It's state fair time in Sussex County

Augusta, N.J. — Fun, food and fowl can all be found at The New Jersey State Fair, Sussex County Farm and Horse Show which runs Saturday, Aug. 4 through Monday, Aug. 12. Bargains abound for the most frugal fairgoer. Admission prices are discounted a dollar Carnival savings can be found on Pay One Price Days, $17 per rider for unlimited rides during allotted times. POP dates are Friday, Aug. 3, Monday, Aug. 6 through Thursday, Aug. 9 and Monday, Aug.12. Check the website for times. Food at the fair can either break the bank or be a great value. Typically the less blinking lights and the further away from the carnival an eatery is, the less expensive the food. The Branchville Rotary Club serves a cold roast beef sandwich for $5 and iced tea for $1. Hamburgers for $3.50 are available at the Knights of Columbus building, as well as clam chowder for $3.50 and a dozen steamers for $8. Miller Beer will also be distributing coupons for discounts at the Knights of Columbus. Newton Rotary serves a complete meal including a “wurst” sandwich, corn on the cob and drink for $6.25. Single ears of corn are $1.25 and barrel pickles are $1. The Agricultural Division’s Country Kitchen also has hamburgers for $3.50, stuffed cabbage for $3.75 and noodles with cabbage for $2. Reasonably priced ice cream can be found at the 4-H Teen Council dairy barn, just off the midway. Milkshakes range from $3 to $3.50, Root Beer Floats, $2.50, large cones and cups of either soft or hard ice cream are $2.50, chipwiches, $2 and pretzels, $1. Milk can also be purchased here for 50 cents to $1. Refillable drinks that have endless bottoms during the entire week can be found at the Branchville Rotary Club, $4 for a 32 ounce cup with $1 refills of iced tea, or at the Agricultural Division’s County Kitchen, 16 ounce for $8.50 with 50 cent refills or a 32 ounce for $10 with 75 cent refills including all soft drinks, hot tea, coffee, lemonade and iced tea. The civic organizations provide great value on food at the fair, and portions of the proceeds are returned to the community in the forms of scholarships, programs and services. The home economics division distributes free samples of entries to audience members during the One and Only Blueberry Contest which is scheduled for Aug. 8. Traditionally, slices of homemade cheesecake are sold for $1 after the Cheesecake Contest, which is scheduled for August 10. Low cost baked goods can be purchased after the judging of the 4-H baking contest which is scheduled for August 8, proceeds to benefit 4-H. At the Snook’s museum, novelty ice cream is sold for 75 cents and stick candy is a bargain at 15 cents each. Entertainment is always free in the Performing Arts Tent, Ronetco Family Entertainment Area, greenhouse, livestock barns, horse show and Richard’s Building. Concerts, dance and gymnastic demonstrations, photography and baking contests, local produce and flowers, landscape designs and even rooster calling and scavenger hunts are free with admission. A schedule of all events is listed at www.njstatefair.com. A daily schedule of events and map are available at the gate. It is the best way to know what is happening when and where, helping to budget both time and money throughout the day.