By Mike Finney

HARRINGTON — The 108th rendition of the Delaware State Fair is “Celebrating America’s 250th” through Aug. 1.

It is that time of year — to devour deep-fried delights and enjoy dizzying rides, barnyard animals, concerts and people watching, among many other activities.

Admission to the event is $10 for adults (ages 13 and over), $5 for kids (ages 6-12) and free for children 5 and younger.

Once inside the fairgrounds’ gates, at 18500 Dupont Highway, an alphabet full of fun awaits.

A — Agriculture. The state fair has always revolved around raising livestock and harvesting crops. Many of the 4-H and National FFA Organization competitions promote the stewardship of the industry.

B — Bands. Eightenn bands will perform across eight nights during the Summer Concert Series at the M&T Bank Grandstand. Country music artist Warren Zeiders kicks it off on Saturday, and 1980s pop stars Men at Work conclude the series Aug. 1.

C — “Celebrating America’s 250th” is the theme of the 2026 rendition, as it marks the semiquincentennial of the United States.

D — Dinosaur Takeover. Come face-to-face with prehistoric giants, including a 50-foot brachiosaurus, a T-Rex and more. This attraction is at the Sponsor Court from 2-8 p.m. daily.

E — Exhibit Hall. This is a prime air-conditioned place to stop and cool off on one of those steamy summer days at the state fair. Located just past the midway and the M&T Bank Grandstand. Open noon to 10 p.m. daily.

F — Frisbee Dogs. The Disc-Connected K9’s World Famous Frisbee Dogs perform three times a day (1:30, 4 and 7 p.m.) at the Farm Machinery Lot. These canine athletes perform jaw-dropping tricks, flips and frisbee catches.

G — Goat Island Petting Zoo. This experience in the Sponsor Court lets fairgoers get up close with friendly animals while watching playful goats climb towers, cross bridges and explore their own little island. Open daily from noon-9 p.m.

H — High dive. The All-American High Dive at the Sponsor Court features jaw-dropping springboard and tower diving, clown antics, and a high dive from more than 70 feet in the air. Shows daily at 3, 5 and 7 p.m.

I — Indian Dance Troupe. Nanticoke Indians from Delaware will perform their native dances at the Grove Picnic area on Aug. 1 at 4 p.m.

J — Junior Livestock Auction. One of the annual highlights of the state fair are the livestock contests and auctions. The Jr. Livestock Auction will be at the Kent Building at 6:30 p.m. on July 30.

K — Kids’ Day. Little attendees have a day reserved just for them July 28. Children 12 and under will get free admission, plus enjoy an interactive educational and fun Kids’ Fair in the Hertrich Plaza from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

L — Lincoln City, a rock band based in Central Delaware, has been performing since 2006. This summer they will play a pair of shows at the Hertrich Plaza on July 25 and 26, from 2-4 p.m.

M — Mighty Mike will be entertaining visitors at the Hertrich Plaza with his incredible strength and showmanship, juggling bowling balls and sledge hammers, and bending steel bars before your eyes. Shows daily at 5, 6 and 8:15.

N — Nasty hits. The fan favorite Demolition Derby takes to the track in front of the M&T Grandstand for a fender-smashing good time on July 24 at 7 p.m.

O — Oh, the memories. Take a look back at state fairs of yesteryear with a visit to the Delaware State Fair Museum, located inside the newly remodeled Memorial Hall.

P — Pig Kissin’ Contest. This hilarious event takes place at the Hertrich Plaza at 3 p.m. on July 30 and concludes with the winner of a fun competition/benefit earning the right to kiss a pig.

Q — Quade Gannon. The native of Felton is a country singer/songwriter who will be performing his mixes of modern country covers from 2-4 p.m. at Hertrich Plaza on Aug. 1.

R — Ross Chastain. The NASCAR Cup Series star will be conducting a meet-and-greet with fans at the Sponsor Court on July 27 at 5 p.m.

S — Strolling Boombox. Johnny Rockett will roam the fairgrounds with his dance party on wheels. He brings high-energy music flashing lights and nonstop fun.

T — Tyzen. Prepared to be amazed for this hypnotist bringing laughter, mystery and mind-bending entertainment to the fair. Performing daily at the Hertrich Plaza at 7 and 9 p.m.

U — Unlimited ride wristbands. These passes cost $42 and are good for rides all day for one trip to the fair. On July 29, the wristbands will be discounted to $27 for a day.

V — Victorious horses. Harness racing at the state fair highlights top standardbred horses and serves as a major showcase for the Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund. This year’s races will take place on July 23 at 7 p.m. at the M&T Bank Grandstand.

W — Wet your whistle. Stop by The Roost and try out a new Fair Light, a craft beer brewed by the Dewey Beer Co. For a limited time, available only at The Roost.

X — X-mas is coming. The Delaware State Fairgrounds will be hosting its seventh annual Holiday Shoppes Craft & Vendor Show on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. That thought should cool people down before the heat of the fair.

Y — Yankovic. “Weird Al” Yankovic, with Puddles Pity Party, will be performing some of his classic parodies of pop and rock songs on July 29 at the M&T Bank Grandstand.

Z — Zimmerman. Country music artist Bailey Zimmerman will be taking to the M&T stage on July 26, the second performer in this year’s main state musical lineup.
For information and a full schedule, visit delawarestatefair.com.

Staff writer Mike Finney can be reached at 302-741-8230 or mfinney@iniusa.org.