Category: Cooperative Extension
Take Me to the Fair
July 15, 2024 Article by Katie Young and Jackie Czachorowski, Photos by Katie Young and Michele Walfred
Cooperative Extension takes center stage for UD at the 2024 Delaware State Fair
One of the first things you’ll see when you walk into the Delaware State Fair is the Ferris wheel towering over the fairgrounds. Walk around and try a funnel cake or numerous other fried foods, or cool off with a fresh lemonade or sweet-flavored tea. Explore each animal arena and listen to the moos, the oinks and the clucks.
It’s the 105th year of the Delaware State Fair in Harrington. The celebration attracts exhibitors across agriculture, horticulture, mechanical arts, and rural and domestic economy. Per tradition, the University of Delaware — especially UD Cooperative Extension — will have a noticeable presence. Extension will share knowledge about agriculture, youth development and much more with the community.
Embracing the event’s 2024 theme of “Small State, Big Fun,” UD will showcase its statewide programming and extension work. Each year, UD and Delaware State University — the state’s two land-grant universities — come together to represent Delaware Cooperative Extension as a whole.
“For a small state, Delaware is fortunate to have two land-grant universities with Extension programs,” said Jennifer Volk, UD Cooperative Extension’s interim director and an environmental quality specialist. “Together with Delaware State University, our Extension agents and specialists make a big impact on the communities we serve.”
Well-known for its downstate presence, the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources proudly carries out the University’s land-grant university mission of teaching, research and extension. From nutrition classes and Master Naturalist education to 4-H youth clubs and local agriculture programs, Cooperative Extension showcases University resources and shares its knowledge with Delawareans.
Extension agents and staff provide year-round support to the public through expert advice, educational courses, certification opportunities and mental health support. The fair, which runs this year from Thursday, July 18, through Saturday, July 27, is a chance to bring the same knowledge in person to hordes of fair fans as UD experts showcase health, wellbeing, agriculture, leadership and environmental stewardship research and programming.
“Extension is across the state in every county all year long,” Volk said. “The state fair is an opportunity to hunker down in one place and interface with Delawareans.”
Ask an Expert
Fairgoers can find the Delaware Cooperative Extension booth in the Agricultural Commodities Building.
Visitors can chat with extension agents in person and ask questions about agriculture, natural resources, health and wellness, and youth development. Win prizes playing “Extension Jeopardy.” Sign up for the annual raffle to win a basket stuffed with local delicacies and goodies.
Elevate your green thumb
For gardening questions, ask the Delaware Master Gardeners. These Extension-educated volunteers provide research-based horticultural education, guidance and resources. Ask them anything, from pest and disease management to selecting ornamentals and native plants for your garden. The Master Gardeners program boasts approximately 300 Delawareans rigorously trained in various horticultural and environmental topics specific to our region.
Learn with 4-H
One of Cooperative Extension’s most recognizable contributions to the State Fair each year is the plethora of Delaware 4-H exhibits, showcases and events.
4-H is the largest youth program in the country. Children and teenagers compete in various contests such as archery, plants and vegetable exhibits, public speaking and a lawn tractor driving contest.
“These exhibits and competitions are the highlight of our 4-H year,” said Doug Crouse, State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader. “Our members demonstrate their personal growth and share the knowledge gained through their hard work.”
The most well-known exhibits and competitions at the fair are the animal shows, where youth demonstrate their knowledge about horses, poultry, dairy cattle, and even rabbits. Kristin Cook, 4-H youth development agent, said these events help children and teens build valuable skills.
“These experiences teach responsibility and the importance of work ethic; it reinforces good sportsmanship and can build confidence,” Cook said. “The best way to build these skills is through real life experiences in 4-H.”
In the Delaware State Fair App’s events section, visitors can scroll down to 4-H for a complete list of events, including:
Talent Show on Thursday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m. on the stage in the Centre Building;
Archery Contest on Monday, July 22, (times vary) at the Harrington Raceway Paddock Building;
31st Annual Pig Kissing Contest on Thursday, July 25, at 3 p.m. on the Free Entertainment Stage (benefits the Junior Exhibitor Scholarship); and
Horse and Pony Show on Friday, July 26, at 9 a.m. in the Quillen Arena.
Scope out the competition
Throughout the year, extension agents also work with local middle and high school students to prepare for State Fair competitions in plant, insect and disease identification, landscape design and other topics. This partnership with Delaware educators provides a meaningful way for students to interact with professionals in their field of interest, developing skills and knowledge as they move into adulthood and into the working world. Many of these students compete in FFA or public events during fair week.
Cool off with UDairy
From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, visit the always popular UDairy Creamery at the fair on Holloway Street across from the Kent Building. Try a small or medium scoop of Delaware River Mud Pie, 1923, All Nighter, First State Cobbler, Peanut Cocoa Loco, Butter Pecan, Sweet Corn and many other flavors. As you enjoy your frozen treat, visit the University of Delaware table in the University of Delaware Building near The Grange.
A comprehensive list of all exhibits and events is available in the Delaware State Fair mobile app and schedule.
Throughout the 2024 Delaware State Fair, follow UD Cooperative Extension and Delaware 4-H on Facebook and Instagram at @UDExtension and @Delaware4H.
And make sure to stop by the Delaware Building; UD Admissions will have UD swag and giveaways!
