How to stay cool & happy at Delaware State Fair 2024
As you prepare for the 105th Delaware State Fair starting this week, you're not alone if it feels like the event always falls on the hottest days of summer.
“It feels like it,” said Carly Callahan, marketing and sponsorship manager for the State Fair.
But the fair is so popular that the heat didn't stop 308,989 fans from attending last year, which was the fourth highest in the event's history. Part of the key to having a good time is staying hydrated and wearing cool clothes.
While sweaty times are a tradition at the State Fair, we have some tips and guides on where to find cool air this year, what items you can bring into the fairgrounds, promotional days that offer discounts, and more, at the beloved fair that runs Thursday, July 18 to Saturday, July 27.
What's the weather forecast for Delaware State Fair 2024?
The 10-day weather report predicts a high of 89 degrees on both Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, with a low of 66 degrees on opening day Thursday, July 18. Thunderstorms are forecast for all three days.
Additionally, thunderstorms are forecast for seven out of the 10 days at the fair. The remaining days, Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21, are expected to be cloudy.
What items can you bring to Delaware State Fair 2024?
Guests can bring water bottles and refill them at the Centre Ice Rink, Callahan said.
If you have dietary restrictions or other reasons for wanting to bring your own food or drinks, "please do," according to the State Fair's website. The site also says you're allowed to bring coolers or ice chests and be aware that both will get searched. But you're not to bring alcohol, metal knives or glass containers.
Visitors are also free to pull children in a small wagon.
What food is available at State Fair 2024?
In the mood for cookies, tacos, cheesesteaks or spicy fried pickles covered in cheese puffs? You can have it all, plus much more, from the 70-plus food vendors at the State Fair. Vendors include Grotto Pizza, Ice Kreme Mill, Phat Boys (soft crab po’ boy and cheesesteaks), plus Aunt Betty & Uncle Bubbas Chocolate Chip Cookies. Visit the fair's website for the full vendor list.
Are there air conditioners at Delaware State Fair 2024?
The State Fair has multiple buildings with air conditioning including the Dover Building, Delmarva Building, Exhibit Hall and Delaware Department of Agriculture Commodities Building, Callahan said.
This year, guests should have a more comfortable experience watching concerts, the Demolition Derby, or harness racing at the M&T Bank Grandstand. State fair organizers have installed ceiling fans that cover the entire Grandstand.
"It'll help to alleviate some of that pain that people are feeling from the hot weather," Callahan said.
Delaware State Fair 2024: Entertainment preview for concerts and carnival
What's new at Delaware State Fair 2024? What to know before you go
What promotional days are at Delaware State Fair 2024?
There are discounts and freebies fairgoers can take advantage of that are spread out across various promotional days at the State Fair:
Friday, July 19: Pepsi Day
Visitors can sample one of Pepsi's new drinks and grab a free mini can before leaving the fair.
Monday, July 22: Food Lion Hunger Relief Day
Guests can receive free admission when they bring five non-perishable Food Lion-brand items.
Monday, July 22: Senior's Day
There's free admission for guests who are aged 60+.
Tuesday, July 23: Kids' Day
Kids under age 12 get in free.
Wednesday, July 24: Armed Forces Day
Any active duty and retired military personnel with a valid military ID get in free
Thursday, July 25: Governors' Day
Revelers will have a chance to enjoy harness racing and meet with the governor.
Thursday, July 25: Seniors' Day
Free admission for people aged 60+.
Friday, July 26: Coastal Bath Day
Stop by one of the Coastal Baths' locations to meet their team.
How much is Delaware State Fair 2024?
Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) is Thursday, July 18, through Saturday, July 27. Gates open daily at 9 a.m., and the fair ends daily at 11 p.m. General admission tickets for adults (ages 13+) are $10 in person or $10.50 (online); youth (ages 6-12) are $5 in person or $5.50 (online); free for kids aged 5 or younger. Concerts on the Grandstand are extra. Visit delawarestatefair.com or call (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 2024: What deals are available?
