The 139th Delaware County Fair, held this year Aug. 17 - 22, is embracing America’s 250th anniversary with what organizers describe as one of the largest entertainment lineups in recent memory.
“It will be a little bit of a bigger fair and celebration,” Fair Board President Jason Craig said.
Visitors will find expanded entertainment areas, new attractions, more vendors, additional food choices and free performances spread throughout the fairgrounds.
Among the additions are a hypnotist performing three daily shows inside a dedicated tent near the Main Gate, Circus Incredible featuring acrobatic performances, and Hot Diggity Dog, whose trained dogs and pigs perform tricks while also offering camel rides.
A new strolling character, Oakley the Tree Man, will wander the grounds on stilts greeting fairgoers.
Returning favorites include DockDogs, where dogs leap into a 27,000-gallon pool, Wheels of Agriculture’s interactive trivia games, BJ the Clown, and children’s favorite Mr. Scribbles.
Craig said the fair is also expanding its commercial offerings after adding 60 feet to one vendor tent.
“We have an abundance of vendors that will be here,” he said.
New food vendors, including Jamaican cuisine and the return of a popular pretzel truck, among many others are also expected.
The state-sponsored I LOVE NY Experience will make its first appearance at the Delaware County Fair with travel information, giveaways and interactive displays promoting destinations across New York.
Craig announced there will also be a military flyover on Tuesday night, Aug. 18, in coordination with the Firemen’s Parade, Craig said. Craig reports Department of Defense partner have requested fair attendees snap photos and video of the flyover and share on social media with the hashtag: #AFFlyover, the hashtag is used by the United States Air Force to tag official flyover events across the United States. It highlights aerial demonstrations during national celebrations, tributes to first responders, and community events, often coordinated with local sponsors and public affairs.
The hashtag also appears in morale focused initiatives like Operation America Resolve, where units conducted C-130 and C-17 flyovers to honor healthcare workers during COVID-19. The Air Force encourages sharing photos and videos with hashtag to increase visibility and unit identification at events.
Beyond military events, the hashtag is promoted by civilian festivals.
“It’s the 250,” Craig said. “Let’s do it!”
