88th ANNUAL DELAWARE STATE FAIR SETS RECORDS

HARRINGTON, DE – July 31, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Delaware State Fair staff and volunteers concluded another year with deep sighs and smiles after Mother Nature cooperated with amazing weather for the full ten days.  According to the Fair’s Marketing & Publicity Director, Danny Aguilar, “We had the most amazing run of weather I could ever hope for during the ten days of Fair.  We were waiting for the usual110° heat wave with high humidity and, of course, the traditional run of rain, but it never came.”  

According to the Fair’s general manager, Dennis Hazzard, the attendance for the 2007 event was impacted by several variables.  The comfortable weather, exciting carnival rides, great food, and an all-star concert lineup made for a record setting year.  The Fair closed the gates on the 2007 Fair with an overall attendance of 300,463—representing an increase from 2006 of nearly 3%.

This year’s grandstand shows sold over 60,000 tickets with six of the ten grandstand shows selling out—a record-breaker according to Hazzard. “There were six sellout shows including: Carrie Underwood, Monster Truck Show, Daughtry, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, and the final demolition derby.  Sugarland and the opening demolition derby were just a few hundred tickets away from selling out.  Our staff made a commitment to our customers to do everything within our power to make each show something special.  After a difficult start with ticket sales we were focused on the smallest detail to ensure each customer had the best concert experience.  Judging by the positive feedback, emails and various blogs on various websites, we feel we did just that,” Hazzard commented.

Wade Shows, the Fair’s carnival, established a new record gross due in part to the addition of a weekend unlimited ride wristband promotion. Hazzard commented, “The 34.4% increase is extraordinary compared to 2006.  In past years we received such a positive response on our Hardees’ Days promotions we felt we should extend the wristbands to other days.  We looked at ways we could save our customers money and came up with a modified unlimited ride wristband promotion.”  Wade Shows completed their ninth year as the Fair’s carnival.

The Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction offered up Grand Champion, Reserve Champion and market livestock for record-breaking bidding. This year’s auction raised $144,000, compared to $138,000 during last year’s sale. Monies raised during the event are offered to junior exhibitors to offset the cost of having purchased and raised the animal and to assist college savings funds; moreover, additional funds are donated to the 4-H and FFA organizations.

According to Hazzard, overall livestock entries were on a par with last year numbers with over 4,300 registered animals.  The goat department continues to show the most growth, with an increase of 136 compared to 2006.   Hazzard noted, “Goats continue to show that they are a favorite animal for 4-H projects, because they do not require much land and are relatively easy to raise. We are pleased to see a continued commitment to both livestock and agriculture from our youth.”

The Fair enjoyed another record as they saw an over 24% increase in sponsorship revenue from 2006 to 2007.  “We worked hard with both local and National companies to help brand their product or service with the Delaware State Fair. Companies like Hershey, Pepsi, Kellogs, Hardees, Kodak, Geico and WB are looking for creative ways to reach families.  The Delaware State Fair provides that exact demographic and much more.  Local companies like Delaware Lottery, Bay Health, Grotto Pizza, and Wilmington Trust were given an opportunity to reach their valued Delaware customers.  

“We were fortunate to have an amazing run of weather for this year’s Fair.  Due to the tremendous amount of pre-fair planning by a remarkably dedicated staff, aided by members of our volunteer board of directors, the event was deemed a Fair to remember,” said Hazzard.

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