The Burlington County Farm Fair is returning next week for its milestone 80th anniversary and organizers are expecting this year’s event may be the best one yet.
The five-day fair takes place at the Burlington County Fairgrounds (1990 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road, Springfield) from Tuesday, July 21, through Saturday, July 25, featuring family-friendly entertainment, agricultural exhibits, competitions, educational experiences, and carnival fun for all ages.
The fair is organized each year by the nonprofit Burlington County Farm Fair Association, Inc. to both celebrate and educate residents and visitors about Burlington County’s rich agricultural heritage and continuing importance.
“The Burlington County Farm Fair Association, Inc. is an ongoing, longtime tradition that takes months to plan each year. The fair administration continues to take steps to move the fair forward to change with the times and to provide the citizens of Burlington County with a flavor of agriculture,” said Farm Fair Manager Rosemary Kay. “We are extremely proud of our fair and can’t wait to welcome the thousands of fair visitors who join us each year!”
Burlington County partners with the Farm Fair Association to provide support for the event. This year also marks the15th year that the fair is being held at the County Fairgrounds in Springfield. The property was preserved by the County in 2004 and became a park suitable of hosting Farm Fair, along with other community events and activities.
“Farm Fair is one of Burlington County’s most beloved traditions, and we are excited to celebrate its 80th anniversary,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “The fair brings our residents together and shines a spotlight on present and future farmers. It’s more than a summer tradition; it’s also a major part of Burlington County history and culture.”
The Farm Fair’s daily hours are 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Admission to the fair is free, but there is a fee for parking: $20 cash per vehicle at the Fairgrounds parking lot and $15 per vehicle at the nearby Columbus Farmers Market (2919 US-206, Columbus). A free shuttle bus will transport attendees to and from the parking lot at the Columbus Farmers Market. There is a reduced parking fee of $10 per vehicle for service members with military ID. A $30 multi-day pass is also available.
Opening Ceremony, Farm Fair Queen, Championship Rodeo
The Farm Fair kicks off Tuesday afternoon and will feature an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. in the North Show Tent and the fireworks show scheduled at 9:45 p.m.
This year’s Farm Fair Queen will be crowned on Wednesday night at 8:30 PM, and the Farm Fair Championship Rodeo will be held Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24, in the Fairgrounds Horse Arena.
Tickets for the rodeo are available on-site and at https://bit.ly/2026_BCFF_RODEO.
Also back this year are popular favorites, such as the Skillet Throw contest, tractor pulls, livestock shows, wagon decorating contest, plus Dachshund and pig races.
Red, White & Beef State Show
One of the most exciting new additions to the Farm Fair this year is the Red, White & Beef State Show, which is making its long-awaited return to New Jersey after a 20-year absence.
The Red, White & Beef State Show begins Wednesday at 3 PM and marks the first time Burlington County has hosted this prestigious statewide event. More than 50 beef cattle are registered to compete in multiple classes based on age, weight, breed and purpose of the animal.
In addition to livestock judging, exhibitors will compete in Showmanship and Fitting classes, where the focus shifts from the animal to the skills of the young exhibitors. These competitions evaluate each participant’s knowledge, preparation, handling techniques, and presentation of their animal.
Dairy Show – Saturday Morning
The excitement continues Saturday morning with the State Dairy Show, featuring dairy cattle from across New Jersey. Similar to the beef competition, animals will compete in breed and age classes, while youth exhibitors will demonstrate their talents in Showmanship and Fitting competitions.
“As a Burlington County 4-H Club leader, local farmer, and Burlington County Farm Fair trustee, I am incredibly grateful to help host these events,” said Southampton farmer Heather Pearson. “These young people have spent countless hours raising, caring for, and preparing their animals. We’re proud to provide them with a stage where they can showcase their hard work while educating the public about agriculture and the future of farming in New Jersey.”
The return of these state livestock shows highlights the Burlington County Farm Fair’s continued commitment to supporting agricultural education, youth leadership, and the farming community. Visitors are encouraged to attend both competitions to experience firsthand the dedication, responsibility, and passion these young exhibitors bring to the show ring.
History Tent
This year’s fair will also have a historic flare in honor of the United States’ 250th Anniversary. As part of the festivities, there will be a history tent with a variety of historic displays, including the Burlington County Joins the Revolution Exhibit.
The exhibit was created by our Burlington County Parks System historians and contains artifacts, uniforms and displays detailing Burlington County battles, events, and people who had roles in the American Revolution and the creation of the United States.
The fair also features a home arts and craft tent, a recycled scarecrow contest, antique farm equipment displays, and a special Farmer for a Day children’s tent, and more. Burlington County government also has a tent with information tables that highlight some of the county’s services.
A full schedule of Farm Fair activities, shows and events is available at https://www.burlingtoncountyfarmfair.com.
