Fair Frequently Asked Questions
PLAN YOUR DAY AT THE FAIR
Please help us keep the Fair safe and fun for all!
The Delaware State Fair is and has always been a private entity. The Delaware State Fairgrounds is private property under the jurisdiction of the Delaware State Police.
Before being permitted to enter the fairgrounds, all patrons, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers and employees will be screened for any weapons or prohibited items by the Fair’s use of walk-through metal detectors that will be in use at all public entry gates (Main Gate, Gate 2, Gate 3 and Gate 7). The Fair will be utilizing the most technologically advanced weapons detection system known as “OpenGate by CEIA.” As such, initial screening will not require separation from outerwear garments, wallets, purses, backpacks, bags, strollers nor the removal of the contents of any pockets.
Should a walk-through metal detector or any security official identify the need for further screening, the Fair reserves the right to conduct additional screening of the fairgoer and their bags as a condition of gaining entry or maintaining admitted status on the fairgrounds.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
1. WEAPONS
Weapons of any kind or objects that appear to be weapons are prohibited and may not be brought onto the fairgrounds. Regardless of whether you are licensed to carry or not, all concealed or open carry forms of firearms whether registered or unregistered, machine guns, rifles including semi-automatics, shotguns, antique firearms, black powder rifles, black powder shotguns, or any muzzle-loading firearms, and/or other weapons including but not limited to any variety of knife (see exception below), switchblade, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun, cane sword, club, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, chukka sick, sandclub, sap, wrist-brace type slingshot or slingshot, shuriken or “Kung Fu star”, razor, imitation pistol, or any other dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon (or an imitation thereof that could be reasonably mistaken for a deadly instrument or weapon) are prohibited within the gates of the fairgrounds.
EXCEPTIONS:
A. SMALL POCKETKNIVES: Non-locking folding pocketknife or jackknife with a blade no longer than two and one-half inches. Anyone seeking to enter the fairgrounds with a pocketknife or jackknife that meets the dimensions described above, must display the knife in a folded condition to the security officer staffing the screening devices before proceeding through the first weapons detector; and
B. OFF-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS: Off-duty law enforcement officers currently employed by any of the following law enforcement agencies: (1) the Delaware State Police; or (2) New Castle County Police Department; or (3) any Delaware municipal police force; or (4) DNREC officers (Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resource, Parks & Recreation & Environmental Protection); or (5) Probation & Parole (sworn officers); and (6) agents of the State Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement; or (7) Delaware State Fire Marshals; or (8) Federal FBI, US Marshal or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agents will be allowed to carry a concealed firearm provided that they show their badge and law enforcement ID to the security officer staffing the screening devices before proceeding through the first weapons detector.
This exception does not include: (a) current or former members of the military; or (2) former law enforcement officials; or (3) law enforcement officials from any jurisdiction outside the State of Delaware.
2. OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS
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Illegal drugs, substances and related paraphernalia; and
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Alcohol of any kind except for alcohol lawfully possessed and consumed in the campground areas and alcohol purchased and consumed within the concert venue and the Roost; and
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Pets (except service animals permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act – ADA); and
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Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, bicycles, inline skates, foot-powered or electric scooters; and
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Bull horns, air horns, megaphones or similar noise makers or voice amplification devices; and
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Drones, UAVs, UASs or any type of remote-controlled craft, car or truck; and
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Fireworks, sparklers or explosives; and
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Laser pointers; and
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Offensive messages on clothing; and
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Flags, signs, apparel or any objects bearing the image of the confederate flag; and
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Gang-related clothes, colors, signs and jewelry; and
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Any form of apparel including face masks meant to conceal the wearer’s identity.
Those entering the fairgrounds will have the opportunity to discard any prohibited items at the security screening area or return the item(s) to their vehicle before entry. Prohibited items turned over to security at the time of entry will be considered confiscated and will not be returned.
Rev. 6.9.23
Wagon Small children may be pulled in a wagon.
Personal Food and Beverages Tasting “Fair food” is a big reason why people visit the Delaware State Fair, but if you have any dietary restrictions or other reasons for wanting to bring your own food or beverages, please do. Please note: Alcohol, glass containers, and metal knives and forks are prohibited.
Coolers or Ice Chests Your cooler will be searched as you enter the grounds; please do not bring metal knives, glass containers, or alcoholic beverages.
