Didn't make it to the Delaware State Fair? Here's some of what you missed in 2018
Andrew Sharp
To the relief of farmers, the Delaware State Fair came during what had until recently been a bone-dry July, ensuring a week of steady rain totals. But despite the wet weather, people still turned out for the concerts, farm animals, concerts and, of course, the fair's famed health food. (Calories don't count during fair week!)
News Journal reporter Jeff Neiburg selflessly volunteered to review some of that food, like the deep-fried tacos and gator mac and cheese. Here's his take.
More:Delaware State Fair: Fried tacos, fried cheeseburger and gator lead food fun
Neiburg wasn't the only reporter to take one for the team. Jerry Smith wowed the crowd with his mechanical bull-riding skills, and thanks to a GoPro camera, you can experience it with him.
The fair isn't just about rides and eating food, of course. People enter their food, fruit and vegetables, farm animals, photos and more into competitions, hoping for the prized blue ribbon. One woman went for broke in the pie competition — and it paid off.
Bake 'em all, let God sort 'em out. Tips from baker who entered all 9 State Fair pie contests
At Delaware State Fair competition That Pie Girl wins over half the categories
News Journal photographers were there to capture some of the people and moments from the 99th edition of the fair.
The demolition derby was a hit with many fairgoers on the last day, Saturday.
We also took a look behind the scenes at what was being done to keep fairgoers safe and estimated how much they might plan to spend on their day out.
Interactive map: Read all the food, ride safety inspections at the Delaware State Fair
Delaware State Fair: How officials keep the rides, food safe
Delaware State Fair cost: Here's how much you might spend
And lastly, one fair moment that made headlines wasn't about the rides or events. A debate flared up after some vendors were found to be selling items featuring the Confederate flag, in violation of fair rules.
Delaware State Fair vendors ordered to remove Confederate flags