Attendance at the 103rd Delaware State Fair July 21-30 dipped from last year’s all-time high, but was still the fourth highest in history – and two records were set.
Saturday, July 30 was the highest single-day attendance ever, with 58,649 visitors compared to the previous record of 54,872 Saturday, July 31, 2021.
Overall attendance was 299,511 compared to 352,002 in 2021.
“Last year’s numbers will probably never be repeated, at least not for a while,” said Danny Aguilar, the fair’s director of marketing and assistant general manager. “Coming out of COVID, with a relaxation of restrictions, people were ready to get out and have fun again. All of our numbers across the board were record breakers in 2021. It was not a typical year.”
Along with the expected rebound after pandemic restrictions in 2020, Aguilar said another key factor was Mother Nature.
“Last year’s weather was incredible, just perfect – the best I can remember since I started working here in 2007,” he said.
Agricultural feats
Along with single-day attendance, the other record set this year was the $285,000 in proceeds from the Junior Livestock Auction.
The funds are distributed to exhibitors who owned the top-placing junior market animals, the culmination of an important agribusiness education program for students, said state fair general manager William DiMondi.
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He said the return of nearly a full livestock schedule was “great,” but “we certainly missed the poultry exhibits [because of avian flu precautions] and hope for a full return in 2023.”The fair received almost 33,000 livestock entries from 2,642 exhibitors.
New at the grounds was the New Castle Agricultural Building, built with state and federal funds, home for many goats during the fair. The rest of the year, the building will be used for agricultural programs offered by the 4-H and the FFA, including events for families living in underserved rural areas.
The fair’s farm-themed events included the antique tractor display, horse pull competition, antique tractor pull, livestock shows and the antique machinery showcase with agricultural craft demonstrations and live bluegrass music.
Beating the heat
“We noticed that fairgoers were coming out later in the evening to avoid the highest temperatures,” said Aguilar. “Then when the weather broke and it wasn’t as hot, we certainly noticed more people coming out during the day as well.”
Keeping patrons comfortable is a high priority, he said. Seven air-conditioned buildings are open with displays and exhibits to give visitors a place to cool off.
“We also installed oversized ceiling fans in most of the livestock barns and that made a significant difference,” he said.
Entertainment numbers
The grandstand entertainment and concerts included one sellout – the demolition derby – and three near sellouts – Sam Hunt, Nelly and Hank Williams Jr.Aguilar said this year’s lineup was one of the most diverse ever, with acts appealing to a variety of interests.
The events attracted nearly 42,000 fans including nine ticketed shows and the free harness racing program.
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On the carnival side, the Wade Shows provided 42 rides for all ages while using a ticketing system with contactless technology. Free entertainment at the Hertrich Plaza featured an upgraded stage, sound and lights to showcase singer Adam Calvert and hypnotist Catherine Hickland. Other free shows included racing pigs, a BMX bike stunt show, a circus, a camel show and the slapstick western show “Tumbleweed Crossing.”
“In all, over the 10 days of the fair, patrons were treated to over 1,100 hours of programmed entertainment which was provided at no additional cost beyond gate admission, not to mention all of the competition – competitive exhibits and livestock – and judging,” said Aguilar.
Looking ahead to 2023
State fair board of directors president Ron Draper thanked all the volunteers, staff and board members.“We are already hard at work getting ready for next year’s fair,” Draper said.
The dates for the 104th Delaware State Fair are Thursday, July 20 to Saturday, July 29, 2023.
Aguilar said announcements about the grandstand entertainers will probably be made at the end of this year or early 2023.
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
