FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Teresa Ruiz

May 4, 2005973-621-4404

ESSEXCOUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO INVITES PUBLIC TO EXPERIENCE THE

THRILLS AND EXCITEMENT OF THE 2005 ESSEXCOUNTY 4-H FAIR

Carnival Rides and Games, Live Music and Presentations by

EssexCounty 4-H Club and Master Gardeners Offer Something for Everyone

West Orange, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. is inviting the public to come out and experience the thrills and excitement of the 2005 EssexCounty 4-H Fair. The five-day event, which features live music, carnival rides and nature presentations, will be held on the following days:

Dates/Times:Wednesday, May 4th4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday, May 5th4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday, May 6th4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday, May 7th11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, May 8th1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location:EssexCountySouthMountain Reservation

Archery Field

Corner of Northfield Avenue and Cherry Lane

West Orange, NJ

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our children and families to spend a fun evening or afternoon together without traveling far from home. What makes the Fair even more special is that the money raised will benefit our parks, and local organizations that are dedicated to helping our children and improving the community. I encourage everyone to come out and Experience Essex,” DiVincenzo said.

Enjoy the amusement park rides of the midway and test your skill at a variety of carnival games. On Friday and Saturday evening, stilt walkers, jugglers, plate spinners and magicians will mingle with the crowd and entertain the public with their antics. Face painting also will be offered. On Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m., the Dixie Diamond Band will perform live music.

The EssexCounty 4-H Club has special activities planned throughout the afternoon on Saturday, May 7th. In the 4-H tent, there will be crafts for kids, jugglers and a water balloon toss with prizes awarded. In the Main tent, there will be a Seeing Eye Puppy demonstration, the results of the 4-H Poster Contest will be announced, the 4-H Club will present its annual awards and visitors can get an up close look at animals from the zoo.

The Essex County Master Gardeners will be on hand throughout the five-day fair providing information and advice on a variety of gardening topics. They will provide a hands on demonstration of the “Enviroscape” watershed model and give tips about growing the perfect Jersey tomato, transplanting flowers, taking care of your lawn, using and storing pesticides, and learning how to compost.

The first night of the fair, Wednesday, May 4th, is “Uniform Night.” All Boy and Girl Scouts and sports team players ages 12 and younger (and who are accompanied by an adult) who wear their uniforms will receive free admission. Admission costs $3.00. Single ride tickets can be purchased for 75 cents; a book of 20 ride tickets costs $15 and a book of 56 ride tickets costs $40.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Essex County Parks Foundation, the West Orange High School Booster Club and the Orange/West Orange Chapter of UNICO National.For information, please call 973-731-3828.

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EssexCounty is an equal opportunity employer.