The L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair is a quintessential summer tradition.
Along with a daily lineup of live entertainment, the 2022 L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair is bringing two premier country concert events to the Garden State this summer: the “Roots & Boots Tour” featuring Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye with Tequila Rose on Sunday, June 26, and “Southern Rock Fest” featuring the Marshall Tucker Band, Kentucky Headhunters and Southern Steel on Saturday, July 2.
“These incredible concert events undoubtedly will provide two spectacular days of amazing entertainment, and we are thrilled to be able to bring these talented and award-winning country music artists to the L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair,” said Nick DeMauro, L.E.A.D. executive director. “Each year, our No. 1 goal is to make the State Fair bigger and better. This year we feel we’ve succeeded in creating an affordable event that truly has something for everyone.”
The 11-day State Fair takes 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), all L.E.A.D. FEST events benefit the organization’s programs and related initiatives. The Allentown-based nonprofit’s programs help to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying and violence.
The Roots & Boots Tour on June 26 promises to be a powerhouse country concert where Kershaw, Tippin and Raye headline an evening filled with stories, songs and modern country sounds. The trio has amassed almost 70 combined Top 40 hit singles, becoming among the most sought-after country and folk artists on the 2022 music scene. Classic rock and new country group Tequila Rose kicks off the show from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by Roots & Boots from 8 to 10 p.m.
From a first-class Kiddie Land to super-spectacular thrill rides and everything in between, L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair has it all.
On July 2, “Southern Rock Fest” brings another great day of country music to the State Fair. Southern rock tribute band Southern Steel takes the stage from 3 to 5 p.m., followed from 6 to 7:30 p.m. by the Kentucky Headhunters, who created a musical hybrid of honky-tonk, blues and southern rock. Headlining the day are southern rock pioneers The Marshall Tucker Band from 8 to 10 p.m.
Gate admission to the State Fair 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 www.theleadfest.com. Concert tickets include gate admission.
There will be no shortage of delicious food during this year’s L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair.
Family-Friendly Fun
The L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair is a quintessential summer tradition. This year, the jam-packed event will be open Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., and weekends and July 4 from 1 to 11 p.m.
Favorite attractions making a return 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. A new addition to the State Fair this year is a Business and Craft Vendor Tent on the weekends.
L.E.A.D. FEST Carnival
L.E.A.D. FEST carnival will bring the fun to East Brunswick this summer. General admission and ride tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.theleadfest.com.
The carnival schedule is as follows:
- 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.
— Lori Crowell
