AUGUSTA-One way to combat that "New Jersey, what exit?" mindset, and discover why it's called "The Garden State", is to go to the New Jersey State Fair, from August 5 to 14. It is a showcase for up-to-the-minute agricultural trends, and a look back at farming history. Offering something for everyone, it has the feel of an old fashioned country fair, offering a horse show, concerts, demonstrations, pig racing, shopping, crafts, a carnival and ethnic food. Entertainment this year leads off with country artists Jimmy Fortune of The Statler Brothers, Ronnie McDowell, John Berry, and the '50's Fabulous Hubcaps. Three demolition derbies, a talent day and a Polish night are a few of the many other events to see. The horse show has classes each day for the run of the fair, with free seating for the public. Educating the public about agriculture is important to the fair. The A.G. Hill center will offer lectures, demonstrations, and giveaways about agriculture. Snook Memorial Farm Museum steps back into an earlier world. At the petting zoo and animal nursery, kids can get up close to the animals, while the Farm Fun Interactive Building has hands-on activities, like a hay maze and scarecrow structure. The Richards Exhibit Building has a demonstration kitchen, and a learning stage for 4-H presentations. The pole barns hold a variety of livestock, and milking is done daily. A farmers' market offers fresh produce to take home. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for children, and parking is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., from Friday, Aug. 5, to Saturday, Aug. 13, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14. The fairgrounds are located in Augusta, one mile from the intersection of Routes 565, 206 and 15. Call 973-948-5500 for information or visit www.newjerseystatefair.org.