HARRINGTON — The Delaware State Fair proved to be a hot yet successful event this year.

The weather was a challenge, with intense heat in the front half of the fair giving way to a cooler second half of the week with occasional reports of scattered showers and lower temperatures.

The final day of the fair drew a record attendance with over 58,600 people enjoying that last chance of the year for the summertime tradition.

The 2022 Delaware State Fair enjoyed strong attendance overall with 299,511 patrons visiting the fairgrounds in Harrington, making it the fourth-best attended in fair history.

A cooling feature newly added to most livestock buildings were large industrial-grade high-velocity, low-speed ceiling fans installed to ensure ultimate comfort for animals, exhibitors and livestock visitors. These large fans helped to keep the livestock cool as they competed for the ultimate grand champion honor.

The start of the concert series at the M&T Bank Grandstand entertainment schedule kicked off with a near sellout show by Sam Hunt with Roman Alexander.

Near sellouts for Sam Hunt, Nelly and Hank Williams Jr. highlighted a diverse lineup with Halestorm, Trace Adkins, TobyMac, ZZ Top, a night of Latin music and a sold-out demolition derby enjoyed by almost 42,000 fans throughout the 10 days of the fair.

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., joined Delaware State Fair President Ron Draper and Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the New Castle Agricultural Building at the Delaware State Fair.

The new multi-purpose building is home for many goats during fair time and will also support agricultural programming for families residing in underserved rural areas in Delaware, offered by Delaware 4-H and the FFA Association. A combination of federal and state funding allowed the fair to construct the building.

Another ag-related program, the Antique Machinery Showcase on Saturday, July 23, featured agricultural craft demonstrations and live bluegrass music from the group Flatland Drive. Additional ag events included an antique tractor display, horse pull competition, antique tractor pull and livestock shows.

Livestock, 4-H, FFA and other forms of competitive exhibits dominated the fairgrounds once again. The fair received and processed almost 33,000 entries this year originating from 2,642 exhibitors.

“It was great to return to our full livestock schedule, allowing for a full run of animals to join us at the fair. We certainly missed the poultry exhibits and hope for a full return in 2023,” said General Manager Bill DiMondi.

The Junior Livestock Auction grossed record proceeds of $285,000 with the sale of 121 market animals. The funds raised are distributed to junior exhibitors who owned the top-placing junior market animals.

The dates for the 104th annual Delaware State Fair in 2023 are Thursday, July 20, through Saturday, July 29.