July 19th, 2014
Destination? Delaware State Fair, Harrington, Delaware, Kent County, Food, Rides, Entertainers, Agricultural Exhibits, “Bigger and Better Than Ever”, The Delaware State Fair Celebrates its 95th Year!!
The origins of the Delaware State Fair go back 95 years when it started as a way to promote and encourage agriculture and to have something fun for the rural communities within Delaware. It is a true American Classic. When it opened its doors on July 27th, 1920, admission was 25 cents for children 6 to 12 and 50 cents for adults. Parking was 25 cents. The Fair had a net profit of $43.90. The phrase “Bigger and Better Than Ever” came because after such a success, plans were in place to make it “Bigger and Better Than Ever” the following year. And….the Fair continues bringing residents and visitors a time of pure family fun.
Administration Building
So many people are involved in making the Delaware State Fair a success, but these 2 gentlemen are the ones responsible for making it “Bigger and Better Than Ever” every year. On the left hand side of the photo is the Best General Manager, Bill diMondi, and on the right is the Best President of the Board, Ron Draper. Big smiles on their faces as the Delaware State Fair opened on Thursday with new additions of vendors, a new free App., a finished Plaza, cool lights, and a Beer and Wine Garden called The Roost! For everything you would want to know about the Fair, please visit http://www.delawarestatefair.com. Find it on Facebook and Twitter and other social media outlets.
I have to admit that I am embarrassed to say that I had never attended the Delaware State Fair. So, I was excited when Susan called me on Thursday to see if I wanted to go to the opening of this popular fair at this time of the year. I seized the moment….gorgeous weather. It was going to be great. Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes, Susan and I took off for Harrington at around 4:30 p.m. to enjoy, eat, stroll, and join the festivities.
I did not know it was that big. Over 70 rides in total. Exhibits of every kind, animals, carnival exhibits, you name it…..the parade!!
Okay, the first thing Susan and I noticed was the Fried Bubble Gum….we were not even 15 minutes inside and we had to stop and check it out. The Fried Bubble Gum is a marsmallow covered in a bubble gum coating that is deep fried and tastes like it. Then, we also had an order of the Fried Cookie Dough, and the fried oreo cookie that I think was called the Alligator Eggs. We should have had them for dessert and not as an appetizer.
The Chicken on a Stick caught my attention and this happy customer was more than eager to pose for the camera.
Music, banging or something was going on at The Plaza….open air, entertaining the visitors was JunkRock. This band is completely made out of recycled material. They were pretty good and will be at the Fair the whole week. They were also teaching the young ones the importance of recycling. More info? Please visit http://www.junkrockband.com.
Throughout the Fair there are plenty of Exhibit Halls.
Cooking Demonstration
These quilts were 70 years old and already had been awarded First and Second prizes.
Pastries and baked good also had been entered in competition…..this cake was so cute and depicted the farming and livestock atmosphere of the Fair.
I could not tell why one would take the first prize vs. the second…..to an untrained eye, they looked the same.
Susan and I continued to stroll the Fair and its halls. Look at these amazing sunflowers!
There are so many livestock events. On the first day of the Fair, not all the animals were there, but everyone was getting ready. Delaware’s young ones take pride in raising quality livestock…hogs, sheep, goats, steer, horses. You can find out when Livestock Exravaganza, Junior Livestock Auction, and Shows will be taking place by visiting, http://www.delawarestatefair.com.
If you have children, please stop by the Children’s Barnyard….these piglets decided that they were no going to look at the camera.
At 7 p.m. every night you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Parade. What’s a fair without it? Tractors, bands, carriages, and floats.
A stop at Big Al’s for a roast beef sandwich….Susan went searching for fries, and then wood fired pizza from Fundaro’s.
Well Done!!
Off to The Roost…..the new Beer & Wine Garden making an appearance at the Delaware State Fair. You may bring your food in and relax while sipping your favorite beer and wine. Various wines and beers are from the local region, as well as domestic favorites. The Roost is located south of the Dover Building on Smith Street and opens at 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. Susan and I made ourselves comfortables enjoying our taste of the Fair and loving those lights on the tables.
Nothing like a good rodeo at the Delaware State Fair….it was such a beautiful evening in Kent County!! This is also the stage for the concerts that will be taking place during the week.
Getting into the Carnival mood is easy….so, off we went to meet Tina who was only 29 inches tall.
And, then we met Donna who was the “Snake Child”….Bill conversed with them like he knew them all his life.
Susan and I continued with Bill to stroll the Delaware State Fair. I think I was fascinated with it because in a time when all you hear is “bad news” broadcasted in all mediums, being at the fair its like becoming a kid again…clean fun. The music coming from The Grand Master Band Organ located on the Plaza was beautiful. This is the largest concert band organ currently traveling in the U.S. It is also the only organ in the world that was built by American and European craftsmen. It was finished in 2007 and can reproduce a range of sounds that have never been played on a Band Organ before. More info? Please visit http://www.grandmasterbandorgan.com. This organ can also be rented for events.
The night was coming to an end for us. People were walking and enjoying the low humidity and cooler temperatures. At night the Delaware State Fair takes a festive aura.
There are about 70 rides. Susan and I decided a ride on the Ferris Wheel would be the perfect ending at the Delaware State Fair. I had not been on one since I was a young girl.
The view from the top was….priceless!!
And, if you encounter problems at the Fair….law enforcement will be ready to help you….hope you go and visit.
Tags: 95th Delaware State Fair, Activities, Annual Fair in Delaware, DE Beaches, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Delaware State Fair, entertainment, Events, Harrington, Kent County, Rides, Southern Delaware, The Beer & Wine Garden at Delaware State Fair, The Delaware State Fair - An American Classic, The Roost at the Fair, What to do at the beaches
Ahhhh! Nice coverage, went yesterday and well worth the trip. Nicest weather I ever remember there.
Looked like a wonderful day! You did it all!
Seeing Lady Antebellum on Saturday night.