For two days in early August, Howell Farm will be the home of the Mercer County 4-H Fair.

Highlights of the fair will include cow milking, a sheep show, a goat show, a poultry show, and a small animal show.

Tents for the animals and exhibits will be located near the farm's visitor center.

Howell Farm's farmers will contribute by running hayrides, giving tours, and conducting historical farming demonstrations out in the fields.

This year marks the 4-H club's 90th anniversary. The theme of the fair is "Looking Back, Moving Forward." One of their tents will house a "4-H Then & Now" exhibit with photos from the club's history.

In the 1920s and early 30s, the local Pleasant Valley Calf Club held an annual fair at the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse and grounds adjacent to Howell Farm. These fairs, oganized by the school age children and their parents, drew visitors from many parts of Mercer and Hunterdon Counties. "With this historical basis in mind, we thought the 4-H Fair was a great match for us," said Pete Watson, Howell Farm director. "With out new visitor center barn, we're now well equipped to handle a fair like this."

The Jugtown Mountain String Band will provide musical entertainment at the fair, while the Friends of Howell Farm will serve food and refreshments.

The fair runs 10:00am to 8:00pm on August 2 and 10:00am to 4:00pm on August 3. Parking and admission are free.

Fair Schedule

All day, both days: Livestock shows and judging; animal exhibits; arts and crafts, gardening, and food exhibits; food and ice cream for sale by the Friends of Howell Farm; children's activities; hayrides; farm tours, felting and fiber demonstrations.

Saturday, August 2

10:00am to 1:00pm - Dairy Goat Show
1:30pm - Opening Ceremony
2:00pm - Egg Grading Demonstration
2:30pm - Poultry Show
3:00pm - Small Animal Show
5:00pm - Milking Contest
6:00pm to 8:00pm - Sheep Show

Sunday, August 3

10:00am to 1:00pm - Sheep Show
Noon to 2:00pm - Spin-In with NJFF
2:00pm - Cattle Show and Demonstration