The Delaware State Fair will once again roll into town next week at the Harrington fairgrounds. The fair offers activities and shows for the whole family, not to mention yummy, greasy foods and a great opportunity to people-watch.

The fair, which runs from July 17-26, takes place at the fairgrounds located on South DuPont Highway in Harrington. Gates and rides open at 5 p.m. on July 17. From July 18-26, gates will open at 8 a.m., rides at 1 p.m., and exhibits from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free parking and shuttle service is available. Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available for a moderate charge.

Admission is free to children 9 and under; otherwise, it’s $6. Purchase advance tickets before July 17 and save $1 on admission. Thanks to Delaware Electric Cooperative, everyone will enter for half price on opening night. School-age kids get in free on July 22 and big kids over age 60 get in free July 24. For more promotions, visit www.delawarestatefair.com.

A parade is held nightly at 6:30 p.m. Opening night will include a demolition derby and rodeo. Other fair attractions include 4-H and FFA exhibits, culinary demonstrations, a peach dessert contest, a pygmy goat breeding show, horse and livestock shows, chili vs. chowder competition, Philadelphia Flyers’ Face Off for Fitness, rooster crowing contest, a chance to meet the original players from “Remember the Titans,” annual DNREC awards ceremony including Young Environmentalist of the Year Awards and antique tractor pull.

Music guests include Brooks & Dunn with Rodney Atkins, 3 Doors Down with Staind and Hinder, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Trace Adkins and Martina McBride. Other entertainment includes Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom Huckjam and the Monster Truck Show. A free entertainment tent will include USNA Electric Brigade, Monument, Vocal Trash, a Family Health Fair and a pig kissing contest. Also check out the sandscapes each day under the Wilmington Trust Grandstand, the IGX Interactive Gaming Experience in the Centre Ice Rink and Native American Dancing on July 26 at 5 p.m. in the Grove Picnic Area. 

On July 19, residents can participate in DART’s Rail to the Fair, a day-long trip aboard Amtrak’s high-speed Northeast Corridor. The train departs at 9 a.m. from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and makes stops in Claymont, Wilmington, Churchmans Crossing, Newark, Clayton, Wyoming, the State Fair at 12:40 p.m. and Georgetown before returning via the same route and ending in Philly at 8:48 p.m. Those who wish to remain at the fair can do so, otherwise they will have only two hours before the train will pick them up to return north.

Rail to the Fair tickets are available at Mitchell’s (Fairfax Shopping Center), the Claymont, Churchmas Crossing and Newark train stations and the Transit Stores in the Amtrak Station, 718 Market Street Mall, 119 Lower Beech St., all in Wilmington, and 900 Public Safety Blvd., Dover. Ticket prices include fair admission. They can also be purchased by calling 800-652-DART, option 3, or visiting www.dartfirststate.com.

For a complete list of fair events, directions and general information, visit www.delawarestatefair.com or call 302-398-3269, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To purchase concert or admission tickets, visit the Web site or call 398-5020 or toll free at 866-335-3247.