The Delaware County Fair will celebrate 173 years this summer, a monumental milestone not many fairs can boast.
It became a community event during the Civil War, and despite setbacks such as devastating fires, pandemics and more, it has continued creating a rich history and classic stories over the years.
This year, the fair returns with some of the tried-and-true events, along with some new activities.
“This year we have a new website and a new logo. It’s neat to be able to look back and see how long we’ve been a part of this community,” said Jessica Masters, vice president of the fair board and volunteer. “We have a paid staff of four people and the rest are volunteers that pull this event together for the community, as well as keeping the fairgrounds and building rentals running through the rest of the year.”
The Delaware County Fair began in 1852, in conjunction with the formation of the county’s agricultural society.
Its humble beginnings featured farm animals, crops, homemade goods and exhibits in the courthouse yard.
A few years later, as the fair grew, more space was needed, and in 1871, the county purchased nearly 42 acres for $7,800, specifically for the purpose of hosting the fair among other community events.
A grandstand featuring a racetrack stood tall in the center of the property until it burned down in 1948. Then again in the early 2000s, what they referred to as Building 3 burned to the ground as well.
Longtime volunteer and previous board member Larry Clendennen recalls the moment the board decided to build the fair’s newest building, Heartland Hall.
“At the time, Building 3 was the only place on the fairgrounds for a meeting of any kind. A lot of people used it,” Clendennen said. “I was asked to chair the committee and we finished Heartland Hall in 2006. It was first used in the fair in 2007. Prior to that, after the fire, we were using a big tent across the street for our meetings.”
Looking back, photos still exist of women in hoop skirts and parasols, and old photographs or pamphlets advertise events like boxing, a pony raffle drawing, tickets for the “Palace of Oddities” show and more.
Those might be the old-fashioned activities and attire, but some things have remained the same.
For many, it’s become a tradition. Showing off the 4-H projects, food contests, live shows, live music and summer evenings riding carnival rides under the stars is something you don’t want to miss.
This summer, the 4-H portion of the fair will be presented July 7–16.
Youth have been working on a variety of subjects over the past year, culminating in a competition or showing of their final projects.
The Heartland Hall building will feature sewing and fashion projects, cake decorating and cooking projects, gardening, photography, welding and more throughout the week.
By July 10, the dog show, horse and pony show, poultry show and other livestock events will take place.
Grandstand events will arrive July 13–19.
Tickets need to be purchased for the grandstand events, and they offer something for the entire family nearly every night of the week, including motocross, autocross, dirt drags, truck and tractor pull, TNT Demo Derby and 3 Bar J Rodeo.
“The rodeo and the demolition derby are the most attended grandstand events. 3 Bar J Rodeo travels all over the state, including the Indiana State Fair each year,” Masters said. “The demolition derby will return for the second year from our promoters, TNT. They all do a really great job.”
From July 13–16, visitors can catch the best of both worlds: see the 4-H livestock shows before they head home and enjoy an evening of live music and a grandstand event. On July 15, the carnival rides will also be available.
In addition, July 14 is designated Muncie Community Day. Visitors will receive free parking and can enjoy a variety of events. Though the carnival rides won’t be open, livestock and live entertainment will be available, and local vendors will be on hand with handmade items and unique finds throughout the day.
Of course, funnel cakes, elephant ears, caramel apples, cotton candy and more will be available for purchase.
The tractors will return on display this year, in addition to classic cars, jeeps and motorcycles on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
The volunteers and fair board organizing all of the activities and entertaining shows hope the people of Delaware County enjoy a day in Muncie, celebrating all the good things the community offers.
“We hope it’s a great evening to spend with the community; that we’re able to enjoy time with friends and family and neighbors,” said Masters. “I think post-COVID, we don’t often get together at big events, and this is a neat opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the evening.”
Masters hopes the more visitors to the fairgrounds, the more potential residents and visitors can see on the property.
In addition to the popular livestock shows and dog shows, the fairgrounds offer so much more.
“We have camping available year-round. We rent our buildings for weddings, banquets, corporate meetings, auctions — even fashion shows. It’s a great facility, and we hope the community continues to support it,” Masters said.
For a full schedule of events and more information about the Delaware County Fair, visit delcofairgrounds.com. Parking is $5 per person or $15 per carload of more than three.
