NEW JERSEY "STATE FAIR"

Take a ride on the Avalanche coaster at this year's State Fair at the Meadowlands, which starts June 17 and runs through July 5. (Courtesy of the State Fair)

State Fair offers plenty of fun for all ages

By SUE BRUSKIN CLARKE • CORRESPONDENT • June 11, 2010

When Oscar Hammerstein penned the lyrics "Our state fair is a great state fair, don't miss it, don't even be late," he may as well have been talking about the State Fair at the Meadowlands Fairgrounds.

With more than 150 rides and attractions, 50-plus food vendors and loads of free entertainment, this family-friendly event, which will run daily from Thursday through July 5, is a must-do summer happening.
Begun in 1986 as a six-day fair featuring a smattering of rides and games, the State Fair at the Meadowlands has grown to become the largest event of its kind in New Jersey and the metro New York area, according to Michele Tartaglione, the fair's marketing director.
"We're hoping to have over 400,000 people attend this year during the 19-day run," she says.
Among the reasons young and old will want to flock to East Rutherford are the many free attractions scheduled to occur. Piccadilly Circus, Commerford's Educational Petting Zoo, Rosaire's Racing Pigs, Belmont Festival of Magic, Sea Lion Splash and a host of concerts will be featured daily throughout the event. In addition, certain days will spotlight limited-run attractions, such as the Steve Bayner Hypnotist Show, the Hell on Wheels Trilogy BMX Show, the Puppetone Rockers and the Batcopter Aerial Stunt Show, which showcases the original Batcopter from the "Batman" TV series and movies.
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