86th ANNUAL DELAWARE STATE FAIR BREAKS SEVERAL RECORDS DESPITE BAD WEATHER

HARRINGTON, DE - August 3, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Delaware State Fair came to a close on July 30 with several record-breaking statistics despite two days of oppressive heat, a severe electrical thunderstorm and rain. According to the Fair’s public relations and marketing director, Tricia Southard, “The intense heat, with indexes near 110° had a negative impact on our attendance. Fortunately, a cold front moved in bringing with it more moderate temperatures although that left us contending with several days of rain that didn’t help overall attendance.” Southard indicated attendance bounced back during the last two days of the Fair.

According to the Fair’s general manager, Dennis Hazzard, the attendance for the 2005 event was on an upward trend during the first few days of the Fair. “Without the weather extremes, we felt comfortable that early on we were headed for attendance numbers on a par with last year’s record-breaking year. We closed the gates on this year’s Fair with an overall attendance of 272,362—a 14.7% decrease from 2004.”

This year’s grandstand shows generated nearly $1.5 million in sales—a record-breaker according to Hazzard. “There were five sellout shows including: Larry the Cable Guy, Toby Keith, Lynyrd Skynyrd/Charlie Daniels Band, a demolition derby and Rascal Flatts. The Rascal Flatts concert was the most elaborately staged show we have ever presented in our history. It was outstanding,” Hazzard commented.

Another record was set in sales of advance gate admission tickets. According to fair officials, advance sales in 2005 were 13.8% greater than the previous record-breaking year in 2004.

Wade Shows, the Fair’s carnival, established a new record gross due in part to advance sales of ride promotion day wristbands which were made available for the first time through the Fair’s website. Hazzard commented, “The 6.3% increase is extraordinary in view of the bad weather. It was incredible to see our patrons enjoying Wade Shows' rides while it was raining.” Wade Shows completed their seventh 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 $128,000, compared to $94,000 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, although goat entries were substantially higher. Hazzard noted, “Goats are fast becoming a favorite animal for 4-H projects because they do not require much land and are relatively easy to raise. We had to scramble this year to accommodate the major increase in goat entries, and we’ll have to take a hard look at how we will handle this influx of goats in the future.”

General Motors-Chevrolet rolled out, for a regional debut at the Fair, their new HHR. The Delaware State Fair was chosen for the mid-atlantic debut due to its young and growing demographic figures. The lucky winner of a brand new Chevrolet HHR was Joseph Skowrowski of Dover, whose name was drawn on the last day of the Fair.

Delmarva’s WBOC-TV16 awarded HDTV sets to Judith O’Connor, Camden; Carol Hill, Dover; Timothy Freed, Greenwood; Pam Summy, Lewes; Faye Trader, Houston; and Connie Sipple, Milford. A record-breaking number of entries were received during the station’s promotion.

“In spite of the weather, the 2005 Delaware State Fair was outstanding in every way,” said Hazzard. “Due to excellent pre-fair planning by a remarkably dedicated staff, aided by members of our volunteer board of directors, the event ran as smoothly as any I have witnessed.” He added, “The additional assistance during the ten days of the Fair from seasonal paid personnel and a vast number of volunteers combined to give our patrons a true 'Taste of America'.”###