Delaware’s 105th State Fair

Dear Friend,

Every year, folks across our state visit Harrington to take part in the Delaware State Fair. This year, I was excited to join thousands of Delawareans to celebrate 105 years of this annual festivity.

When the Delaware State Fair began in 1919, our state looked a lot different than it does today. And yet, many things remain the same. In the 105 years since the first State Fair, we continue to celebrate the vast contributions of Delaware’s farmers. Whether it’s been as your Congressman, Governor, or Senator, I’ve been proud to support our state’s agricultural sector. That’s why last year I introduced the Conservation and Regenerative Optimization Practices for Farming (CROP) Act, which would expand access to federal funds for farmers looking to voluntarily reduce their emissions. I’ve also been proud to help Delaware’s farmers by advocating to open new markets for high quality agricultural products from the First State. Have no doubt: I will always work to uplift the thousands of farmers across our state who continue to ensure that Delaware punches well above its weight.

Throughout my years in public service, one of the most rewarding parts of the job has been meeting with constituents and learning first-hand how my office and I can continue to serve folks across our state and our country. Nothing brings the First State together quite like the Delaware State Fair, and it was wonderful to speak with so many Delawareans over milkshakes. In all of these conversations, I was reminded of the “Delaware Way” – the spirit of community that pulls our state together and encourages us to do the right thing for our neighbors and friends. I have always strived to embody the “Delaware Way,” and it was wonderful to see that spirit on full display at the fair this week.

Delaware might be small, but we have so many rich communities and traditions that tie our state together year-after-year. One of my favorite fair traditions is the American flag raffle, where each night of the fair, I give away an American flag that has flown over the United States Capitol to one lucky winner that stopped by my fair booth. I’m proud to announce this year’s winners:

Bill Brown, Seaford

Tricia Hunter, Crumpton, MD

Charlotte Johnson, Middletown

Stephen Jones, Harrington

Kylee Nickles, Felton

Mark Paskey, Felton

Jackie Pecoraro, Greenwood

Brenda Powell, Milford

Camron Wolfe, Camden-Wyoming

Joanne Young, Lincoln

As always, it was wonderful seeing so many Delawareans at the fair this year, and I look forward to continuing serving the First State during my last several months in the Senate.

God bless,

Tom Carper