Freedom Fest 2009: bigger and better
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer
The seventh annual Freedom Fest will be almost twice as large as last year, and will run an extra day.

That's according to Nick DeMauro, Upper Freehold, who has been chairman of the event since its inception. Freedom Fest runs Tuesday through Sunday, July 7-12, at the Horse Park of New Jersey. DeMauro said there will be twice as many vendors as previous years, along with 10 additional rides and a new ride company. The Freedom Fest Fair has announced a two-year contract with Reithoffer Shows to provide a spectacular midway. Pat Reithoffer, president of Reithoffer Shows, is guaranteeing more than 30 rides and attractions featuring some of the most exciting rides ever seen in this area. Reithoffer Shows' only other area midway is at the New Jersey State Fair in Branchburg. This year's fair will have two midways, one near the main gate for a special "kiddie area" that will feature rides for young children and families. The main midway located behind the main horse show arena will feature the spectacular rides and attractions. Saturday night features a fantastic fireworks display. While there are more rides and vendors, admission remains the same, at $6 daily, senior citizens $5, children 10 and under $3, and no charge for children 4 and under.

"More area businesses and vendors see this as an opportunity in a slow economy to get out to the public," DeMauro said. In 2008, over 50,000 people visited the statewide agricultural fair, and De- Mauro hopes for 75,000 this year. "It's been growing 20 percent per year," he said. "We're hoping people are happy to get out, with the economy and bad weather."

Among the new attractions this year are the Fishing Friendzy, which features a 10,000 square foot pool with 10 different stations, according to DeMauro. Each station will provide a learning opportunity to catch fish. The Live Shark Experience includes a 5000-gallon aquarium filled with sharks, as well as an educational and interactive exhibit. Opening night featured a concert by Bruce and the USA, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band from Las Vegas.

Robin Bruins, Upper Freehold, is in charge of agricultural events for Freedom Fest. On Monday night, July 6, members of the public brought in vegetables, fruits, flowers, baked goods, canned goods, needlework and sewing projects for exhibition. The first honey show began on Tuesday with the state bee inspector judging all types of honey and bee products.

Local experts on livestock will be available to answer questions during all fair hours. John Falconio, Upper Freehold, will be on hand with some huge koi and aquatic plants to answer pond questions.

The Master Gardeners of Monmouth County will be available for gardening questions.

The Allentown Co-op Christian Preschool presents "Farmer for a Day" with interactive games and agricultural exhibits for young and old alike. Traditional fair games such as the bale toss and pie eating will be featured each evening. The Stars and Stripes Livestock Show on Saturday features livestock competitors from seven states. Cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, waterfowl, rabbits and small animals will be competing in youth shows. The sheep show, fleece show and double ring American Dairy Goat Association show will be open to both youth and adults. Educational exhibits will have information about local agriculture. All agricultural exhibits are free, and Bruins urges everyone to come and enjoy an old country fair in the agricultural arena.

Kathy Ricci, Upper Freehold, is the coordinator for horse events at Freedom Fest. Highlights include the Fox Valley Freedom Riders Drill Team, whose members reside in Upper Freehold and Millstone, and will perform on Saturday at 12:30. The Harness Horse Youth Foundation will be at the fair during the week. Ray Curtis' team penning group will be there Saturday evening in the main pavilion arena. The Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization will be there with their horses all day Sunday in the indoor arena.

Freedom Fest is sponsored by the Allentown Presbyterian Church, and is a fundraiser for local charities.