NJ Weekend Events June 19-20: Father's Day Cars, Planes, Trains & More

6/17/10 - By Desiree

This weekend is all about Dad.  So roll out the red carpet because the Garden State has an event that will put a smile on every father's face, be it a night at the drag races, airplane acrobatics, or caboose rides.  Perhaps the perfect day for dad is a nostalgic one, participating in an old fashioned fishing event like the New Brunswick Annual Fishing Derby or experiencing a historic battle at Smithville.  Or maybe when dad thinks of "old fashioned" he's thinking of a trip back some 65 million years for a fossil dig.  Other goings-on this weekend includes the NJ State Fair and the Cape May Harborfest or even a behind the scenes tour of Jenkinson's Aquarium.

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Night of Thrills at the Drag Races
(Englishtown)
Fast cars, jet cars, monster trucks, wheelstanders and more can be found for a Night of Thrills at the Drag Races.  If cars is not enough to tempt dad, there is also Little Jimmy's National Italian Ice Eating Championship.  Saturday: doors open at 5pm, showtime is 7pm to 10pm.  Admission is $30 for adults, $10 age 6-11, FREE for 5 and under.  Parking is free!



Red Bull Air Race at Liberty State Park (Jersey City)
If you are looking for airplane acrobatics with speed and precision, look no further than this international competition.  Saturday and Sunday at 10am,  Tickets start at $40.  Be forewarned, this may be fun for dad, but strollers are not allowed in all sections, no outside food or drink is allowed, and the event may be crowded.




 
Caboose Rides at Whippany Railroad (Whippany)
Take dad on a 45 minute, 10 mile ride along the historic Whippanong Trail in a historic Caboose of your choice, just like they did 100 years ago!  Sunday at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm, rain or shine.  Advance registration recommended and available online up to 11:59pm on Thursday before the Sunday ride.  $12 for adults and $8 for children under 13 (infants-in-arms are free).


 

34th Annual Fishing Derby (New Brunswick)
Start a new Father's Day Tradition at this annual event where dad can experience a flashback to the days of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. For those with a good catch, prizes are awarded for a variety of categories.  Sunday from 11am to 1pm.  FREE, but you must bring your own fishing pole and bait.

 


Smithville Virginia Company K Encampment (Smithville)
Spend the day in the midst of a historic battle, that of Company K invading Historic Smithville!  There will be a complete Military & Civilian camp with marching drills and musket-firing demonstration.  Saturday and Sunday. For information call 609-748-6160.

 


Community Fossil Hunt at Poricy Park (Middletown)
Take dad on an archaelogical dig in NJ.  An experienced guide will take you back 65 million years and will provide trowels & sifters and help identify your finds.  Dress for the weather and wear rubber boots or old sneakers.  Sandals and slip-on footwear prohibited.  Bring a container to hold your five best finds!  All ages.  Sunday from 3pm.  Fee is $8 per person, $32 family special for 2 adults and three children.  Reservations required by calling 732-842-5966.

 


The New Jersey State Fair (Meadowlands)
This is not the type of state fair where you see all the farm animals, but a brighter, more crowded, urban type of state fair with a world record setting Bubble Wrap Popping, Circus and Magic shows, BMX stunt show, petting zoo, racing pigs, and rides.  The Fair is open Saturday at 2pm until 2am and Sunday from 2pm to 12am.  Tickets are $9 for adults, $6 for children under 12, and children under 34" are FREE. Parking is $3.




 
Cape May Harborfest (Cape May)
There is plenty of fun in the sun in Cape May this weekend at the annual Harborfest.  There will be a Pirate Palooza kids fest, seaside splendor garden tour, crabbing workshop, fishing and water sport demos, critter encounters, face painting and plenty of kids crafts.  Saturday from 10am to 5pm (raindate is Sunday).

 



Behind the Scenes at Jenkinson's Aquarium (Point Pleasant)
Take a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium and learn more about what it takes to care for all the animals.  Closed-toe shoes required.  The tour is for ages 5 and up.  Saturday from 9:30am – 11am.  Pre-registration required by calling 732-899-1659. And all day on Sunday, Father's Day, admission is free to fathers with a paid child admission.