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County Fair Bustles With Family Fun
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo For 62 years, the Ocean County Fair has been bringing area residents fun, games and good times. |
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Robert J. Miller Airpark in Berkeley exploded with lights, country music and people having fun at the 62nd Annual Ocean County Fair.
Thousands of visitors stepped up to try and win a prize for family and friends along the midway. There were huge stuffed animals, silly prizes and specialty items from crafters and artists. Food stands were bustling on Thursday, as the first full day of the fair began.
"Dependable Dan" from Seaside Crab House said business was good. "Tuesday was hot, Wednesday, it rained. Today, it started picking up. The weather was a factor," he said.
"It's great seeing everyone having fun. I wish I was a kid again," JoAnn Brower of Toms River lamented.
The county fair was filled with attractions for kids. There were pony rides, "trike" races, an archery competition, juggling shows and a ventriloquist. Ocean County 4-H clubs outdid themselves and the children showed how well they learned lessons on how to raise and nurture their show animals and friends.
Heather, with Olivia, 6, Alexander, 5, and Isabella, 2, were excited to visit the family's first county fair.
"It's fun to watch how excited the kids get," said Grandma Judy of Toms River.
"I want to go on the rides," Alexander said.
He was not alone. Screams from riders of the Dizzy Dragon, Tilt-a-Whirl, Wings, Zippo and Pharaoh's Fury echoed throughout the park as children slid down, climbed up, held on and rode upside down, all for the fun of it.
Brothers Brad and Timothy Hoesten of Bayville said they looked forward to attending this year since at last year's event, they won a water balloon contest. The 9 and 7 year olds were proud of the fact they also took first and second place in a Piñata breaking contest. The duo returned in force, said their mom, Dawn, to enter the pedal tractor pull on Sunday. "They like to win," she said.
There was plenty of parking at the fair grounds and the county provided a shuttle bus along Route 530. Stationed at the park's entrance, Brittany and Marc welcomed a mix of seniors and families with children. "The kids are excited when they get here," said Marc.
Don McDow and Barry Goldberg of Holiday City Berkeley First Aid Squad sat near the fair's entrance. "We're ready for anything," said Don.
"So far, not a scratch," added Barry. "Everybody is just having a good time."
Twelve-year-olds Travis, Ernie and Blake devoured fried Oreos like they were going out of style. They do love them, they said, but only after going on the rides.
South Toms River Recreation Director Gloria Dix watched over 48 children from the department's summer youth program as they ate lunch. Dix said that the day's field trip to the fair was a thrill for the children. "They look forward to this each year."
Lola, 7, agreed and said her favorite is to "go up and see the world" on the ferris wheel.
Mother and daughter Patricia and Susanna worked the Lucky Ducky stand. There, the kids lined up for a chance to walk away with a win, big or small. Wesley, 12, said he was having fun. Lea, 8, said she liked the fast rides. Courtney, 7, held onto a stuffed frog with her friend, Amy, who won a yellow bear.
Thirty-seven children from Stafford Township Recreation Department's summer fun camp enjoyed their day at the fair. Camp counselors Ivette, Dawn and Joanne relaxed as the kids, all wearing green t-shirts, waited to get on a ride.
"They loved all the shows," said the counselors. "They are having a blast."
Along with the pony rides and animal shows, an Awesome Pro Wrestling show will take place as well as a kiddies tractor pull, ice cream eating contest, egg hunt and a 4-H watermelon treat.
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