Government Tents at 4-H Fair Offer Free, Valuable Info & More
Go Anywhere at the Fair for Free, Family Fun
Aug. 7-9 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
BRIDGEWATER – Freeholder Director Brian D. Levine invites everyone to the 2019 Somerset County 4-H Fair, running Aug. 7, 8 and 9, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at North Branch Park, located at 355 Milltown Road. “The fair’s theme, ‘Go anywhere with 4-H’ really represents the crux of this organization,” he said. “4-H helps lead, direct and guide young members toward their passion so that they can develop their skills, which will ultimately benefit their local communities and the global community, both now and in the future.
“We urge everyone to visit the county government tents to learn about our services and programs, some of which residents may not even know about,” said Freeholder Levine. “Staff from about 30 county divisions and affiliated agencies are looking forward to talking to residents and sharing valuable information. Don’t miss this free, fun family event that has games, prizes, food and special demonstrations.”
Visit the county tents to participate in exciting interactive exhibits, play games, win prizes, and get free giveaways. All demonstrations, exhibits, games and drawings listed below are located in the Main Government Tent, unless otherwise specified. Watch our 4-H Fair video to see what you won’t want to miss at http://bit.ly/Free4HFairFun19.
The consensus is that the 2020 Census is very important for the nation and especially Somerset County. Experts urge all residents to participate in the 2020 Census so that Somerset County will be more eligible to receive grants and money that can help improve the quality of life for residents. Visit the Somerset County Human Services table to speak with a Census representative to learn more.
Special Demonstrations
Daytime Demos
Butter Making Demonstration – Learn how to make butter and get hands-on experience while participating in an old-fashioned practice with a modern twist. The Master Chefs Club is an organization that believes in upholding the highest standards of culinary excellence. Demos begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 8, and 10:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 9.
Creating Gifts Using Botanicals – How do you make an herbal wreath out of flowers, seeds, pods and leaves? Expert gardeners will demonstrate how to create these unique gifts, and learn how to create herbal vinegar, oils and lavender sachets on Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 12 to 1 p.m. Presented by Karen Migliore and Cynthia Lancaster, horticulturalists from Colonial Park.
DIY Composting Worm Bin – This demo is not for the squeamish. Kids can touch worms while onlookers learn how to make a composting worm bin by using kitchen scraps for compost, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Presented by Mary Jane Tornabene, horticulturalist from Colonial Park.
Storytime for Children – Let your children unlock their imaginations as they listen to a magical story narrated by a dynamic storyteller on Thursday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Narrated by Jessica Bauer. Sponsored by the Somerset County Library System.
K-9 Unit Demonstration – Discover how police officers and their canines work together to conquer crime. Watch as they demonstrate their dogs’ agility and level of obedience, which has been learned through discipline, rigorous training and the development of mutual trust between man and man’s best friend. Witness a mock criminal apprehension and a narcotic search on Aug. 8, at 10 a.m., presented at the 4-H Clover Theater. Sponsored by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.
Other K-9 Unit Demonstrations – More K-9 demos will be presented throughout the day, located outside of the Main Government Tent on Aug. 7 to 9.
Pins & Needles – Jump right in and pick up a pin to help make fleece-tie blankets during this demo. These hand-made blankets will be given to Soldiers' Angels Blanket Drive, an organization that will donate the blankets to veterans and wounded service members residing in VA facilities that are located throughout the nation. Held at noon on Friday, Aug. 9.
Evening Demos
Early American Music and Arts – Go back in time at this demo where your auditory senses will be delighted by fife and drum music from the 18th century. Did you know that women have been trying to look pretty since the beginning of time? You will also see women’s hair and makeup routine as the demonstrator uses cosmetics made from 18th-century recipes. Watch and listen on Aug. 7, 8 and 9, from 5 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Presented by Erik Lichack from Alexander Hamilton’s Hearts of Oak Militia Company. Sponsored and funded by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Coffee House Project – The Stage Fright IV are not shy at all when performing their dynamic song and dance with ukuleles. Get free kazoos while supplies last from 6 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 7, 8 and 9. Sponsored and funded by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Interactive Safety Exhibits – Aug. 7, 8, 9 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Impaired Driving With Fatal Vision – Don’t drink and drive! The message is driven home at this exhibit. Visitors can wear Fatal Vision glasses to experience what it’s like to drive under the influence of alcohol. Check out the Intoxiclock, an interactive tool that visually demonstrates how drinking different types and amounts of alcohol can raise a person's blood alcohol concentration. Sponsored by the Somerset County Department of Human Services.
How Does a Traffic Light Work? – See a real traffic light where kids can push buttons, learn the mechanics of how it works, and the how it allows pedestrians to cross safely. Sponsored by the Somerset County Engineering Division.
Community Animal Response Team (CART) – Visit the CART trailer, a safe haven for animals that have been displaced or injured. Find out where first responders care for pets and stray animals during a state of emergency. Sponsored by the Somerset County Office of Emergency Management.
ARGO – What’s ARGO? It’s a land-to-water vehicle used by search and rescue teams for its rugged versatility. It can navigate through floodwaters and conquer rough terrain. Climb on board for a photo opportunity. Sponsored by the Somerset County Office of Emergency Management.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – Get a real feel for the transportation that emergency responders use when answering a call for natural disasters, accidents, or large-scale crises.
