Passaic County Fair starts Thursday, with fireworks, music, food and new attractions

The county fair is returning to Passaic County this week.

The annual August celebration kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday at Garret Mountain Reservation. Sponsored by the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners and Friends of Passaic County Parks, the fair promises four days of fun for the whole family.

This year’s fair will offer something for everyone, from games and rides to art activities and a butterfly exhibit. Perennial favorites like pony rides and bounce houses for the kids will be back, along with a chess tournament, Touch-a-Truck and new attractions to explore. The fair opens at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. There's a 3 p.m. start on Saturday and Sunday.

The opening ceremony is set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, followed by Family Night, when guests can purchase a $30 wristband for unlimited rides.

The four-day event will also feature three fireworks displays sponsored by United Federated Systems, lighting up the sky at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Throughout the weekend, music lovers can attend performances from local bands, including Swingman & The Misfit Mutts, MPACK, Naughty Humphrey, Big Beat Band, One50Project and the Larry Stevens Band. A beer garden and food trucks from across the county will offer plenty of refreshments.

“The county fair is a summer highlight that our residents, visitors and vendors eagerly anticipate each year," said John Bartlett, director of the Board of County Commissioners. "We’re excited for everyone to enjoy our best-yet weekend of carnival rides, games, food trucks, local businesses, live performances and family-friendly activities."

Admission to the fair is free. Parking costs $5 per vehicle. Fair proceeds benefit the Friends of Passaic County Parks Inc. and support future programs, park improvements and preservation efforts for the Passaic County park system.

Music and fireworks schedule at Passaic County Fair

Thursday, Aug. 15:

6:30 to 11 p.m. — Swingman & The Misfit Mutts

7:30 to 8 p.m. — Opening ceremony

9:30 p.m. — Fireworks

Friday, Aug. 16:

7 to 11 p.m. — Naughty Humphrey

9:30 p.m. — Fireworks

Saturday, Aug. 17:

4 to 7 p.m. — One50Project

8 to 11 p.m. — MPACK

9:30 p.m. — Fireworks

Sunday, Aug. 18:

4 to 7 p.m. — Larry Stevens Band

8 to 11 p.m. — Big Beat Band

(No fireworks)

For more information, visit seepassaiccounty.org and follow the county’s social media channels @PassaicCountyNJ and @SeePassaicCounty.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Passaic County Fair starts Thursday, with fireworks, music, food and new attractions