Thursday, July 19, Noon–9 p.m.
GRAND OPENING PARADE—5 p.m.
Kick-off for the official grand opening of the 4-H Fair. The parade proceeds around Betty Jean Lane with Boy Scout color guard, floats, 4-H dignitaries, entertainment and 4-H clubs. Music by Cape May County String Band. Parade will end at the main stage.
GRAND OPENING CEREMONIES—Following Parade
Official opening of fair festivities takes place at the main stage and at the flagpole on the fairgrounds. Features flag raising, special guests and dignitaries, presentations and patriotic music.
LOCKWOOD 4-H YOUTH CENTER—Noon to 9 p.m.
Maker Space – CMC Library’s Learning Center and the Fuzzy Logic 4-H Robotics Club bring awesome technology, robots and hands-on activities for all ages.
Scales & Tails 4-H Herpetology Club Exhibit – 4-H members will showcase their herp, reptile, arachnid and amphibian projects.
4-H Teen Leaders Marine-Life Touch Tank – Don’t miss the fascinating display of live marine animals from the Nature Center of Cape May.
4-H Club Make-N-Take Fun – Hands-on fun, educational crafts and activities for the kids!
4-H Best in Show and Members’ Project Displays – See what our 4-H members have been up to this year with their projects, including all of our Best in Show winners. Interesting exhibits from photography to vegetables to science and more.
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY AREA—Noon to 9 p.m. next to Lockwood 4-H Youth Center
Specially designed for our youngest visitors, a unique interactive series of activities. In addition to longtime favorites apple picking, egg gathering and potato digging, there will be live animals, pedal tractor races, the touch, taste and smell Irma McVey Memorial Herb Garden, and other educational activities and games geared for young visitors to explore and engage their senses.
Sawdogs chainsaw demo & auction—4 Carvings Each Day
New York chainsaw artist Mat Hass is a master of the chainsaw, producing incredibly delicate works of art from wood. Back by popular demand for all three days of the fair, Sawdogs will give four demonstrations daily. The items that he creates will be auctioned off Thursday at 7 p.m. on the main stage.
FOOD COURT, EXHIBITS & VENDORS—Noon to 9 p.m.
Educational/nonprofit exhibitors, commercial vendors and delicious food trucks and booths located throughout the fairgrounds.
ACCC FARM MARKET—2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Locally grown, Jersey Fresh produce and goods right across the way at ACCC.
MR. BOUNCE INFLATABLES—4 to 9 p.m.
Two awesome bouncy houses featuring a huge water slide and a fun house. Fun for kids and adults alike!
CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE—5 p.m. ‘til it’s gone!
A popular tradition at the fair! The Bar-B-Que is sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Agriculture. The meal features delicious smoked chicken, farm fresh vegetables, chips, cranberry sauce, roll and butter, beverage and dessert. Served by volunteers and local dignitaries. Take-out is also available. Tickets available on the fairgrounds from 4 p.m. on in the Chicken Bar-B-Que Ticket Booth. $14 for adults, $8 for children (12 and under).
4-H LIVESTOCK AUCTION—6:30 p.m. at Coover Pavilion
Project market lambs, hogs and steers are sold to the highest bidder. A unique opportunity to fill your freezer with high quality, humanely and locally-raised meat. Also great to split with a friend or donate to a worthwhile charity. Bidders welcome!
NEW! DRONE-FLYING DEMOS—7:30 p.m. at Maker Space in Lockwood 4-H Youth Center
From ACCC. Experience real life drone piloting and learn about college’s drone program.
EQUINE EVENTS:
Showmanship & Grooming & Halter Day—9 a.m. at the Horse Show Arena
Watch 4-H horse club members demonstrate their showmanship skills and exhibit their horses’ conformation, competing for the best model horses. The day includes the Versatility Division in the afternoon, testing horse and rider skills in tough English and western competition to determine the most versatile horse and rider combination.
EVENING EQUINE EVENTS—Following Livestock Auction in the Horse Show Arena
Moonlight Riders 4-H Mounted Drill Team – Cape May County’s 4-H Mounted Drill Team will unveil their exciting new routine of choreographed riding set to music. This will be the team’s 15th year of performances.
Graduating Seniors Exhibition Class – This equine event honors our graduating high school seniors and youth members in their final year of 4-H.
Fancy & Funny Equine Costume Classes – Elaborate and hilarious costume displays featuring 4-H horse club members and their project animals.
MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Cape May String Band—6 p.m. – Strut your stuff or tap your toes to this unique style of music.
Sawdogs Carving Auction—7 p.m. at the Main Stage – Daily auction of Chainsaw Artist Mat Hass’s carvings.
Friday, July 20, Noon–9 p.m.
LOCKWOOD 4-H YOUTH CENTER—Noon to 9 p.m.
Maker Space – CMC Library’s Learning Center and the Fuzzy Logic 4-H Robotics Club bring awesome technology, robots and hands-on activities for all ages.
Scales & Tails 4-H Herpetology Club Exhibit – 4-H members will showcase their herp, reptile, arachnid and amphibian projects.
4-H Teen Leaders Marine-Life Touch Tank – Don’t miss the fascinating display of live marine animals from the Nature Center of Cape May.
4-H Club Make-N-Take Fun – Hands-on fun, educational crafts and activities for the kids!
4-H Best in Show and Members’ Project Displays – See what our 4-H members have been up to this year with their projects, including all of our Best in Show winners. Interesting exhibits from photography to vegetables to science and more.
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY AREA—Noon to 9 p.m. next to Lockwood 4-H Youth Center
Specially designed for our youngest visitors, a unique interactive series of activities. In addition to longtime favorites apple picking, egg gathering and potato digging, there will be live animals, pedal tractor races, the touch, taste and smell Irma McVey Memorial Herb Garden, and other educational activities and games geared for young visitors to explore and engage their senses.
Sawdogs chainsaw demo & auction—4 Carvings Each Day
New York Chainsaw Artist Mat Hass is a master of the chainsaw, producing incredibly delicate works of art from wood. Sawdogs will give four demonstrations daily. The items that he creates will be auctioned off Friday at 6 p.m. on the main stage.
FOOD COURT, EXHIBITS & VENDORS—Noon to 9 p.m.
Educational/nonprofit exhibitors, commercial vendors and delicious food trucks and booths located throughout the fairgrounds.
SCALES & TAILS CLUB HERPETOLOGY SHOW—1 p.m. at Lockwood 4-H Youth Center
Cape May County’s 4-H Herpetology Club members will showcase their herp, reptile, arachnid and amphibian projects in a competitive show.
FARMING 101 at Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office
These hourly virtual field trips with Ag Agent Jenny Carleo and local farmers are for anyone wishing to learn more about commercially growing the following agriculture Ultra-Niche crops:
1 p.m. – Asparagus
2 p.m. – Blueberries
3 p.m. – Beach Plums
NEW! EUROBUNGY & MECHANICAL SHARK RIDES—4 to 9 p.m.
Don’t miss these exciting new challenges for all ages, brought to you by the 4-H Foundation.
MR. BOUNCE INFLATABLES—4 to 9 pm
Two awesome bouncy houses featuring a huge water slide and a fun house. Fun for kids and adults alike!
NEW! DRONE-FLYING DEMOS—5 p.m. at Maker Space in Lockwood 4-H Youth Center
From ACCC. Experience real life drone piloting and learn about college’s drone program.
AMERICAN FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY—4 p.m. at the Main Stage
The 4-H Fair is honored to feature this ceremony in our line-up. Experience American flags retired properly as veterans explain the meaning of the stars and stripes.
NEW! PETER RABBIT GARDEN HARVEST PARTY—6 p.m. at Irma’s Herb Garden
Young children are invited to harvest vegetables from Mr. MacGregor’s garden in a special Peter Rabbit event. Special secret celebrity guest!
CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE & FISH FRY—5 p.m. ‘til it’s gone!
A popular tradition at the fair! The Bar-B-Que is sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Agriculture. The meal features choice of delicious smoked chicken or local fried flounder, farm fresh vegetables, chips, cranberry sauce, roll and butter, beverage and dessert. Served by volunteers and local dignitaries. Take-out is also available. Tickets available on the fairgrounds from 4 p.m. on in the Chicken Bar-B-Que Ticket Booth. $14 for adults, $8 for children (12 and under).
EQUINE EVENTS:
English Day—9 a.m. on throughout the afternoon at the Horse Show Arena (Rear of Fairgrounds)
English horse show featuring jumping and under saddle classes. Includes a Western Go English division, where 4-H members with stock-type horses try their skills at English events in English tack, and exciting pairs and teams classes for groups of two and three riders working in tandem. Includes future 4-Her and leadline participation for young 4-H children.
