The State Fair Meadowlands kicked off in East Rutherford on Thursday.

There are rides for kids and adults, lots of different food vendors -- and live acts.

The fun started around 6 p.m. This year, according to the fair's website, there are 150 rides, 100 food vendors, 50 games and 12 free shows. Jurassic Kingdom Lockdown is one of the many live acts at the fair this year.

“It's almost like a 3D movie, they're over the fence, they're playing with the kids, their tails are in the audience, there's not a 100% chance that you won't be touched by a dinosaur's tail somehow, smacking around out here,” says Kala Colonia.

“We have aerial acts, tricks and stuff like that, and we have a wheel of death and we incorporate it all in a pirate production,” says Anthony Murcia.

A real transformer is also on display, morphing from a race car to the big bee transformer in under a minute.

“This is a real Transformer,” says Alexander Murcia. “It's built off of a car chassis, it has all the original components, it has an engine. There's a lot that goes into it and it's something where when the kids come to the fair it's memorable."

There's also a lot of delicious food for the family, including Taino's Kitchen, who are serving up Puerto Rican dishes. The Newark-based restaurant says being at the fair is a great way to expand business throughout the rest of New Jersey.

"I think we are the second Hispanic or first Hispanic base to come through, through this right here.” Says Jesus Vargas. “It's a great honor and opportunity to serve a whole variety of people throughout the state of New Jersey."

The fair says with the largest kiddie land in New Jersey, there are lots of options for kids and adults. You can avoid long lines at the ticket box by buying online.

The state fair group was established over 100 years ago in 1921, and it’s stayed within the family -- as the fourth generation enters the family business.

The fair runs through July 10.