FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee are announcing that a special “Kick-Off the Countdown” event will take place during the 50th annual Monmouth County Fair, marking the beginning of

America’s Semiquincentennial year. America’s 250th anniversary is July 4, 2026, and Monmouth County, New Jersey has been working toward a comprehensive celebration of the birth of the greatest nation in the world and the County’s significant role in the fight for independence.

The “Kick-Off the Countdown” event will take place on opening night of the Fair, Wednesday, July 23, 2026, at 7:00 pm on the main stage. This special event will feature Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, reenactors, remarks, music and entertainment including the Washington Crossing Fifes and Drums. There will also be tethered balloon rides (weather permitting) and a fireworks display to top off the event at 9 p.m.!

“We are so excited to be kicking off the one-year count-down to America’s 250^th birthday with a special event for people of all ages at the annual Monmouth County Fair,” said Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Co-Chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee. “Our committee has been working hard over the past two years to create a fitting celebration of the birth of the greatest nation on Earth, and we are now officially less than one year away from

America’s Semiquincentennial, so it is time to begin the countdown with a ceremony filled with patriotism and pride for our country!”

“All are invited to attend this event to help us mark one year from America’s 250th birthday,” said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, Co-Chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee. “This will be a great night to celebrate not only America but the significant role our County played in the fight for independence. We have a lot to celebrate, and we hope everyone will join us!”

The MonmouthNJ 250 Truck and tent will also be at the Fair all week long where visitors can see a traveling exhibit about life in Monmouth County during the Revolutionary War, pick up a free Monmouth County Revolutionary History booklet and coloring book, themed giveaways, play cornhole, watch our "Talking 250 Videos" and more. The MonmouthNJ 250 Truck and tent will be set up near the entrance of the Fair.