Bigger and better than ever, this year’s L.E.A.D FEST events include five carnivals and an 11-day State Fair taking place from June 24 to July 4 at Mercer County Park Fairgrounds.

Presented by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence), L.E.A.D. FEST events benefit the organization’s programs and related initiatives.

Carnivals and state fairs are beloved summer traditions. There’s no better place for the whole family to enjoy rides, food, music and fun than at 2022 L.E.A.D. FEST events. Bigger and better than ever, this year’s events include five carnivals and an 11-day State Fair taking place from June 24 to July 4 at Mercer County Park Fairgrounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township.

Presented by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence), L.E.A.D. FEST events benefit the organization’s programs and related initiatives. L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders and families. The Allentown-based nonprofit’s programs help to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying and violence. L.E.A.D. is committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill and relations between law enforcement and their communities.

“The L.E.A.D. State Fair saw its biggest year ever in 2021 with more than 50,000 attendees. We hope to hit a new milestone in 2022,” said Nick DeMauro, L.E.A.D. executive director. “Funds raised at our carnivals and the State Fair are important to L.E.A.D.’s mission, allowing us to make our programs more accessible to a greater number of youngsters in the communities we serve. We couldn’t be more excited to bring five amazing events to New Jersey this year. Our goal is to create family-friendly, community-based events that are fun for everyone while at the same time promoting anti-drug and anti-violence activities in the state.”

Funds raised at carnivals and the State Fair are important to L.E.A.D.’s mission, allowing programs to become more accessible to a greater number of youngsters in the communities it serves.

The jam-packed State Fair promises something for everyone. Along with free nightly musical entertainment, attendees can look forward to two premiere concert events and some exciting new additions, including a Business and Craft Vendor Tent on the weekends. The State Fair will be open Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., and weekends and July 4 from 1 to 11 p.m.

Favorite fan attractions include Robinsons Racing Pigs.

Favorite fan attractions include Robinsons Racing Pigs, the always-popular pie eating contest, a petting zoo, educational puppet Granpa Cratchet and Cowtown U.S.A., an all-day exhibit that contains an old-time creamery where patrons participate in preparing a cow for milking by hand. The State Fair’s midway provider, Reithoffer Shows, will ensure there’s plenty of delicious food, carnival games and prizes, and rides for children and adults alike — from a first-class Kiddie Land to super-spectacular thrill rides and everything in between.

The pie-eating contest is always popular.

Along with a daily lineup of live entertainment, this year’s State Fair includes two premier country concert events: the Roots & Boots Tour featuring Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye with Tequila Rose on June 26 beginning at 4 p.m., and Southern Rock Fest featuring the Marshall Tucker Band, Kentucky Head Hunters and Southern Steel on July 2 starting at 3 p.m.

Along with a daily lineup of live entertainment, this year’s State Fair includes two premier country concert events.

Gate admission is $5 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. General admission, ride tickets, Mega Passes and reserved seating for the Roots & Boots Tour and Southern Rock Fest can be purchased in advance online at theleadfest.com. Concert tickets include gate admission.

The Marshall Tucker Band is among featured acts performing with the Southern Rock Fest on July 2.

L.E.A.D. FEST Carnivals

Sammy Kershaw is among the performers taking the stage June 26 as part of the Roots & Boots Tour.

L.E.A.D. FEST carnivals bring the fun to five different locations throughout the Garden State this summer. General admission, ride tickets and Mega Passes for all carnivals can be purchased in advance online at theleadfest.com.

The carnival schedule is as follows:

• Westfield Garden State Plaza (One Garden State Plaza, Paramus) from May 26-30; June 1-5; and June 8-12. Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day from noon to 11 p.m. Midway will be provided by Reithoffer Shows. “This year, our Paramus event starts on Memorial Day weekend,” DeMauro said. “Attending the carnival that weekend is a great way to have fun and usher in the start of the summer season.”
• Voorhees Town Center (2140 Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees Township) from June 2-11. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m. Midway provided by Amusements of America.
• Monmouth Mall (180 Route 35, Eatontown) from June 3-12. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.
• Gloucester Premium Outlets (100 Premium Outlet Drive, Blackwood) from July 8-17. Hours are Monday to Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.
• Brunswick Square Mall (755 Route 18, East Brunswick) from July 21-31. Hours are Monday to Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.

For more information and tickets, visit theleadfest.com. For more information about L.E.A.D., visit leadrugs.org or email info@leadrugs.org.