Middlesex County Fair: Spectacle of the Summer

BY ELIZABETH UYAR & JULIA WOJDYLA

SEPTEMBER 15, 2025, 9:30 A.M.

Neon twinkling lights and voices of laughter and joy filled the warm summer night sky on August 4th, marking the commencement of the annual Middlesex County Fair. Since 1938, East Brunswick has hosted the fair at the fairgrounds on Cranbury Road, providing an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

     Rows of canopy tents filled the fairgrounds with local organizations and businesses, looking to gain exposure. One of these organizations, the EBHS ASTRAEA robotics team, had the opportunity to showcase their “recent awards and past projects, … and received a staggering amount of donations,” said Junior Ruby Portnoy, co-president of the team.     

     Alongside the organizations, local small businesses sold beautiful pieces of art and amazing food, ranging from crispy funnel cakes to refreshing lemonades and savory main dishes. Student favorites included sizzling empanadas, fiery tacos, and flavorful gyros. Madeline Nonsteid, a Junior, said, “Oh my goodness, I love their barbecue pulled pork and macaroni and cheese with no beans from Joe's Smoked Barbecue. It was called the Macboat. The things I'd do to get that food back. Truly, it was all so so good.”

     For some, such as Bahar Chabanov, the fair holds nostalgic childhood memories, many of which were rekindled this year. The Sophomore said, “I went to the fair a lot when I was younger, but haven't gone again until this year…it was cool to see everyone I hadn't seen all summer and eat really good food.” 

     For younger participants, the petting zoo was filled with adorable farm animals, including goats, cows, and bunnies. Guests could also explore an exhibition of various reptiles and amphibians, and even enjoy pony rides.

      At every corner and path, there was something new to explore, with the fair featuring a variety of entertainers and shows. Trapeze artists and stunt dogs left crowds full of admiration as magicians stunned the little ones with their “Agricadabra” Magic Show. The DJ kept the dance floor alive with infectious music near booths with classic carnival games filled with stuffed animals and other prizes.