By JACKIE CHILD
Asst. Features Editor
From July 30 to Aug. 3, high-pitched screams and flashing lights filled the air blocks away from the 2013 Manasquan Fireman’s Fair.
In 1974, the original fair was held at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Main Street, the fair’s website reported. Early fairs had little success, and the event was canceled in 1988.
Ten years later, the fair was brought back and has been an annual event since. The fair is now held at Mallard Park and draws over 30,000 people during its five day run, according to the website.
Junior Shannon Brown of Manasquan attends the fair every year and said her favorite part is the food.
“I need to get the cotton candy and the funnel cake … it’s a must,” said Brown.
Vendors sell typical fair foods such as Brown’s favorites cotton candy and funnel cake, as well as popcorn and ice cream to newer staples such as deep-fried Oreo cookies.
Fair-goers can play Boardwalk games like Balloon Pop, Skee Ball and Whack-A-Mole for prizes. Most of the games cost $1 and are organized by the Manasquan Elks Lodge 2534.
The highlight of the fair are the dozens of rides that cover the park. The fair advertised rides for everyone from young children to thrill-seekers. A Ferris Wheel, Carousel and Tilt-A-Whirl were just some of the rides available.
Fair organizer George Stork told the Star Ledger that the fair brings people together.
“It really is a great chance for family and friends to reunite,” Stork said. “We have people who make sure their beach house rentals are reserved for the week of the fair, just because they want to come.”
Brown agreed. She said she attends the fair to catch up with classmates.
“It’s fun to see everyone there. I saw a lot of people from school that I haven’t seen since June, so its just really cool.”