Delaware State Fair takes one final spin around the grounds

By Mike Finney
Posted 7/30/22

HARRINGTON — There is something about the final day of the Delaware State Fair that is always bittersweet after all the rides have been ridden, animals have been judged and memories forged.

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Delaware State Fair takes one final spin around the grounds

Posted

HARRINGTON — There is something about the final day of the Delaware State Fair that is always bittersweet after all the rides have been ridden, animals have been judged and memories forged.

This year’s 103rd annual edition of the state fair was scheduled to come to its “Summer Nights & Carnival Lights” conclusion after Hank Williams Jr. and all his rowdy friends rocked the M&T Bank Grandstand and the final firework erupted brilliantly into the night sky Saturday.

“It’s sad to see it come to an end, but it will be back again next year,” said Jose Salazar, of Georgetown. “At least the fair was more normal than last year, and we didn’t have to wear face masks because of COVID, and they were allowed to have crowds back for concerts.”

The final day was jam-packed with action featuring several horseshoe pitching contests, the Delaware Electric Co-Op’s Linemen’s Pole Rodeo, a performance by a Nanticoke Indian Dance Troupe, and the daily attractions such as the Hollywood Racing Pigs, Tumbleweed Crossing and Safari Sam and Oscar the Awesome.

“It’s always a good time for us as a community to come together and work together so it’s a lot of work, but it’s kind of one of the highlights of the year I think for many people,” said Shawn Yoder, who was working at the Greenwood Mennonite School’s food tent.

“My kids love coming and walking through all of the food booths and walking through the barns and it’s always a good time.”

It is also always a hot time.

Visitors to the state fair this year experienced more than their fair share of temperatures at or topping 90 degrees.

“It’s definitely been hot out here,” said chainsaw artist Josh Miller. “I think by far the best thing I did out here was to buy a big fan and put it under my tent all week. That helped out a lot.”

There were also other ways to beat the heat, such as walking through the air-conditioned Exhibit Hall and watching Jim Victor and his wife Marie Pelton put the final touches on their butter sculpture that they have created throughout the fair.

Patrons also perused the Marketplace right across the street and browsed through all the wares of many merchants.

The bright lights of the Wade Shows Midway dimmed Saturday one ride at a time, with the dismantling taking place not long after.

It was on to the next town.

For Delaware, it will all be back as sure as the July heat next year.

“I love everything about the fair,” said Logan Thomas, an 8-year-old from Delmar. “The cotton candy is great, and I love the cows, pigs and horses ... Oh, and the rides are fun, too.

“I just wish it was here every day.”

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