Monmouth County Fair — Local services in Freehold Township

The fair gets more and more watered down and boring every year. This is what happens when it is no longer a community event and turns into political showpiece. It has essentially turned into a 4-H club exhibition and beg-for-your-money-a-thon, minimal carnival services provided by the lowest bidder, and tents full of aggressive and rude vendors peddling things and services that no one actually wants or needs. Basically saying to county residents, "here's the best we can do with all that tax revenue we collect from you. Enjoy all the vendors who paid us to be here and harass you, enjoy the overpriced carney services provided by the lowest bidder, and here's a cover-band or two we found at a dive bar for your entertainment..." County fairs are supposed to be geared towards the enjoyment and recognition of county residents, business, and life...not just the 4-H club and vendors from all over the state and country. Its the safest, most A-political, unentertaining, greedy, A-competitive, and boring event of the year, not to mention that there's no beer or anything. I guess county adults aren't responsible enough to have a few drinks at a county fair... Its like they grabbed the off-brand canned fair off the shelf and popped the top for us without putting any ice in the glass.. Good job Monmouth... keep crapping out these pre-packaged, unimaginative, boring, and unoffensive, dry...

My gripes were 1. that it was so big and hard to maneuver my way from place to place. I had a map but I was still confused lol. 2. The lines were definitely too long, my children didn't even want to wait in the lines on the big kids side. 3. And it was so darn expensive. For 3 drinks it was $21. I didn't even bother going to the food area to get food (which did smell good) as to not spend a fortune on food. 4. The lemonade I mentioned in #3 tasted super sour and like hose water I can tell it didn't have an ounce of sugar in it so they were literally just juicing lemons and watering it down. A little honey or something would have done wonders. For a drink so poorly put together I am upset that I spent so much on it.

I have to say I am not a big fan of how during events people jack up the prices so damn high. If it were cheaper than everyone else's you would make more money. You came here to pop up and gain business and you're charging 3x the price when the people are there to support you as it is.

Thank you Freehold for hosting for the people but ya could do better but again, it is...

The food was good, especially the lemonade, burgers, fries, and food trucks (my wife went to Ohana). Good luck finding a table to eat at unless you stalk tables for people leaving. There is a lot of empty space for more tables which should be utilized. There are port o potties around but some nicer restrooms by the food trucks. The ride attendants ranged from super helpful and nice to on their phone and didn't want to be bothered. We went early since it's half price admission for the first 2 hours, and it was great because there were no waits. Unlimited ride pass was definitely worth it for myself and my daughter. Heads up, the bigger rides have a lot of height restrictions typically 48". I was a bit surprised at this since my almost 6 year old can go on almost every ride at parks like Disney, including Rollercoasters. There was a lot of security, and it definitely felt safe throughout the night. If your little ones like big trucks, check out the touch a truck section with construction...