Delaware State Fair 2023 starts Thursday. Here's your guide

It's about time to dust off the prized Delaware State Fair, the Small Wonder's premier summer event that returns Thursday, July 20, through Saturday, July 29.

Rapper Nelly is back to headline for a second straight year, along with a strong lineup of big acts on the main stage. There are also lots of animals, delicious food, rides and other fun to be had.  

Last year the state fair saw its fourth-highest attendance in history with 299,511 guests.

Here’s a brief guide for what you need to know before attending the 104th annual state fair. 

Metal detectors, banned items at Delaware State Fair

Before entering the fairgrounds, guests must walk through a metal detector. An initial screening won't require "separation from outerwear garments, wallets, purses, backpacks, bags, strollers nor the removal of the contents of any pockets," according to the state fair's website.

Certain items are prohibited like bicycles, foot-powered or electric scooters, and laser pointers. Click here for a full list of items that guests can't bring into the fair.

How do I stay cool at Delaware State Fair? 

The 10-day weather report predicts a low of 86 degrees on Saturday, July 22, and a high of 94 degrees on Friday, July 28.

Heather Warren, deputy section chief for the Division of Public Health, said ahead of last year's fair that folks can prepare for the heat by staying hydrated, finding shade and wearing appropriate clothing.

Danny Aguilar, assistant general manager and director of marketing for the state fair, said his team strives to keep visitors and fair animals cool. 

The fair has multiple buildings with air conditioning, plus fans that are “almost the size of airplane propellers,” which include the Dover Building, Delmarva Building, Exhibit Hall and Delaware Department of Agriculture Commodities Building, he said.

There is also a beer garden, The ROOST, for those 21 and older who want to wet their whistle and play some games or just hang out. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. daily, and the menu includes Deep Eddy Orange Crush, beer, hard seltzer and more.

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How safe are Delaware State Fair rides?

There’s something for everyone when it comes to the state fair’s carnival amusements — from kiddie rides and bumper cars to gut-punching roller coasters.

To ensure the safety of guests, Delaware’s Office of the State Fire Marshal oversees all amusement rides in the state.

Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal, said in 2022 that it’s hard to quantify how long each ride is examined because simple kiddie rides require only a few minutes for inspection, but a Ferris wheel can take much longer. 

In general, it takes two eight-hour days to inspect the entire carnival section.

Amusement ride vendors must file, annually, an Amusement Ride Safety Inspection Certificate for any ride they plan to set up and use in Delaware.

Vendors must submit a valid Certificate of Insurance for the company and that specific ride by including the ride on the insurance schedule. 

Amusements rides are required to be inspected within one year of use by a third-party ride inspector contracted by the amusement ride vendor and the vendor’s insurance company. 

The third-party ride inspector signs off on the ride and provides a signed safety inspection form once the ride is approved for use, Chionchio said.

In his three decades of working in Delaware, the state fair’s rides have historically been safe, Chionchio said.

What are Unlimited Ride Wristbands?

Carnival ride lovers can go extra wild with the Unlimited Ride Wristband. This allows guests to enjoy an unlimited number of rides during any (one) day at the State Fair.

The Advanced price is $25 (expires at midnight on July 19); Regular price is $40.

Carnival hours on July 20 run from 5-11 p.m. (closing time subject to change); And on July 21-29 from 1-11 p.m. (closing time subject to change).

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How is state fair food inspected?

The state fair has introduced a bunch of creative and delicious food over the years such deep-fried Oreos and peach cobbler and chicken on a stick. This year's menu includes even more unique items such as Pudding in a Cone, BBQ Parfait and a foot-long corndog.  

To provide a safe environment for guests, food vendors must apply for a space and get a temporary food establishment permit from the state Department of Health and Social Service's Division of Public Health. 

Inspection for each food vendor’s station is about 30 to 45 minutes, Warren said. 

Part of the inspection includes making sure vendors have proper food-grade equipment that ensures their menu items are fit to be sold.

“[We’re] making sure they have hand-washing facilities, soap, paper towels, and making sure that what’s on the menu is what they said that they were going to sell,” Warren said.

It’s rare that a food vendor at the state fair doesn’t pass inspection. If it does happen, the vendor usually makes the necessary adjustment and is open for business within 24 hours of the initial inspection, she added.

What is the schedule for competitions and exhibitions?

If you come to the fair each year for the livestock and other agricultural elements, you'll find plenty to enjoy. From sheep and goats to horses and cattle, there are loads of exhibits, auctions and competitions to be had. Guests can also learn about cooking, bees and honey, gardening, 4-H and much more.

When is the Delaware State Fair open?

Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) is open from Thursday, July 20, through Saturday, July 29. Gates open at noon on July 20. Gates open at 9 a.m. on July 21-29. The fair typically closes around 11 p.m. each night. Most buildings open after 11 a.m. Tickets: adults (13+), $10 ($10.50 online); youth (6-12 years of age), $5 ($5.50 online); child (5 and under), free admission. Visit delawarestatefair.com or (302) 398-3269.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at [email protected]. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware State Fair 2023 guide to staying cool and having fun