Get the Healthy Facts – Did you know that lead poisoning still affects some children and families in Somerset County? Some paint, toys, spices, cosmetics or foods can be sources of lead. Help keep your children healthy. Learn more about child safety while your kids color or play house at the Somerset County Health Department’s
4-H Fair tent.
Child Passenger Safety Seat Technicians – This year the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office is going the extra mile. Safety-seat technicians will be on-site to inspect, demonstrate and instruct visitors about the proper use and installation of car seats for children. Located near the ballfield. Look for signs.
Other Exciting Exhibits
Gradall Excavator – Back by popular demand! Kids can operate this real-life piece of equipment and pretend they are actually working on-site. Located near the right of the footbridge. Sponsored by the Somerset County Road Division.
Monarch and Black Swallowtail Butterfly Live Exhibit and more – “Oh the Places the Master Gardeners Go” is this year’s theme. See live butterflies and get information on their life stages and migration patterns. The Rutgers Master Gardeners will demonstrate the ease of indoor gardening with a display of houseplants. Expert gardeners will answer questions and help problem solve. Kids can do puzzles, arts and crafts and partake in fun gardening activities.
Train Display – Visit the Road Division exhibit to see a working model train. Sponsored by the Somerset County Road Division.
Games for Fun
Build a Town – Planning to be an architect, engineer or planner when you grow up? Visit the Somerset County Planning Board’s table and help design the town of your dreams.
Test Your Brain Power – Think you’re smart? Find out just how smart you and try playing with a tangram –
a Chinese geometric puzzle consisting of squares cut into seven pieces that can be arranged to make various shapes. Sponsored by the Somerset County Youth Services Department.
If the Hat Fits – Select the correct hats and wigs that you think colonists wore for work and play. Visit the Cultural & Heritage table for this fun game and photo op.
Jigsaw Puzzles/Bean Bag Toss – Are you a big kid at heart? Come play with our wooden jigsaw puzzles for all ages. Test your throwing ability at the Bean Bag Toss. Courtesy of the Public Information Office.
TICK-tac-toe – Play tic-tac-toe with an emphasis on the tick. Match a tick with the correct bug repellent and learn how to Fight-the-Bite to protect yourself. Sponsored by the Somerset County Department of Health.
Where in the World? Participants test their knowledge of destinations around the world. Spin the wheel and travel to the correct location on the map. Then test your ability to recall by playing Memory Matching at the Somerset County Clerk’s table.
Is it Recyclable? – Playing this game isn’t a waste of time. Test your knowledge about recycling so you can better reduce, reuse and recycle to keep going green. Play the game at the Somerset County Park Commission’s table.
Put Out the Fire – Kids can pretend they are firefighters and fight the fire by using a beanbag to knock it out. Play the game at the Office of Emergency Management’s table.
Enter Drawings & Win Prizes
Need back-to-school supplies? Enter a drawing and win a backpack with school supplies, or win a Basket of Cheer that contains groceries and toiletries. Courtesy of the Somerset County Community Development Office.
Win cool stuff! Visit the Somerset County Clerk’s table for a chance to win a t-shirt, ruler or bubble wand if you are one of the first 180 visitors to play a game. Enter a drawing and win a free round of mini-golf at The Golf Range in Branchburg. For more details stop at the booth.
Need peace? Enter a drawing at the Office of Youth Services booth, and you may win a Serenity Basket or school supplies. Donated by Friends of Somerset County Youth, Bridgewater, and The Commission on Child Abuse and Missing Children, Somerville.
Take a chance and enter a drawing at the Freeholders/Public Information Office booth. Chances are you may win any of the following: free tickets to a performance at the Raritan Valley Community College Theatre; Somerset Patriots 2019 four upper-box tickets, worth $48; two tickets to enjoy leisure activities at any of the Somerset County parks, where the winner may enjoy golf, tennis, picnics, horseback riding or swimming; a gift certificate for a 10-week yoga session; or one dozen roses from Scott’s Florist.
Head over to the Human Services table fill out a survey and enter a drawing for an opportunity to win a $25 TD gift card, donated by the Somerset County Safe Communities Coalition.
Transportation & Parking
Parking – Depending on weather conditions, or if parking overflow is caused by a high volume of cars during peak hours, parking may be prohibited at the fairgrounds. If this occurs, visitors are asked to park at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) on Route 28 in North Branch and take the shuttle bus.
Free Shuttle Buses – Shuttles run continuously between RVCC and the 4-H Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Signs will direct visitors to the proper parking area at the college. Passengers will be dropped off by the footbridge at the fairgrounds entrance.
Sign Up for Text Alerts – Stay up-to-date on parking conditions at the fair by signing up to receive weather and emergency text alerts for evacuations, re-openings and heavy-parking volume. To sign up, text @4halert to the number 81010.
Maps and Schedules – Get a schedule of events and a map of the fairgrounds at the 4-H Information Tent, located across from the footbridge.
For more information about the fair, call the Ted Blum 4-H Center at 908-526-6644 or visit http://www.somersetcounty4h.org/. Directions for North Branch Park are available at https://www.somersetcountyparks.org/genInfo/directions/NorthBranch.html
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