Delaware State Fair puts another successful year in the books

The Delaware State Fair did its Small State Big Fun theme justice this year for the 105th annual event. Celebrating new and old summer traditions all 10 days of the fair, patrons enjoyed the beautiful weather with a few scattered showers, but that didn't deter families from the fairgrounds.

Unlike most summers, the temperatures stayed moderate, making it an enjoyable experience for patrons and staff alike. The Delaware State Fair welcomed over 303,000 attendees onto the fairgrounds July 18-27, with more than 85,000 visitors for closing weekend.

New this year, the main entrance featured barricades to help usher fairgoers into their respective lines, also allowing them to try out the new self-serve ticket kiosk offering a streamlined and contactless process for patrons. The installation of more than 30 high-velocity fans in the grandstand took place in the off-season, with the goal of keeping concert goers cool during those events.

As always, livestock shows brought families from far and wide to the Delaware State Fairgrounds barns. This year, the auction grossed record sales proceeds of over $400,000 with the sale of 134 market animals. The funds raised are distributed to junior exhibitors who owned the top-placing junior market animals. For 2024, the fair staff hired 127 Creative LLC to livestream the Livestock Extravaganza, the annual livestock champion event.

“We wanted families and friends who could not attend the event to have the opportunity to watch their loved ones compete for something they’ve been working tirelessly on for a year,” said Lauren McLaughlin, Delaware State Fair premiums manager. With the livestream available on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, the event is now available to watch anytime.

Also highlighting livestock and agriculture at the Delaware State Fair, the marketing team created the very first virtual barn tours, a guide that takes viewers and listeners through each of the barns on the fairgrounds, giving them insight on the history of the animals housed there through the years. With a grant from fair sponsor Corteva Agriscience, the virtual barn tours included signage with QR codes outside the barn entrances so attendees could listen (or watch) as they walked through. The virtual barn tours are available for viewing on the Delaware State Fair website.

The Delaware Lottery Summer Concert series at the M&T Bank Grandstand entertainment schedule kicked off with Rick Springfield followed by a nearly sold-out weekend featuring Grammy award winner Ludacris and ACM nominated country artist Jon Pardi and Jordan Davis. Other fair entertainment followed suit, with concertgoers enjoying great music, and of course the usual sell-out show, The Demolition Derby hosted by Taylor & Messick.

Danny Aguilar, assistant general manager and marketing director, said, “From a stellar concert lineup to new carnival rides and a fusion of amazing culinary and beverage options, we are proud to say that yet again, the Delaware State Fair is a continued tradition for families and will continue to be one of the top summer destinations for entertainment and family fun in Delmarva.”

“Continued support from both local and corporate sponsors alike is one of the reasons we are able to provide patrons with great entertainment every summer. With both returning and new sponsors for the 2024 fair, we had several large and small businesses utilize the fairgrounds as an employee outing, offering concert tickets, carnival wristbands and food vouchers as a way to say thank you,” said Carly Callahan, marketing and sponsorship manager.

The Food Lion Feeds Hunger Relief Day saw fair visitors come out in force, with more than 14,239 pounds of nonperishable Food Lion items collected July 22. Participating fairgoers turned in at least five nonperishable food items and received free gate admission to the fair. All donations will benefit the Food Bank of Delaware, where they are estimated to help create more than 17,388 meals for Delawareans.

The Wade Shows Carnival did not disappoint, providing fairgoers with 41 rides for the thrill seekers and the less adventurous, from games of chance to rides and attractions for both children and adults.

The grounds entertainment lineup for 2024 brought crowds to the Hertrich Plaza Stage every afternoon with new country music acts out of Nashville such as Jess Kellie Adams as well as returning artist Kelsey Rae with an all-new band 2b1, helping the Delaware State Fair to spread the mission on environmental conservation. Roaming the streets during the 10 fair days were fan favorites like the Fritters, who mingled with kids and families, as well as the ever-popular magical and comedic duo Trevor & Lorena; other grounds entertainment included the racing pigs and Circus Hollywood. The Kids Day Fair was enjoyed by thousands of campers and families, and the duck- and goose-calling presented by DNREC made a return visit to the plaza along Mountaire’s Chickin’ Pickin’ and the annual Pig Kissin’ Contest.

Livestock, 4-H, FFA and other forms of competitive exhibits again came out in force. The fair received and processed more than 37,380 entries this year originating from 2,182 exhibitors.

“Despite a few weather challenges seen by staff, vendors and sponsors at the 2024 Delaware State Fair, I can certainly say that the collective hard work from all involved is the reason for another successful year. We are already gearing up the plans for the 2025 Delaware State Fair and cannot wait to see you all back,” said Ron Draper, Delaware State Fair board president.

The Delaware State Fair dates for 2025 are Thursday to Saturday, July 17 to 26. Keep up with all the latest news at delawarestatefair.com.