EVENING EQUINE EVENTS—7 p.m.
Run for the Roses Hippety Hop Bouncy Horse Races and Games – Don’t miss these hilarious fun class additions where horse project members and parents compete against one another on rubber bouncy balls!
Parents, Leaders & 4-H Alumni Horse Show Class – A fun class for 4-H moms, dads, leaders and 4-H alumni. Be sure to check out the friendly and entertaining rivalry in the horse show arena.
Ride-a-Buck – Fun class where horse project members strive to be last to lose their dollar bill riding bareback.
Knock Down & Out Class – Horse and pony project members compete to see who can make it over the highest jump.
LIVESTOCK EVENTS at Coover Pavilion
4-H Poultry & Waterfowl Showmanship and Breed Show—10 a.m. – A qualified judge evaluates 4-H project members’ many different breeds of chickens and ducks for breed characteristics and condition. Members’ showmanship abilities also judged.
4-H Rabbit & Cavy Showmanship and Breed Show—6:30 p.m. at Coover Pavilion – Evaluations of 4-H project rabbits made by qualified judge for breed characteristics, conformation and condition as well as judging of 4-H members’ skill in showing their project animals. Come see the many beautiful breeds of bunnies!
MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Dave Dunlap Band—5 p.m. – These talented local musicians will entertain young and old alike!
Sawdogs Carving Auction—6 p.m.at the Main Stage – Daily auction of Chainsaw Artist Mat Hass’s carvings.
Dave Dunlap Band—7 p.m. – These talented local musicians will entertain young and old alike!
Saturday, July 21, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
4-H COLOR FUN RUN—8 a.m. Registration / 8:30 a.m. Start
Prepare to be blasted with color and fun during this 1-mile and 5k fun run around the 4-H Fairgrounds. First 50 paid pre-registrations receive colorful neck medal. $10 registration fee. Call (609) 465-5115 ext. 3605 to pre-register. All ages welcome!
CHILDREN’S PET SHOW – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! – 9 a.m. Registration / 10 a.m. Judging at the Main Stage
Any type of small animal is eligible – no hooved animals, please. NEW ADULT DIVISION! Participant ribbons and trophies awarded. Sponsored by Smeltzer & Sons, and Grand Prize Winner receives one free year of food! Don’t miss the fun!
LOCKWOOD 4-H YOUTH CENTER—10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Maker Space – CMC Library’s Learning Center and the Fuzzy Logic 4-H Robotics Club bring awesome technology, robots and hands-on activities for all ages.
Scales & Tails 4-H Herpetology Club Exhibit – 4-H members will showcase their herp, reptile, arachnid and amphibian projects.
4-H Teen Leaders Marine-Life Touch Tank – Don’t miss the fascinating display of live marine animals from the Nature Center of Cape May.
4-H Club Make-N-Take Fun – Hands-on fun, educational crafts and activities for the kids!
4-H Best in Show and Members’ Project Displays – See what our 4-H members have been up to this year with their projects, including all of our Best in Show winners. Interesting exhibits from photography to vegetables to science and more.
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY AREA—10 a.m. to 10 p.m. next to Lockwood 4-H Youth Center
Specially designed for our youngest visitors, a unique interactive series of activities. In addition to longtime favorites apple picking, egg gathering and potato digging, there will be live animals, pedal tractor races, the touch, taste and smell Irma McVey Memorial Herb Garden, and other educational activities and games geared for young visitors to explore and engage their senses.
NEW! COWBOY LARRY & BRAVE BETH—11 a.m. at the Main Stage and again at 2 p.m. or after Games Classes in the Horse Show Arena
Brand new entertainers this year, Cowboy Larry and Brave Beth do two shows complete with trick roping, bullwhips, trick shooting and more. In between shows, Cowboy Larry will stroll the fairgrounds teaching trick roping and deputizing young visitors.
Sawdogs chainsaw demo & auction—4 Carvings Each Day
New York chainsaw artist Mat Hass is a master of the chainsaw, producing incredibly delicate works of art from wood. Back by popular demand for all three days of the fair, Sawdogs will give four demonstrations daily. The items that he creates will be auctioned off Saturday at 6 p.m. on the main stage.
FOOD COURT, EXHIBITS & VENDORS—10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Educational/nonprofit exhibitors, commercial vendors and delicious food trucks and booths located throughout the fairgrounds.
