and Sean Cullen. McCarson died in an auto accident while on duty in December. Cullen was struck by a car and killed while on the scene of an auto accident in March.
McCarson was a lifelong member of the Gloucester County Triangle Hog Growers Club. The club's hog auction, held Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the livestock barn as part of the Hog, Lamb and Goat Auction, will begin with the sale of a hog that club members purchased and raised together in McCarson's memory.
Proceeds from the sale will go to McCarson's wife and child.
Also on Friday at 7:30, the Tailored Equestrians 4-H Club and the Donahue Family will host a horse jumping competition called Knock Down & Out. All proceeds from the $20 entry fee and from sales of T-shirts honoring the troopers will go to the McCarson and Cullen families.
5. Shhhh! Silent auction of baked goods
The Taste Buds 4-H Cooking Club will host a baked goods silent auction on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Auctioned items will includes cakes, cupcakes and cookies. The cooking club booth is located near the dog ring.
All proceeds will go to the cooking club for operations and supplies.
6. Plenty of contests
The Gloucester County Certified Gardeners are sponsoring contests in photography, clay pot decorating, recycled garden art and a flower and vegetable show.
The group holds a scavenger hunt for kids, in which they must visit various 4-H attractions around the fairgrounds.
"It helps the kids get engaged in the fair and see all of the events," said Denise Hay, who helps run the Certified Gardeners booth at the fair. About 50 volunteers help out with the Gardeners programs.
Hay likes the homegrown nature of this fair.
"This fair is different because it's really based around our farming and local community," she said. "It gives (attendees) a feel for their neighbors and their community."
The Gloucester County Helping Paws 4-H Animal Community Service Club will hold its Animal Art Show on Sunday.
The contest is open to all ages and divided into photography, visual art and craft categories. Works must relate to animals (domesticated, wild or exotic) or insects, organizers note.
Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. and judging begins at 11.
Taste Buds Cooking Club will host a Fruit and Vegetable Craft Contest on Sunday afternoon, featuring painted, carved and costumed produce.
The program features age categories from kindergartner to adult. Organizers note that all creations must be made entirely of fruits or vegetables and that entries will be judged on creativity, not size.
Drop-off and registration is at 1:45 p.m., with judging starting at 2 p.m.
7. Woof it up, dog lovers!
The Canine Can Do 4-H Dog Club will host events all four days of the fair, including a Mr. & Mrs. Universe Fashion Show Thursday at 7 p.m. Dress your dog in fashions from any country competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Seeing-eye and K-9 demonstrations are among Saturday's attractions and Sunday is game day, with relay races, barking and singing contests and a smartest dog competition. The Gloucester County Sheriff's Office is hosting the K-9 program.
8. 4 days of great food and music
The fair includes nightly barbecue dinners Thursday through Saturday prepared by Lapp's Dutch Market. Enjoy chicken and rib dinners with all of the essential side items from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
On the music front, each day features multiple performances from the likes of Carly Moffa, Michael Jones, Julie Taylor, The Diligents, Dejavue, Acoustic Soul and Christian rock band Common Destiny. Radio station WXTU will also broadcast from the fair.
9. Fun and games
In addition to the petting zoo, kids can enjoy pony rides, crafts and magic shows. Starting at noon each day and running into the evening, attendees will find a moon bounce, climbing wall, dunk tank, mechanical bull and other attractions near the Wallace Warren Pavilion.
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.