Attendance at the 2023 Delaware State Fair jumped 3.16% from last year to 308,989, the fourth highest in the fair’s history.
With the theme “Farmlands and Fair Fans,” the 104th annual event lasted 10 days from July 20-29.
As usual, the weather played a part in attendance, with the highest numbers in the first few days when temperatures were in the lower 80s, while the finals days were in the 90s with some thunderstorms.
The best daily attendance was about 46,000 on Saturday, July 22, said Danny Aguilar, assistant general manager and director of marketing.
Here is the attendance for the past 10 years including 2020 under COVID-19 restrictions:
- 2023 – 308,989
- 2022 – 299,511
- 2021 – 352,002
- 2020 – 97,750
- 2019 – 328,342
- 2018 – 291,708
- 2017 – 286,316
- 2016 – 257,037
- 2015 – 311,012
- 2014 – 281,796
The show goes on after storms
The fair’s emergency announcing system was used twice on July 25 and 29 to urge visitors to seek shelter in permanent buildings as thunderstorms approached.
“It’s very loud,” said Aguilar. “Some people say you can hear it all the way in Greenwood.”
People can also receive text alerts about the weather on their phones if they sign up for those Delaware State Fair updates.
“Both systems worked well,” Aguilar said.
Storms July 29 cleared in time for the grandstand concert, after extensive work by fair staff members to dry and reset seats on the track and prepare the stage.
What was new this year?
Aguilar said the fair’s new mobile app helps people plan their visits with a variety of information and updates.
Metal detectors were installed at all public gates, and security cameras were added.
The M&T Bank Grandstand featured new restrooms near the new track entranceway for concerts.
Three grandstand shows sell out
The Delaware Lottery summer concert series at the grandstand featured sellout shows by comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, the demolition derby and singer Lainey Wilson with Kameron Marlowe.
Aguilar said the capacity for most shows is about 8,400 while the capacity for the demolition derby is about 4,500.
Total attendance for grandstand shows was about 52,000, which is about 10,000 more than last year, Aguilar said.
Other entertainment included Nelly, Riley Green, Zach Williams with Cain, Jackson Dean with Nate Smith, harness racing, Tyler Hubbard with Megan Moroney and the “I Love the 90s” concert with Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Color Me Badd, Tone Loc and Young MC.
Free shows included magic by Trevor & Lorena, musical acts Rockland Road and British Invasion, Circus Hollywood, the racing pigs, a camel show and a menagerie of exotic animals.
“Patrons were treated to over 2,000 hours of programmed entertainment which was provided at no additional cost beyond gate admission,” Aguilar said.
Agriculture exhibits and contests
Agriculture is the focus of the fair, with livestock and crop exhibits, displays and competitions including 4-H and FFA events.
The fair received over 35,000 entries from 2,689 exhibitors.
“It was a great showing for all exhibitors and we were excited to see an increase of both entries and participating exhibitors,” said William DiMondi, the fair’s general manager.
After a year’s absence due to avian flu concerns, the poultry exhibits returned.
The Junior Livestock Auction raised $293,000 with the sale of 122 animals with funds distributed to the junior exhibitors who own and raise the animals.
Another feature was the Antique Machinery Showcase.
Food, games, rides and one injury
Food treats from the traditional corndogs and funnel cakes to the more exotic gator bites were served by 80 vendors, while the beer garden for adults was a popular spot again, Aguilar said.
More:We ate donut burgers, fried tacos and gator at the Delaware State Fair. We have thoughts
At the the carnival, the Wade Shows provided 42 rides along with games with the chance to win one of those giant stuffed animals.
One attraction, Zero Shock, was closed after a malfunction resulted in an injury. Zero Shock is like a stuntman jump from a platform into a large airbag, but the bag deflated when a person jumped and the person broke her ankle, according to a Facebook post from a family member.
Aguilar confirmed that a person was injured on Zero Shock and that the attraction was closed. Zero Shock is not owned by Wade Shows, but the company that owns Zero Shock was under contract with Wade Shows.
The investigation is continuing, Aguilar said.
More:Woman injured at Delaware State Fair after attraction malfunctions
Nearly 20,000 pounds of food collected for Food Bank
The Food Lion Feeds Hunger Relief Day July 24 collected over 19,277 pounds of non-perishable food.
Visitors received free fair admission for donating at least five Food Lion non-perishable items for the Food Bank of Delaware. The Food Bank estimated the donations will provide 23,132 meals for Delawareans.
Aguilar said the program is growing, after about 17,000 pounds were donated last year.
“Sometimes people associate hunger with cold weather, during winter, but the need is year-round, and this program helps at a time when donations to the Food Bank are usually down,” he said.
Next year’s fair dates
The schedule for 105th annual Delaware State Fair is Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 27, said Ron Draper, president of the fair’s board of directors.
“As we reflect back on another successful fair, I’m always thankful for the collective hard work of our volunteers, board members and staff,” Draper said.
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
