Delaware State Fair corrals in First State Stampede for May 31
The Delaware State Fair is ready to kick the dust up this spring.
The First State Stampede will take place May 31 at 7 p.m. in the Quillen Arena. And, while the fairgrounds has hosted rodeos before, this will be something different.
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Delaware State Fair corrals in First State Stampede for May 31
By Elle WoodHARRINGTON — The Delaware State Fair is ready to kick the dust up this spring.
The First State Stampede will take place May 31 at 7 p.m. in the Quillen Arena. And, while the fairgrounds has hosted rodeos before, this will be something different.
“We, in the past, have done rodeos during the fair season,” said Carly Callahan, the fair’s marketing and sponsorship manager. “So, we wanted to include a rodeo in the Quillen Arena as a part of just (offseason) grounds entertainment.
“A few years ago, we had decided to try a paid rodeo, but it was during the fair season, and I think that it didn’t get a good turnout because people were confused why they had to pay for it.”
Now, “we are doing it a little bit before the fair (July 18-27) to kind of get people ready and excited, get them on the fairgrounds and just give them something to do with their families,” Ms. Callahan said.
She added that she hopes the rodeo draws those who attend similar events, like the Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove, New Jersey.
“We decided that Cowtown is successful, and other rodeos in the radius of us are successful, so let’s try it out,” Ms. Callahan said.
The state fair staff believes that their Harrington location is the perfect spot for the First State Stampede.
“We are speaking to the area,” she said. “As far as agriculture and what we do in terms of our area, we are really speaking to that audience.”
Since organizers announced the rodeo’s visit earlier this month, they have been pleased with the reaction.
“We kind of already knew it was going to be a really good turnout and great feedback,” said Ms. Callahan. “It’s a fun, family event for everybody, and we have already had a great number of ticket sales and feedback.”
The event is contracted by Painted Pony Championship Rodeo, based in New York. The company travels across the country to host rodeos.
Anyone who has experience in rodeoing can enter the First State Stampede. Applications will open soon, Ms. Callahan said.
The event will also include a variety of vendors and food.
Tickets are available at delawarestatefair.com/firststatestampede.
