A great day at the Delaware County Fair is about more than rides, food and entertainment. It is also about thousands of visitors sharing the fairgrounds together - and a few simple courtesies can help make the experience better for everyone.
Delaware County Fair Board President Jason Craig said the biggest things visitors can do are simple: be respectful, be patient and help keep the fairgrounds clean.
Keep It Clean
Every year, fair staff work hard to keep the grounds looking their best, but they need help from visitors.
“We have a garbage crew that goes around to keep the fairgrounds very clean,” Craig said. “But it is mind-boggling the amount of garbage that is underneath our grandstands after a show, or thrown around the grounds.”
Visitors are encouraged to use trash cans throughout the grounds and properly dispose of cigarette butts.
Smoking is permitted at the fair, but Craig asks smokers to be mindful of those around them and dispose of cigarette waste responsibly.
A clean fairground is safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Be Kind to the Parking Crew
For first-time visitors, parking can be one of the first parts of the fair experience - and Craig wants people to know that the staff helping direct traffic are working hard to make the process run smoothly.
The fair offers free parking in its large parking area, with staff members directing visitors to available spaces. Some private parking areas near the entrance charge fees.
Many of the people helping park vehicles are teenagers volunteering their time.
“Our staff out there are teenagers, and we ask people to treat them with as much respect as they would want their own teenager to be treated with,” Craig said.
The parking crew’s job is to keep traffic moving and make sure everyone gets safely parked.
Ask for Help When You Need It
The fairgrounds are large, and walking from the parking area to the attractions can be a challenge for some visitors.
Golf carts will be available to shuttle visitors between parking areas and the gates. During especially busy times, the fair’s trams will also help transport visitors from overflow parking areas.
Craig encourages visitors who need assistance to simply ask.
“If you need a ride, let somebody know when you’re going in,” he said. “We’ll make sure that we get somebody out there to get them into the fairgrounds.”
Visitors who need help returning to their vehicles can also request assistance at the gate or from fair staff.
Know Who Can Help
Not sure where to turn? Look for someone with a radio or a fair identification badge.
Fair directors can be identified by their gray shirts and director IDs. Fair EMS members wear labeled EMS shirts, and Delaware County 4-H members can be found wearing Cornell Cooperative Extension or 4-H shirts.
Visitors can also ask for help at the box office, secretary’s office, vendor booths or from staff working in the animal barns.“Basically anybody with a radio” can help connect visitors with someone who can assist, Craig said.
