This Week in the New Jersey Skylands

July 30 - August 7

The corn is creeping up above the belt buckle and, despite the wet and cloudy weathter, we're already enjoying a splendid crop. While you wait for local Jersey tomatoes to ripen, the next few weeks celebrate the Skylands agricultural tradition in a big way.

Where Farm Meets Fun!

Also known as the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, The New Jersey State Fair begins on Friday, July 31 and runs ten days through Sunday, August 9. Choose any day; you won't be disappointed. Truly one of New Jersey's premier family activities of the year, the fair offers everything from farm tractor pulls and demo-derbys to topflight entertainment; from home baked goods to exotic food from around the world; from kiddy rides to thrills on high speed carnival rides. The state's agricultural tradition is well represented in the barns at the livestock exhibitions, in the horticultural exhibits and contests, and in the Horse Show Ring.

The Show is the largest livestock event and AHSA sanctioned festivity in New Jersey, with horses of all kinds; from workhorses to the sleekest thoroughbreds. In addition to the Horse Show all week, you can see racing pigs, woodchopping contests, arts & crafts shows, a performing arts tent, a queen pageant, and more, more, more! You'll taste food whose recipes hail from the heart of rural New Jersey or from just about anywhere in the world. More...

The fair is located at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, Rt. 206 & Plains Rd., 973/948-5500. Adults $11, Children $5, Under 6 free. (Those of you who receive our magazine will find a $3-off coupon good Monday-Friday, Aug 3-7.)

Warren County Farmers' Fair

The annual olde time agricultural fair features livestock and small animal shows, agricultural exhibits and shows, antique and stock tractor pulls, demolition derby, mud bogging, gardeners, crafters, children's activity tent, carnival rides, and plenty of food. The fair is joined by hot air balloon glows and rides each night. The fair is in full swing, through Saturday, August 1, at the Farmers Fairgrounds on Route 519 in Harmony. Read about the fair...

4-H Fairs

You can learn all about New Jersey corn, tomatoes and much, much more at local 4-H fairs. Read about what these clubs do, then plan on attending for some free family fun!

Somerset County 4-H Fair runs August 12-14 in Bridgewater at North Branch Park. Family fun in 15 acres of exhibits, entertainment, food concessions. 908/526-6644

Hunterdon County Agricultural Fair takes place from August 19-23. Agricultural and 4H Shows & Exhibits, food concessions, amusement rides. South County Park, Route 179, Ringoes. 908/782-6809

Farmers invade Waverly Place in Madison

Farmers' Markets

Day and weekend trips in the summer Skylands can also be delicious, with the rich harvests of our local farms available to the savvy shopper at farmer's markets throughout our region. While standard grocery and supermarket produce offerings promote Jersey Fresh, there's also a nearby alternate; convivial, open air, biodiverse, and rich in local color and tasty micronutrients.
Local farmers markets and community-supported agriculture help promote and sustain agricultural land use, mini crops that conserve plant genetics and extend seed variety, great taste and richness in local cuisine, and bridge newfangled suburban and rural lives with an old-fashioned meetup. You might also get a deal!
So, with long days of blue skies and the summer harvest at hand, here is a menu, by day, of Summer 2009 Farmer's Markets in the Skylands.

The Yellow Bus Lurks!

Beginning Thursday and running through the weekend, a Back-to-School & Fall Preview will be on the agenda at Liberty Village Premium Outlets in Flemington. While you make sure your kids are the best dressed on the bus, you'll partake of serious savings as stores will have specially marked merchandise and clearance items. Saturday & Sunday afternoon will offer live music, and family friendly entertainment. 1 Church Street in Flemington, 908/782-8550

Click for Delaware River Trip Discounts!

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Spread your wings and reach for the Skylands this and every week this summer. Don't wait; the days are already getting shorter! Northwest New Jersey and destinations just beyond those borders, in Pennsylvania and New York, are equally intriguing and convenient offer colorful ways to get out and enjoy the pleasures of the season. Keep an eye on our calendar for great things to do all the time! And we've got a crop of new stories to help you on your way.

If you like what you read and don't subscribe, you can get a copy of our summer publication here. If you've received free copies for a while, and you'd like to continue, please consider a paid subscription. It has become impossible to fulfill our entire list for free. Or you can pick up a copy at any one of these distribution points.

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