Event is steeped in rural tradition
State Fair celebrates simple pleasures of country living
July 22, 2010
The Delaware State Fair begins its annual 10-day run this afternoon -- this year is the event's 90th. The fair is steeped in tradition and draws hundreds of thousands from around the region to see its exhibits, concerts, rides and games.While nationally famous names like country superstar Brad Paisley and television foodie Paula Deen will make appearances, the tradition of the fair is firmly rooted in rural life, agriculture and fellowship.For many families, visits to "the Harrington fair" are annual events and the people they encounter there are familiar and friendly.
And all levels of agriculture -- from FFA and 4-H exhibits to livestock judging -- are displayed and celebrated.
The fair's seeds are actually a combination of two different events held in the early 1900s -- the Kent and Sussex Fair Association's event in Harrington and the Delaware State Fair, held near Wilmington. The Wilmington fair quickly faded as the Harrington fair's popularity increased. Years later, the Kent and Sussex Fair purchased the "Delaware State Fair" name.
Since the beginning, agriculture has been a staple of the Delaware State Fair. That focus has never been more important than today, when many adults and children with more urban and suburban backgrounds don't fully understand the significant role farming has in the region's financial stability.One of the priceless components of the State Fair is that agriculture is on display to see, hear and taste. New tractors stand just yards away from shiny antiques. Livestock exhibits are right around the corner from award-winning vegetable entries. Chicken dinners at the Delaware State Grange food booth are down the street from the freshly prepared scrapple sandwiches.The Delaware State Fair displays its unique traditions during the end of every July. Countless volunteers and participants who love the fair make it the success it is. Attendees from all walks of life enjoy the experience. Its diverse schedules and exhibits offer something for everyone.Over the years, the fairgrounds complex has added improvements and amenities, but the spirit of the fair remains rural and agrarian.Its traditions are comforting in a changing world; its emphasis on agricultural heritage is just as important now as it was almost a century ago.
Since the beginning, agriculture has been a staple of the Delaware State Fair. That focus has never been more important than today, when many adults and children with more urban and suburban backgrounds don't fully understand the significant role farming has in the region's financial stability.One of the priceless components of the State Fair is that agriculture is on display to see, hear and taste. New tractors stand just yards away from shiny antiques. Livestock exhibits are right around the corner from award-winning vegetable entries. Chicken dinners at the Delaware State Grange food booth are down the street from the freshly prepared scrapple sandwiches.The Delaware State Fair displays its unique traditions during the end of every July. Countless volunteers and participants who love the fair make it the success it is. Attendees from all walks of life enjoy the experience. Its diverse schedules and exhibits offer something for everyone.Over the years, the fairgrounds complex has added improvements and amenities, but the spirit of the fair remains rural and agrarian.Its traditions are comforting in a changing world; its emphasis on agricultural heritage is just as important now as it was almost a century ago.
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