Gate Admission Fees:
Adults (13+): $10.00 online ($10.50)
Youth (6 -12 years of age): $5.00 online ($5.50)
Child (5 and under) receive FREE gate admission
5 Day Adult Gate Admission Pass – Beat the lines and save when you order a 5-Day Adult Gate Admission Pass! Ages 13 & Up $35 + .50 online convenience fee
A savings of almost $15.00 over the cost of 5 separate Adult One Day Online Gate Admissions. One adult will be admitted on any 5 separate days using the ADULT 5 DAY PASS GATE ADMISSION. Cannot be used to admit more than 1 adult on the same day.
The Wade Shows. Lined with landscaped rest areas, hand washing stations, and many little extras that make our guests smile, Wade Shows is North America’s premier carnival company bringing thrilling rides, games, and attractions of unparalleled quality, presented in an amusement park-like setting!
Carnival opens: 7/18 open at 5:00 pm 7/19- 7/27 daily at 1:00 pm
Closing Time:
The closing time is determined on a daily basis and based on weather and other factors, usually after 10 pm.
2024 Carnival Wristbands are being sold now! Click here
Promotional days present a great opportunity for individuals to save money. To see a complete list of Promotional Days available for the 2024 Delaware State Fair, go to the The Fair/Plan Your Visit/Tickets & Promo Days on our website.
Please contact the Box Office at (302) 398-5020. Groups of 20 or more may purchase group tickets and save $2 off each adult ticket.
The Delaware State Fair is a casual, family-friendly environment. We suggest you dress comfortably, wear walking shoes and check the local weather report before you leave for the Fair.
Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must always be worn.
The Delaware State Fair reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or could detract from the experience of other guests.
Ensuring the State Fair is family-friendly is an important part of the Fair experience. In that spirit, we ask you to use your discretion and common sense.
Attire that is not appropriate for the Fair — and which may result in refusal of admittance — includes but is not limited to:
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Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
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Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
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Clothing with multiple layers are subject to search upon entry
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Costumes or masks (unless they are for medical purposes) may not be worn by guests 12 years of age or older
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Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon
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Masks may not cover the head and face entirely. Eyes must be visible
Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry and/or removed from the Delaware State Fair, unless attire can be modified to meet the above standards.
2025 Food Vendors will be updated on the Info/Concessions tab of our website.
GENERAL FAIR INFORMATION
Thursday, July 17th through Saturday, July 26th
Planning ahead based on your child’s individual needs will help make it an awesome day at the fair!
- Get the map of the state fair ahead of time so you can be familiar with the locations that you may want or need to access at the fair. If needed, identify areas that may work for a sensory-friendly break area for your child.
- Planning to visit the rides, prior to purchasing your ride tickets or wristband, please visit the Wade Show’s Customer Service trailer, found at the base of the Giant Ferris Wheel, to request accommodations and information. Staff can help you identify areas, based on your child’s individual needs, that may meet your child’s needs for a sensory break. If possible please visit https://www.wadeshows.com/contact.asp and complete the contact form 36 hours prior to your visit in order to schedule an appointment so staff may review your information in advance. Appointments are best as staff are sometimes pulled in other areas and may not be immediately available.
- Bring water or another refreshing drink and keep yourself and your child hydrated. It can be hot and dusty at the fair. You can bring in your own beverages, just no glass containers.
- Plan ahead- think about your child’s individual needs and interests, and determine the best time to go to the fair (time of day- to accommodate naps, avoid the hottest part of the day or the fireworks; or which day of the week).
- Plan ahead – think about your child’s individual needs and plan your fair day to incorporate his or her favorite activities when it will work best for him or her. (Should you visit your child’s favorite ride first, or in the middle, or last? Would your child do best with a snack after rides or before? etc).
- Bring anything you need to support your child’s functional communication system (PECS, break cards, assistive technology, etc). If needed, consider asking school or therapists for specific PECS ahead of time to support fair activities (ferris wheel, funnel cake, etc)
- Bring effective visual supports, positive reinforcement tangible items, or other supports that your child needs (countdown timer, visual timer, schedule board, tokens to earn rewards, first/then board, iPad in a protective case, noise-canceling headphones, etc)
- Think about what supports work for your child in other new or similar situations and apply those same supports to your visit to the fair. Especially if visiting the fair for the first time, consider bringing a favorite toy or item to the fair for comfort.
- Take your time, slow down to your child’s speed, and enjoy your day at the fair!
If you would like to talk to another parent of an individual who has enjoyed a fun day at the fair, call Autism Delaware’s family support staff! They have staff with real-life experience and can offer peer-to-peer support!
