Visitor Info

PUBLIC NOTICE TO THOSE ENTERING THE NEW JERSEY STATE FAIR FAIRGROUNDS

You are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur.

Your entry and presence on the Fairgrounds constitute your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, image, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, by way of example, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising.

By entering the Fairgrounds, you waive and release all claims related to the use of recorded media of you and those in your care, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve photos, videos, or audio recordings; any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement; and any claims for fees for the use of such recorded media.

If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the Fairgrounds.

Think Safety First

We want your trip to the fair to be just as safe as this visit to our website. We provide the following to guarantee a safe and fun-filled visit:

  • Handicapped parking
  • Lighted parking lots
  • Security staff throughout the fairgrounds
  • Lost Children Procedures
  • Clean and supervised restrooms
  • First Aid Office
  • Carnival Supervisory Staff in the midway office with radio contact to Fair Security
  • Diaper station in Main restrooms
  • Maps of the fairgrounds containing daily event schedules and emergency and first aid contact/location information available at each of the entrance gates
  • When visiting the fair with children, be sure to have a predetermined meeting spot in the event you get separated.

Parking

Parking is in the fields surrounding the Fair. Parking is always free. Signage on Plains Road will direct you to the correct lot. Follow the directions of the parking crew.

Restrooms

The grounds have two restroom facilities. One is located near the Richards Building at the front of the grounds and the other is located at the back of the grounds across from the carnival. Both have handicapped booths. The main restroom has changing tables. There are also numerous portable restrooms located across the Fairgrounds.

Babies/Toddlers

There are baby changing tables in the main restrooms. The paths and roads are paved, so strollers can move freely. Most of the tent floors are earth, and strollers require a little more attention when navigating.

First Aid Station

First aid personnel are on duty during events throughout the year and during extended hours at Fair time. Minor injuries and ailments are treated at the First Aid Station located in the Administration Building.

Information Booths

Information booths are located inside the main gates. Stop by and ask for a schedule. There is a map inside and a day-specific schedule on the cover. The staff can direct you to events and answer your questions.

Rest

There are benches scattered throughout the grounds. A wonderful rest spot is Founders Park, adjacent to the Horse Show Area. It has lots of shade and benches and you can watch exhibitors in the show rings.

Lost & Found

All lost and found articles can be turned in or claimed at the Main Information Booth or the Administration Building. If you realize you are missing an item after you get home, call the main office at 973-948-5500 x221.

Lost Children Station

Lost Children Station is located at Security near the Main Information Booth on Main Street.

Our “No Pets” Policy

NO Pets are allowed on the Fairgrounds. However, guests with Service Animals are welcome! Service animals are defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.  All other animals including comfort/therapy animals are prohibited, except for those involved in exhibitions, entertainment, or demonstrations which must provide health documentation and are subject to our rules and prior authorization.  Please read our Service Animal Policy before your visit.

DO NOT leave your dog in the car. Any dog left in a vehicle will be turned over to the local authorities/dog warden at the expense of the owner.

Prohibited Items & Behaviors

All bags will be searched at the gate.

For the safety and security of all our guests, the following are not permitted through the gates of our Fair:

  • Weapons [with or without permits]
  • Knives
  • Alcohol/Drugs
  • Animals other than Service Animals
  • Coolers
  • Skateboards
  • Roller blades
  • Luggage or other large bags
  • Drones or UAVs

Smoking

During the Fair, the Fairgrounds is a smoke-free zone.  This includes tobacco, vaping, and cannabis.

Bringing Food or Beverages into the Fair

The Fairgrounds is not a public park.  It has many concessions and non-profit food booths who 
depend on sales to support their operations, just as the Fair similarly depends on sales to off-set 
the many costs of holding the Fair, such as security, insurance, staffing, and utilities.  With 
this in mind, the following policy is in effect.

  • Coolers are not allowed.
  • There is no picnicking, no lunches or meals may be brought in.  Fairgoers may leave it in their cars and go out, letting admissions know they are returning and obtaining a wristband for re-entry.
  • Fairgoers may bring water in a bottle for themselves [manufacturer’s bottle, reusable, or recyclable].
  • Fairgoers may bring a reasonable number of snacks- smaller Ziplock bags- in their purses or backpacks, but not big bags of potato chips, pretzels, etc.
  • Parents may have drinks/snacks for the children in their family, for example 3 kids, 3 water bottles, 3 small bags of snacks or bag of pretzels.
  • Parents with infants/toddlers may bring baby food or small bags of veggies, etc. with them in diaper bag, backpack, etc.
  • Exercise common sense.

Public Address System

The “Voice of the Fair” is used for informational and emergency purposes only. The P.A. system cannot be used by the public to page lost people. Upon your arrival at the fairgrounds, please be sure to have a predetermined meeting spot in the event you get separated. The main restrooms and Main Information Booth are both good locations.

State Police/Security

All emergency concerns should be directed to security or fairground personnel.

Animals

The animals in the barns and Small Animal Building are on the grounds to compete in livestock shows.  Before and after their shows they are on display. This means that the majority of animals on any given day reflect the shows occurring that day. In the same way, horses at the horse show are specific to the classes being held on a particular day. The number of animals on any given day depends on how many exhibitors are participating that day.

 

The larger animals are housed in pole barns—open on the sides. Fairgoers can get close to them in their pens. Refrain from putting your hands into the pens, as some animals are not as friendly as others. The people in the middle of the barns are the animals’ owners and handlers. Ask them which animals are approachable and any questions you may have about them.

 

The Small Animal Building contains poultry, cavy, and bunnies. These are 4-H project animals. Local clubs conduct animal story time daily and have animals available to look at close up and pet. There is also a poultry incubator hatching eggs.

 

There is a livestock shower next to the pole barns and you may see animals being showered before going to their shows. Also at the end of the pole barns, you may see animals being prepared for their shows.

 

The Agriculture Area is full of educational information. Take a rest stop on the bleachers in the Livestock Pavilion and listen to the judges explain what Best in Show looks like. Visit the Rare Heritage Breeds Educational Tent to see farm animals coming back from near extinction.

Carnival

There are various ways to save money if you want to ride the rides. The Fair offers several promotions.  Click here.

Farmers’ Market

Check out the location of the Farmers’ Market on the map and stop by at the end of your visit and buy fresh produce to bring home. They will hold purchases for you for end of visit pick-up.

Weather

All events take place rain or shine. In case of lightning or heavy rain, the carnival rides and outdoor entertainment will pause till the storm passes. The Fair has permanent buildings and tents, so inclement weather will not interfere with your fair-going. No refunds will be given on account of weather.

Shuttles

There are People Mover shuttles to get fairgoers back to their cars.

Where’s my car?

Always note which gate you entered so you can find your car. A good place to rendezvous in The Fairgrounds is the main information booth on Main Street.

 

Additional suggestions for when you arrive: 

  • Use Google Assist "Hey Google...I parked here or Remember where I parked." Or hit on the blue dot in Google Maps and set it as your parking location.
  • "Hey Google...Where did I park?"  This will bring up a map assistant to guide you to your vehicle location.
  • Take a photo of the location of your parked vehicle and surrounding area, utility poles in the parking areas are marked with an identifier.

The Fair at Sunset
The Fair at Sunset A girl strokes her caped hamster. A family enjoys an outdoor picnic. Cartoon Rooster Illustration A family walking through The Fair. Bunnies Cartoon Rooster Illustration A mother and child in the Agricultural Area A little girl feeds a goat at the Petting Zoo.