The Delaware State Fair, held in Harrington, southern Delaware, from July 18 to 27, spanning a period of ten days, is the longest-standing and largest fair in the state of Delaware. It aims to promote the cultural, agricultural, educational development of Delaware, and community engagement.
The Delaware State Fair has been inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame and is hailed as one of the best fairs in the United States, marking its 105th edition this year. July 25 was designated as Governor’s Day at the fair, featuring horse races with a total prize pool of up to $890,410.
Governor John Carney described the fair as a celebration of the success of Delaware’s agriculture. He stated, “This is really a celebration of agriculture in Delaware. This (horse racing) is a very important part of it. We protect a lot of farmland through the race tracks that are spread throughout the state.”
During the presentation of the Governor’s Cup at the Harrington Raceway, Governor Carney mentioned that this would be his last time presenting the awards as he is nearing the end of his two terms and is currently running for Mayor of Wilmington. Speaking to Dajiyuan, Governor Carney expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We’re having standardbred races at the Harrington Racetrack, which I really enjoy. About 20 years ago, I was involved in creating the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund. It has been hugely successful.”
The 13 horse races featured at the fair are reserved for horses owned and/or bred in Delaware. The majority of the prize money is provided by the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund, which organizes 48 races annually, evenly distributed between the two equestrian race tracks in Delaware.
Lt. Governor Bethany A. Hall-Long, who assisted in presenting the Governor’s Cup, emphasized the significance of agriculture and the equine industry in Delaware. Hall-Long shared, “I was born and raised on a farm. In fact, I probably started coming here since I was one year old as my parents brought me. My brothers and family have participated in races at this track in the past.” “The equine industry is a vital part of Delaware’s agricultural history and future.” “As a community, we come together to truly celebrate. I hope you have the opportunity to visit all the agricultural exhibits, equipment, projects, and performances.”
Hall-Long is running for the position of Governor and stated, “I am deeply involved in agriculture. Before becoming Lieutenant Governor, I served on the agriculture committees in the House and Senate. If elected Governor in the future, agriculture will remain our top industry.”
In Delaware, nearly 40% of the land is dedicated to agricultural production, with approximately 90% of farms being sole proprietorships or family businesses. According to the 2017 census by the US Department of Agriculture, Delaware has 2,302 farms with over 530,000 acres of agricultural land, generating $1.5 billion in farm product sales. The average sales per farm amount to $637,000, ranking second nationally. The value of farm product sales per acre in Delaware leads the nation at $2,791.
The Delaware State Fairgrounds span over 300 acres and attract over 300,000 visitors annually. The fair features outdoor amusement rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, a food court, beer and wine garden, and live concerts.