WALTON - 2023 fairgoers can expect upgrades around the fairgrounds including an upgrade to the smaller practice ring, adjacent to the sand-filled show ring, said Delaware County Fair Board President Ed Rossley. Underground waterline upgrades took place this summer, Rossley said, and fairgoers may find the ground to be “soft” in spots. The upgrades were paid for in part with Delaware County American Rescue Funds.
“A lot of money went into the fairgrounds,” Rossley said, “but you won’t see it because it’s in the ground.”
A new feature this year, Rossley said, is a sand sculpture.
“I’m excited to see what he’s going to do,” Rossley said of the exhibitor. The exhibit will be in front of the Ag Awareness building, where the butter sculpture was formerly displayed.
There will also be two concerts Saturday night, Aug. 17 - a Billy Joel cover band called “A River of Dreams” and The Ultimate Journey Experience by Legend. Tickets are $10 for both performances.
Because the concerts will be held Saturday night, the New York Tractor Pull will be held Wednesday night. Grandstand features include a demolition derby Monday and Friday; Heroes Parade (formerly Firefighters Parade) will be held Tuesday and a four-wheel drive truck pull Thursday.
Midway rides will open Tuesday rather than Monday this year, Rossley said. Friday morning for one hour, starting at 11 a.m., there will be no lights, no sound midway rides for those with sensory issues. Three new rides will be featured this year, Rossley said.
There will also be new food vendors this year, for a total of over 150 vendors, he said.
Don’t forget to check out Delaware County 4-H’s “Power House,” exhibit which will show people how they can save money on energy costs.
Vesper services will be held in the entertainment tent Sunday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. followed by entertainment all week long. There will also be a cornhole tournament in the horse show ring with a $1,000 top prize.