Delaware State Fair
P.O. Box 28
Harrington, DE 19952
(302) 398-3269
Mailing Address for packages:
18500 S. DuPont Hwy
Harrington, DE 19952
ADDRESS: 18500 S. DuPont Highway Harrington, DE 19952
DIRECTIONS:
From Wilmington / Philadelphia Take I-95 South toward Baltimore. Merge onto DE-1 South via exit number 4A toward Christiana / Mall Road (Portions toll). Exit 97 to 13 SALISBURY / NORFOLK. Bear left onto US Route 13 South; follow South toward Harrington. After passing over DE-14, look for the fairgrounds on your right.
From Baltimore / Washington D.C. Take US-50 East / US-301 North (Portions toll). At the US-50 / US-301 split, bear right taking the US-50 East exit toward OCEAN CITY. Turn left onto MD-404 East toward DENTON / REHOBOTH, continuing on to follow MD-404 East. Take the MD-313 ramp toward DENTON / GREENSBORO. Turn left onto MD-313 North. Turn right onto MD-317 East. As you cross into Delaware, MD-317 becomes DE-14. Continue to follow DE-14 East toward Harrington, and follow signs to the fairgrounds.
From Salisbury, MD From US-50, take US-13 North. Follow US-13 North through Laurel and Seaford. Fairgrounds are located 4 miles north of Farmington on your left. Turn left onto Tower Road and immediately right into the fairgrounds.
From DE Beaches Follow DE-1 North toward Milford. Turn left onto NE FRONT ST / NEW WHARF RD / DE-14 West. Continue to follow DE-14 West. At the intersection of DE-14 and US-13, turn left onto S. DUPONT HWY / US-13 South. The fairgrounds will be located on your right
1. Parking – Handicap Parking can be found behind the Administration building in the fenced-in blacktop lot. Please use the main fair entrance off of South DuPont Hwy (GPS address: 18500 S. Dupont Hwy) to access the Handicap Parking Area. Guests needing to park in the handicap parking lot must present proper Parking Credentials to parking staff prior to parking in lot. Guests parking in the main general parking areas have the option to ride a handicap accessible shuttle but must board at a designated shuttle top located in the Orange/Purple Parking Lot. Proper display of handicapped parking permits with tags must be displayed in order to access the handicap parking lot. In the event the handicapped parking lot is full or at capacity, there is an identified drop off area within the handicap parking lot and next to the main gate. After dropping off the handicap patrons, the driver will be directed to the general parking area where a handicapped accessible shuttle will be available to transport them to the front gate
2. An ADA wheel chair accessible shuttle is available onsite and servises the east side of the fairgrounds stopping at all shuttle stops identified on the fairgeounds map located in the Daily Schedule.
3. Family ADA Restroom are located next to the Grove Restrooms located on the Northern part of the fairgrounds next to the Department of Agriculture and DNREC Buildings. Private rooms feature air conditioning, additional needed space, sinks, baby changing tables, and showers. Accessible stalls have been identified in all restrooms throughout the fairgrounds.
4. Service Animals – ADA identified and compliant service animals are always welcome to the Delaware State Fairgrounds.
5. Rentals – Wheelchair & power mobility devices are available to rent near the main gate. Yes – stroller & wheelchair rental equipment may be found inside the Main Gate entrance beginning at 11:00AM. For patrons in need of a stroller or wheelchair, they are located near the main gate for a moderate charge by Mobility Concepts.
2023 Pricing
Electric Scooter/Wheelchair/Stroller Rental information
Available through Mobility Concepts located just inside the Main Gate
Electric Scooter – $60.00/day Wheelchair – $20.00/day Child Transport – $20.00/day (single, double or wagon)
Major Credit Cards Accepted Reservations can be made at this link https://mobilityconceptsllc.com/delaware-state-fair
For any additional info, please visit www.MobilityConceptsLLC.com
6. M&T Bank Grandstand Shows Accessible Seating – Handicapped patrons wanting to utilize wheelchairs may enter by way of track or M&T Bank Grandstand entrances. ADA Seating (including companion requests) can be requested from the box office at (302) 398-5020.
7. Accessible Seating has been identified at all buildings that showcase entertainment or livestock shows. Please look for the identified signage or blue markings in seating areas.
FREE! We do offer VIP PARKING for guests looking to park near the main gate. Visit the link for more details and pricing.
