1890: Hamilton's N.J. State Fair

The local press had a very annoying habit. The Mercer Automobile Company and the New Jersey State Fair were always listed as a Trenton venue, with nary a suggestion that the location of these very famous entities was actually in Hamilton Township.

In my humble opinion, one of the tragedys of local history in the 20th century was the loss of the New Jersey State Fair, or as it was initially known, the Interstate Fair. Every September for nearly a century, thousands of people journeyed to the grounds between Nottingham Way and East State Street to enjoy the extensive midway, the huge grandstand and the numerous events hosted there each year. Many residents will recall the midget auto races, Lucky Teter and his successor, Joey Chitwood and their "Hell Drivers," numerous aeronautical events, and many other events.