“TENT TALKS” BACKYARD FARMER INFO SERIES at Irma’s Herb Garden
A series of 30-minute talks and demonstrations by local experts for those interested in trying something new in their backyards!
Backyard Chicken Basics—11 a.m. – Jennifer Sawyer, Rutgers Master Gardener Coordinator for CMC
Compost: Black Gold for the Garden—12 p.m. – Linda Conover, Rutgers Master Gardener
Growing Mushrooms—1 p.m. – Linda Conover, Rutgers Master Gardener
Honey Bees 101—2 p.m. – Jennifer Sawyer, Jersey Cape Beekeeping Association
Cut Flower Arrangements—3 p.m. – Shayla Woolfort, Bad Cat Farm
JERSEY CAPE CRUISERS ANTIQUE CAR SHOW—1 to 5 p.m.
Members of the Jersey Cape Cruiser Vintage Car Club will exhibit their incredible antique vehicles in the paved parking lot of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Members will be on hand to tell you all about their cool rides.
NEW! DRONE-FLYING DEMOS—1 p.m. at Maker Space in Lockwood 4-H Youth Center
From ACCC. Experience real life drone piloting and learn about college’s drone program.
4-H HORSE & LIVESTOCK SHOWMANSHIP ROUND ROBIN: 3 p.m. at Coover Pavilion
This entertaining event is a skills competition featuring the top 4-H Showmanship Grand Champion in each project animal represented at the fair; horse, hog, goat, sheep, poultry and rabbit. Each competitor must show all six animals according to their species standards. Everyone welcome!
NEW! EUROBUNGY & MECHANICAL SHARK RIDES—4 to 10 p.m.
Don’t miss these exciting new challenges for all ages, brought to you by the 4-H Foundation.
MR. BOUNCE INFLATABLES—4 to 9 p.m.
Two awesome bouncy houses featuring a huge water slide and a fun house. Fun for kids and adults alike!
CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE & FISH FRY—5 p.m. ‘til it’s gone!
A popular tradition at the fair! The Bar-B-Que is sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Agriculture. The meal features choice of delicious smoked chicken or local fried flounder, farm fresh vegetables, chips, cranberry sauce, roll and butter, beverage and dessert. Served by volunteers and local dignitaries. Take-out is also available. Tickets available on the fairgrounds from 4 p.m. on in the Chicken Bar-B-Que Ticket Booth. $14 for adults, $8 for children (12 and under).
LIVESTOCK EVENTS at Coover Pavilion
Goat Showmanship and Breed Show—10 a.m. – 4-H members will show an interesting variety of goat breeds to determine the best example of each. The 4-Hers are also judged on their ability to show their animals to their best advantage.
Fun Livestock Events—Noon
· Parent/Leader/Alumni Fun Classes
· 4-H Livestock Costume Contest
· Cutest Barn Animal Contest (ends at 3 p.m.)
EQUINE EVENTS at Horse Show Arena
Western Day—9 a.m. – Horse show including all western-style events, such as western pleasure, trail, and reining classes. Includes future 4-Her and leadline participation for young 4-H children and a unique English Go Western Division where hunter-type horses compete in three western classes under western tack.
Games Classes—Following Western Day – Thrilling demo of 4-H members’ skill in western speed events, including barrel racing, pole bending and the flag race.
Moonlight Riders 4-H Mounted Drill Team—After Games Classes – Cape May County’s 4-H Mounted Drill Team will unveil their exciting new routine of choreographed riding set to music. This will be the team’s 15th year of performances.
MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
NEW! Jet Weston & the Atomic Ranch Hands—3 to 6 p.m. – Brand new to the fair, these authentic singing cowboys are not to be missed! They are pure entertainment, singing all the old cowboy jingles and tunes while dressing the part.
Sawdogs Carving Auction—6 p.m. at the Main Stage – Daily auction of Chainsaw Artist Mat Hass’s carvings.
4-H CAVALCADE OF WINNERS—8 p.m.
This is the “grand finale” of 4-H Fair activities! Presentation of awards to youth and adults for outstanding project exhibits, displays, as well as to various show winners.
Absolutely no dogs allowed on fairgrounds except for the Children’s Pet Show.
Look for Rutgers Master Gardeners’ magical kindness rocks throughout the fairgrounds!
Additional entertainment may be announced. Schedule subject to change without notice.
ABSOLUTELY NO PETS ALLOWED EXCEPT FOR SATURDAY’S CHILDREN’S PET SHOW!