Yes. Our Cell Phone Lot is conveniently located in the yellow lot located off Fairgrounds Road, right behind Mountaire Farms. This gives you easy access to route 13.
Please note the following:
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Maximum wait is 30 minutes
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Lot is closed from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
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Vehicles must be attended
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Commercial vehicles are not permitted
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Space is available on a first come, first serve basis
Handicap Parking can be found behind the Administration building in the fenced-in blacktop lot. Please use the main fair entrance off of South DuPont Hwy (GPS address: 18500 S. Dupont Hwy) to access the Handicap Parking Area. Guests needing to park in the handicap parking lot must present proper Parking Credentials to parking staff prior to parking in lot. Guests parking in the main general parking areas have the option to ride a handicap accessible shuttle but must board at a designated shuttle stop located in the Orange/Purple Parking Lot. Proper display of handicapped parking permits with tags must be displayed in order to access the handicap parking lot. In the event the handicapped parking lot is full or at capacity, the handicapped patrons will be directed to the general parking area where they may drop off their patrons and then park in the general parking area.
Yes – stroller & wheelchair rental equipment may be found inside the Main Gate entrance beginning at 11:00AM. For patrons in need of a stroller or wheelchair, they are located near the main gate for a moderate charge by Mobility Concepts.
2024 Pricing
Electric Scooter/Wheelchair/Stroller Rental information
Available through Mobility Concepts located just inside the Main Gate
Electric Scooter – $60.00/day Wheelchair – $20.00/day Child Transport – $20.00/day (single, double or wagon)
Major Credit Cards Accepted Reservations can be made at this link https://mobilityconceptsllc.com/delaware-state-fair
For any additional info, please visit www.MobilityConceptsLLC.com
The First Aid Station is available for the treatment of minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Please dial 911 for an emergency.
Nursing Mother’s Area provides nursing mothers with a quiet, air-conditioned area to breastfeed their baby or manually pump breast milk, please visit the area next to the Grove Picnic Area.
Lost Children Station: This is a designated area for children to be reunited with the family and may be found near the Main Gate (Gate 1) and is under the direction of the police officials.
Changing tables can be found in most restrooms and the Convenience Station at the main gate.
Fair Information To obtain general Fair information, call the main office at (302) 398-3269, Monday – Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) for details on attractions, shows, events, and schedules please visit the Daily Schedule PDF found under Fair Time.
Restrooms are available throughout the fairgrounds and are handicap accessible – both permanent buildings featuring baby changing areas along with portable restrooms are located throughout.
The Nursing Mother’s Area is located next to the Grove Restrooms located on the Northern part of the fairgrounds next to the Department of Agriculture and DNREC Buildings. Private rooms feature air conditioning, sinks, baby changing table and a comfortable rocking chair to help make the feeding procees comfortable for the mother and baby.
ATM’s are available throughout the grounds.
Yes! Here is a list of vendors that offer special dietary options at the 2022 Delaware State Fair:
– Amy’s Sweet Treats, LLC (Gluten free Ice Cream)
– Delaware State Farm Bureau Inc. (Gluten free options)
– Fiona’s Comfort Food (Gluten free options)
– Get Baked, LLC (Vegetarian options)
– Grotto Pizza (Gluten free pizza)
– Just the Tip Steak, LLC (Gluten free options)
– Kimo Hawaiian (Sugar free options)
– The Hungry Spork (Gluten free options)
– Tropical Delights, LLC (Gluten & dairy free options)
– Udairy Creamery, University of Delaware (Gluten free & dairy free options)
Minor injuries and ailments are treated at the First Aid station located at the base of the M&T Bank Grandstand. In the event of serious illness or injury, please dial 911.
Service animals, including service animals in training, are allowed onto the Delaware State Fairgrounds. Fair-goers are not allowed to bring pets or emotional support animals. Service animals are described as specially trained to perform a function or job for an owner with a physical, intellectual, or emotional disability. These working animals may provide the comfort of an emotional support animal, but they have been trained to complete certain tasks. Service animals are trained to help their owners deal with large crowds, loud or unexpected noises, as well as assist them during an unexpected emergency. Most importantly, service animals are offered legal protections through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An emotional support animal does not share those same legal protections. If an emotional support animal or pet were to bite another fair-goer, that animal’s owner will be held responsible, as could the Delaware State Fair for allowing a non-service animal on the grounds.
We want to keep everyone as safe as possible and that is why the Delaware State Fair does not allow pets or emotional support animals on the fairgrounds.
