As fairs go in New Jersey, Middlesex County’s is one of the best. Like clockwork every first week of August, the fairgrounds site in East Brunswick populates with enough rickety rides, “whack various animals” arcade games and greasy food vendors to satisfy even a Midwesterner. We drove over early in the week, while the vegetable displays were still fresh, the grounds were pristine and the food plentiful.  As an extra bonus, we were treated to a blazing sunset of pinks, purples and oranges as the backdrop to the whirling lights and pleasant buzz of the crowd.

We were gleeful to see the return of the Peanut Man, a wiry and somewhat dour vendor of roasted legumes whose schedule in some years has precluded his attendance at the event. He sells, hands down, the most delicious peanuts we have ever had, handed over still warm from the barrels in brown paper bags. Some of us have been known to pay admission to the fair just to retrieve a bag of these treasures and scurry away like a squirrel in October.

There were lots of nice animals, including donkeys, ducks, prizewinning rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, cows, sheep, horses and goats.  The farmer’s exhibit featured a baby pig that had everyone oohing and ahhing at its cuteness as it snuffled around in the hay. “Jersey Fresh” stickers were abundant, not only at the food kiosks, but at the vegetable and fruit stand on the main corner of the agricultural area, where for a few dollars you pick up some local produce to bring home.

The dining, well, forget your diet and just enjoy. Fried everything can be had, as well as Mexican specialties, pizza, potatoes of every cut and preparation, meat skewers, cheese steaks, ice cream, frozen cheesecake and shaved ices. We opted for the perennially fantastic grilled corn-on-the-cob, basted with melted butter and handed over with the leaves and husk as its handle, as well as Greek gyro and falafel that were quite good. We haven’t even scratched the surface describing the other eats that were available.

As usual, an extensive tractor collection was on display, as well as local artwork, canned goods and yarn crafts.  The agriculture department sponsored an arresting display detailing the dangers of mosquitoes and how to eliminate standing-water breeding grounds from yards and patios. The nearby dog training outfit gave agility demonstrations with pooches of varying capabilities and interest–almost always good for at least two laughs–and there was also a glitzy acrobatic act and adorable, if mildly disturbing, pig races.

There were plenty of midway-type games, spinning wheels and opportunities to win ridiculous stuffed animals, as well as an assortment of spinning, flailing and teetering rides that looked thoroughly nauseating but which fair-goers seemed to love. For non-participants, they make a wonderfully exhilarating setting within which to eat popcorn and lick ice cream cones.

In all, the Middlesex County Fair is a genuinely sweet stop for families, couples, and people seeking really great peanuts. Recommended for yearly attendance.