The final numbers are in from the 94th annual Delaware State Fair and the event saw a slump in attendance. Over 228,000 guests walked through the gates at the 2013 State Fair - a 10 percent drop in overall sales from a year ago.
Organizers say the excessive heat during the first half of the fair’s 10-day run was the main culprit. They also blamed a weaker than usual concert line-up that failed to meet ticket sales expectations. Only country artists Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line delivered sell-outs.
The Delaware State Fair’s Director of Marketing Danny Aguilar says it was simply a difficult year for booking big acts.
“Routing definitely comes into play as far as the availability of an artist on a given day," said Aguilar. "Our goal even now working in 2014 is try to book as early as we can Try to lock down our artists as quickly as possible because it is becoming very competitive from an entertainment perspective.”
Despite admission ticket setbacks, Aguilar says the fair had several high points. A new electronic ride ticketing system made its debut with high acclaim this year. Riders received cards or wristbands that were scanned at each ride, allowing ride data to be viewed in real time for financial and operational oversight. The popularity of the air conditioned "Marketplace Tent” from last year carried over to this year as the tent's size increase 50% and added 18 new venders. There is already a "Marketplace Tent” vender waiting list developing for next year's fair.
But perhaps the fair's biggest success was its historic staple; agriculture. While fairs around the country are seeing their agriculture and livestock sections shrink, they remain strong at The Delaware State Fair. Livestock entrants increased in many categories and a record breaking total of $183,000 was raised at the Junior Livestock Auction.
“We’re a very strong farming community, especially in Kent and Sussex counties and portions of southern New Castle county," said Aguilar. "It’s been a foundation and a true support system that folks recognize and they have an opportunity to showcase and highlight their year end projects right here at the Delaware State Fair.”
The Fair will return for its 95th year July 17-26, 2014.