A trip to the Delaware County Fair can be a lot of things: a chance to ride the Ferris wheel, eat something fried, watch a tractor pull, pet an animal or simply wander until something catches your eye.
For kids, that last part might be the best part.
The fairgrounds are filled with moments that turn into memories - the kind parents hear about long after the cotton candy is gone and the carnival lights have faded.
Delaware County Fair Board President Jason Craig knows there is no shortage of places where young fairgoers can find something exciting. From silly surprises to hands-on experiences, he recommends these five stops for families looking to make the most of their visit.
1. Find Mr. Scribbles
First stop: the Sportsmen Federation area, where one colorful character is almost guaranteed to draw a crowd.
Mr. Scribbles has become a fair favorite, with kids gathering around to see what he will do next.
Whether it is a first visit or a yearly tradition, Mr. Scribbles is one of those uniquely fair experiences that keeps families coming back.
Mr. Scribbles invites children to put pencil to paper and create their own one-of-a-kind “scribble.” Then comes the fun part: watching as he transforms those random lines and loops into a recognizable picture that often surprises the young artist.
“He always has a crowd around him,” Craig said. “The kids are always very happy about that.”
It is a little bit of creativity, a little bit of imagination and a whole lot of fair-day fun - the kind of experience kids will want to show everyone before they leave the grounds.
2. Spend Tuesday at Children’s Day
If families are looking for a day packed with activities, Tuesday’s Children’s Day is the place to be.
The fair track will become a playground of games, giveaways and excitement, including the popular money pit where kids can jump in and grab prizes.
At 1 p.m., bike signups begin, giving young fairgoers a chance to win a bike and cash prizes.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids to get out there and have some fun,” Craig said.
3. Take a Bite of the Giant Ice Cream Sundae
Forget the single scoop.
On Tuesday afternoon, the fair’s Ag Awareness area becomes home to one of the sweetest traditions of the week: the giant ice cream sundae.
The Delaware County Dairy Ambassadors build the massive dessert in a kiddie pool-sized serving area, stacking containers of ice cream before adding all the important ingredients — chocolate syrup, caramel, cherries, strawberries and plenty of whipped cream.
Then comes the best part.
They scoop it up and share it with fair visitors for free.
“It’s always a big hit,” Craig said.
4. Follow the Curiosity
Sometimes the best fair memories are the ones families never planned.
Craig said nearly every corner of the fairgrounds has something that can capture a child’s attention.
Maybe it is watching a young exhibitor lead a calf into the show ring for the first time. Maybe it is seeing a blacksmith create something in the antique area, hearing an old tractor roar to life, or watching a powerful machine compete in the tractor pull.
Even a stop at a commercial tent - perhaps to watch fudge being made - can become the highlight of the day.
“There’s really no spot on the fairgrounds that isn’t going to make a little kid’s eyes get big,” Craig said.
5. Know Where to Find a Quiet Moment
With all the lights, sounds, rides and crowds, even the biggest fair fans sometimes need a break.
Delaware County Public Health has partnered with the fair to create a sensory room inside one of the former dormitory buildings near the 4-H Youth Building.
The space offers a quieter environment with dim lighting, air conditioning and sensory-friendly activities. Earmuffs are also available for children who need help managing the noise while exploring the fair.
“It’s a very beneficial spot,” Craig said. “We’re very proud of the work the county has put into that.”
The sensory area will be open throughout fair week.
