The Delaware State Fair has declined to release attendance figure following its 2020, 10-day run in Harrington.
The fair offered many of its traditional attractions minus grandstand entertainment while operating under Covid-19 restrictions.
“This year, the Fair is not reporting attendance numbers. In lieu of attendance reports, the Fair has established a new set of COVID-19 related metrics used in assessing the success of this year’s Fair. It is believed that the Fair met the needs of the community and several of the key metrics.”
Among the accomplishments listed:
- More than 28,600 entries
- 1,314 exhibitors
- Over 11,000 ribbons.
- More than 2,100 animals, with an online auction of animals raising nearly $149,000
- 528 hours of entertainment.
- The fair’s Facebook engagement this year had increased year over year by over 527%. Engagement counts include direct posts, shares, comments, likes, responses and views.
Fair officials noted the challenges that came with restrictions related to Covid-19 and extreme temperatures.
Assistant General Manager and Director of Marketing Danny Aguilar stated, “We developed a new gate admission pricing plan aimed at shifting attendance to earlier times of the day when social distancing could be better maintained. By comparison to last year’s 2019 Centennial Celebration, when numerous attendance driven records were set, this year, we focused on guest and vendor social distancing, wider walkways, increased sanitation/handwashing stations, gate admission promotions, reduced seating capacities for grounds entertainment and a comprehensive COVID-19 education program.”
General Manager Bill DiMondi stated: “This year, we celebrated the community coming together in order to continue this wonderful July tradition known as The Delaware State Fair”. He continued, “and we appreciate the hard work of all the planners and organizers during these difficult times and we hold close to our heart that by preserving the traditions of the fair, we can continue to make The Delaware State Fair, by far, the single largest annual event and gathering of people and animals on the entire peninsula.”
The Fair dates for the 102nd annual Delaware State Fair in 2021 are Thursday, July 22 through Saturday, July 31.
