Seriously, have you considered just how many classic pop songs are about amusement parks and attractions in New Jersey? How about:

• "Palisades Park" by Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon, 1962 (bonus trivia: written

by Chuck Barris of "Gong Show" fame)

• "Wildwood Days" by Bobby Rydell, 1963

• "Under the Boardwalk" by the Drifters, 1964

• "Cherry Hill Park" by Billy Joe Royal, 1969, set in Cherry Hill, NJ;

• "Fourth of July in Asbury Park (Sandy)" by Bruce Springsteen, 1973

New Jersey and amusement parks, carnivals and fairs go together like pork roll and cheese, Abbott and Costello or baseball and Ballantine. No matter where you travel in the Garden State, you’ll find attractions to keep you riding, splashing, eating and enjoying.

Destinations such as Great Adventure, the Wildwoods, Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant are well-known vacation destinations. But the state offers enough of a variety of state and county fairs, ethnic festivals and attractions to keep even the most ardent cotton candy or corn dog lover stuffed for the season.

Here’s a look at the fun and excitement of amusement parks, circuses and fairs in New Jersey. Be sure to click on the captions button for more information and links about these classic photos.

Coming soon: Water fun and barbecues. We really want to see your photos of backyard barbecues, swimming pool antics and general fun in the sun at beaches and lakes in New Jersey taken before 1985. Send them in -- we'd love to see them and possibly use them in a gallery or Glimpse of History column. Attach your jpg images and email them to ghatala@starledger.com.