An old summer tradition continues this year in Mullica Hill – the Gloucester County 4-H Fair. For over 70 years, people of all ages have come together on the fairgrounds to recognize the agricultural heritage of the county. This year’s fair will be held July 23 to 26 at the Gloucester County Fairgrounds on Route 77.
Members of 4-H manage to host more than 70 fun, family-friendly activities throughout the fair. There is a little bit of everything at the 4-H Fair from contests, vendors, and many different animal exhibitions.
The fair is a chance for youth participants, grades K through first year out of high school, to show off their hard work in their given area to the public.
Each year, the 4-H fair follows a different theme. To celebrate America’s 250 birthday, this year’s theme is “Red, White, and Blue 4-H Wants You: A Barnyard Salute to America.”
Animal Events
During the fair, there is a wide selection of animal shows and specialized events.
The most popular attractions are the equestrian events. Visitors can watch riders perform in a variety of shows from Dressage, English, Western, to Knock Down and Out classes.
One show in particular, the Knock Down-Out, horse and rider must jump over fences, competing to see which horse can jump the highest without knocking down a pole. Mini horses have their own Knock Down and Out classes. This is fun to watch.
The Knock Down and Out show is sponsored by the Trot-Tastic 4-H Horse Club. Registration fees are being donated to the club’s favorite charity. Past years has seen fees donated to Autism Awareness, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Breast Cancer Awareness groups.
You’ll also be able to watch draft horse pulls where a teams of draft horses compete to pull weighted sleds down a track. Draft Horse Pulls are constantly attracting large crowds according to Brittany Rigg and Linda Gentile. Rigg is the current 4-H Senior Program Coordinator, working with staff and youth participants for this year’s events. Gentile, a volunteer member and club leader, has been working with 4-H for many years. They, as well as other volunteers, work to ensure visitors enjoy their stay at the fair. Gentile added that the draft pulls are her favorite event.
If horses aren’t your thing, there are other animal activities to enjoy. Pigs, goats, sheep, and cows will be on full display for fairgoers to visit. Each youth exhibitor will be judged on their animal skills in maintaining their animal’s health from a market perspective.
Gentile remembers when her children raised project animals for select events. “It is so nice to see kids focus on their partner animal,” says Gentile, adding that it is nice to watch them “start [their projects] from the absolute start to the absolute finish, as there is so much dedication in their work.”
There is also the “Day at the Farm Exhibit” where everyone can get up close with barnyard animals. Fairgoers can even enjoy pig races.
Small animals have their own division and clubs. On display will be their project rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and a diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians. 4-H members are proud of their work and are excited to showcase their animals. The youth handlers are always open to questions and sometimes allow visitors to interact with an animal.
Dog lovers, don’t despair. There will be several dog-themed events. 4Hers will be showcasing their dogs in Dog Obedience Trials, Canine Can Do 4-H Dog Club Demonstration, and Agility Classes. There will even be a costume contest.
The public can also enter their four-legged companions in Dog Games. These games will test dogs and their owners in challenges such as treat catching, jumping, recall relay races, and musical dogs (like musical chairs).
In celebration of America’s agricultural history, 4-H will be presenting tractor events showcasing both modern and antique equipment that shaped farming over the years. Another crowd favorite, according to Rigg, is the Tractor Pulls. This competition has drivers demonstrate the raw power of tractors as they compete to pull weighted sleds down a designated track.
A Car Show will be held on July 25. There will be a wide range of cars on display for visitors to admire. You’ll find everything from historical classics, custom cars, to specialty vehicles.
There are other contests for the public to join in. You can enter the Corn Husking Competition, Skillet Toss Competition, and if you feel strong, the Tire Toss Competition. Competitors push their limits to see how fast they can shuck corn, or how far they can heave cast iron pans and large tires.
“These tournaments are really fun, and can get really serious,” Rigg recalls. adding, “last year saw a big turnout for the Corn Husking Competition, with some contestants dressing up in funny costumes while competing.”
When asked about what makes the Gloucester County 4-H Fair a special and unique place to visit, each Rigg and Gentile had their own answer.
“The fair is based in tradition,” said Rigg. “4-H is a great chance to celebrate our youth members for their dedication to their respective arts. It is also a great time to unplug from the world and experience something different outdoors.”
“People should come and visit the fair if they haven’t before,” said Gentile. “There is so much to do and see, and the only fee you need to pay is a parking fee for four days of outdoor fun. The atmosphere is a lot of fun, and one can spend all four days on the fairgrounds if it were possible.”
For information on the Gloucester County 4-H Fair, please visit their website at gloucestercounty4hfairgrounds.com. The website will provide a list of their events, along with their dates and times.
Salem County will also be hosting its annual 4-H Fair later this summer. Visitors can expect a similar environment of vibrant agricultural events, recognizing youth achievements. The Salem County 4-H Fair will be held August 3 to 7 at the Salem County Fairgrounds on Route 40.
