Middlesex County Fairgrounds — Local services in East Brunswick Township

I'm a life long Middlesex County resident who trecked out the East Brunswick (30-40 mins) to check out my county's fair.

There's a real opportunity here to share the arts and culture of our county that is not being leveraged. I was disappointed as I walked into the fair to hear standard DJ playing todays pop music. We have an opportunity to feature and support local bands. Create an open stage and dance area. Instead there was a cramped food tent and cramped seats in front of DJ speakers. Not a great cultural experience if you ask me. I think we should focus on local arts and culture more in general. There are so many amazing local restaurants and food trucks that I think could be in place of the butterfly fries and funnel cakes. (I saw a few inspiring food vendors though, so it seems like they're getting there)

When we decide to play pop music and serve generic carnival fare that's a sad approach, we're sitting back and assuming our county can't offer something unique.

I enjoyed the 4H aspects of this county Fair but I believe they deserve their own focus and not be tacked on to a standard commercial carnival.

I much prefer the free-to-enter Somerset county 4H fair that sets the focus on livestock, agriculture and farming.

Again, I'm not sure who this carnival benefits but the pricing seemed unreasonable. $3 for a chance to win a stuffed toy. I think a stuffed toy costs $3. Many of the prizes are things I wouldn't nessesarilly want to bring home.I paid $7 to enter and $10 for a platter (2 perogies and half a keilbasa), and $5 for an empanada. Luckily I brought a bottle of water with me, so didn't need to buy a drink. So that's $22 to walk around and have some food, just for me. Not very affordable. I'm okay with the entrance fee but would like to know who benefits from the entrance fee.

On a positive note, I enjoyed the radio race cars and thought that was a...

My home county 4H fair... what happened to you?

The horse ring has been taken over by stunt bikes (the bikes did do a great show, tho), the animal tents have hardly any animals, the vegetable tent is a shadow of its former glory, the arts & crafts barn is taken over by a bunch of digitally filtered pix, the baked and canned goods take up a smaller and smaller portion of the arts & crafts barn as well, and I didn't see any of the amazing wood furniture that's usually on display near the front. The pine trees that provided natural shade and beauty in the middle of the food vendors were all cut down, and hot steamy tents put up in their place.

Now, this fair is all about $$$. Vendors, vendors and more vendors. Extremely overpriced rides. Yummy food, but drastically overpriced as well. This fair is becoming too much like the state fair at the Meadowlands... smh.

The dedicated 4H kids and volunteers (the few that are left) and some good local entertainment and non-profits on display help redeem some of the downfalls in this current version of the Middlesex County Fair. But this may be the last time we go to the fair that I have attended every year for the past 30+ years. The Somerset, Hunterdon, and Sussex fairs are much better by far, and...

This was my first time visiting the Middlesex County Fair, and I must say the planning committee did a stellar job showcasing the diverse and eclectic interests of the community. From 4-H demonstrations in art, food, and horticulture to horse races and live entertainment, there truly was something for everyone. Highlights: • Community Spirit: The fair was a vibrant celebration of local talent and interests. • Entertainment Variety: Whether you’re into animals, crafts, or music, there’s plenty to enjoy. We watched a little bit of the professional wrestlers and the flying Cortes. • Food Options: A wide array of vendors—definitely worth sampling multiple spots. My personal favorites were the oriental bbq skewers and skellys funnel cake and deep fried oreos. Things to Note: • Traffic & Parking: Getting to the fairgrounds was chaotic due to a single access point. Arrive early to avoid delays. • Cash is King: Most vendors are cash-only, so come prepared. • Military Perks: Veterans and active military members get free admission. • Ride Lines: There are plenty of rides, but be ready...