State Fair Meadowlands At Giants Stadium Fairgrounds Announces Record-Breaking Opening Night
By Mel Fabrikant Friday, June 26, 2009, 05:59 PM EDT
Featuring Food, Free Entertainment and Rides
As better weather returned to the New York/New Jersey area, fun seekers came out in full force last night for State Fair Meadowlands’ opening “Dollar Night.” Fair officials announced record attendance of over 41,000 on Thursday, June 25 as fairgoers took advantage of dollar parking, entry tickets, food items and rides.
This year’s annual event, held at Giants Stadium Fairgrounds in the Meadowlands Sports Complex, runs from June 25 through July 12, featuring a wide variety of fun food, top-notch entertainment that is always free with entry tickets, games, exhibits and thrilling rides for the entire family.
“Our record attendance last night shows that despite the weak economy, people of all ages are still seeking out fun and entertainment,” said Al Dorso, President, State Fair Meadowlands. “For those who missed Dollar Night, there are lots more bargain opportunities, including Kidz 4 Free Sunday on June 28; Buy One, Get One Half Price on Thursday, July 2; and Carload Night on Thursday, July 9. State Fair recognizes that local residents want to keep fun close to home this year, and we want to do everything possible to give our patrons a break.”
Kidz 4 Free Sunday allows all kids 12 and under to be admitted to the fair for free. Buy One, Get One Half Price night means everything from admission, games & unlimited ride hand stamps are buy one, get one half price; patrons should look for the BOGO sign at participating food vendors. For Carload Night, everyone who fits in your car - up to 8 people - can enter and ride unlimited rides for one price of $69.00, and parking is free.
On Monday, June 29 (rain date June 30), State Fair is offering FREE admission to the currently unemployed and up to four of their immediate family members. Patrons with proof of unemployment such as an unemployment check stub will enter for free and may enjoy all the free entertainment without spending another penny. If they choose, they may take advantage of discounted unlimited ride hand stamps. (Of course, the Fair is also open to the gainfully employed that day!). For more bargains and promotion days, visit www.njfair.com.
About State Fair Meadowlands
State Fair Meadowlands at Giants Stadium Fairgrounds, New Jersey’s largest annual family friendly event, is being held this year from June 25 through July 12 at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, NJ.
Over 50 food vendors will offer an astonishing array of fun fair food, including cheese steaks, barbeque, pizza, Greek, Asian and Mexican delicacies, salads, ice cream, funnel cake and of course, cotton candy. Fair visitors can work off some calories in the shopping zone, which will feature CDs, DVDs, jewelry, clocks, clothing, arts & crafts, candles and more.
This year’s free nightly entertainment includes The Marcan Tiger Show, Master Hypnotist Steve Bayner, Festival of Magic, Wildlife Gallery and World of Wonder – Palace of Illusion. Strolling musicians and costumed characters will also provide entertainment throughout the fairgrounds.
This year's special events include an appearance by the Real Housewives of New Jersey on Sunday, June 28. The housewives will help Steve Bayner kick off his hilarious hypnotist show on the main stage at 8 pm, raising awareness for the Project Ladybug charity benefiting seriously ill children at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson, NJ. Other special events include bicycle trick riders, who will be appearing from July 2 through July 6. And, car lovers can check out the Rix Magazine car show on Sunday, July 12. Fairgoers also won’t want to miss the spectacular fireworks displays on July 3 and July 4.
Fair hours are as follows: Monday through Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to midnight; Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to midnight. Special hours on July 3 and 4 are from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and July 6 from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. On June 25, opening night, gates open 5 p.m.
Special group packages are available. For more information, visit www.njfair.com or call 973-450-1073.
