Roots To Resilience
Roots in Agriculture & Youth: Started mid‑20th century as platform for 4‑H member demonstrations and livestock exhibitions.
Family Appeal Expansion: Over decades, added carnival rides, animals, craft booths, food, and entertainment to serve broader audiences.
Community Resilience: Post-COVID revival underlining its resilience and strong community ties.
Enduring Tradition: Today it upholds its 4‑H educational mission while delivering charming, country‑style fair experiences.
Timeline of the Gloucester County 4‑H Fair
1947
Fair starts
The earliest documented fair dates — Fair starts to take shape as a community-driven agriculture and youth showcase under 4‑H guidance
1947–1960s
agricultural mission
Primarily focused on livestock, equestrian and 4‑H project presentations, aligning with county-wide agricultural mission
1970s–1980s
family appeal
Gradual introduction of additional attractions like carnival rides, midway games, magic shows, and craft exhibits to enhance family appeal
2014
Peach Festival
Fair includes a notable “Peach Festival” edition — traditions like Jersey-grown peach ice cream become crowd favorites, alongside standard fair attractions
2022
Welcome Back
Re-branded as a “Welcome Back to 4‑H” celebration after pandemic interruptions, re-emphasizing community and agricultural engagement
2023–2024
Old Tyme Country
Continuing as “Old Tyme Country” celebration with consistent offerings — livestock, draft horse & tractor pulls, children’s entertainment, car shows—and a per-carload donation model
2025
original spirit
The fair remains a flagship county event drawing ~20,000 visitors annually, while maintaining its original spirit of an “old-time country fair” with 4‑H exhibits, rides, games, music, food, and family-friendly entertainment