Many vendors are glad to return to the Delaware State Fair

HARRINGTON, Del. – After months of preparations, the Delaware State Fair is now in full gear and local vendors at the Marketplace Tent say they’re glad to be back.

“We love to get into contact with the community or just people in general and I feel like this is a great way to do that,” said Austin Fedale who works at the G. Fedale Roofing & Siding.

Some people tell 47ABC there’s less than half of the normal amount of vendors at the tent this year because of the pandemic.

But vendors there say it was necessary for them to come back as the fair plays a critical role for their business.

“So, the investment that you make with time and the money that you pay for the booth and your effort will pay off all year long, so that’s why I’ve been doing this for 20 years,” said Pat Arost, owner of the Milford Music Center.

“Even though there are dangers and we’re taking every safety precaution available we still find the need to maintain that contact and maintain that connection with our communities,” said Fedale.

Arost tells 47ABC her business has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. So, she’s depending on the fair and online engagement to stay afloat.

“My store is not open all the time right now, so this gets me in front of potential customers and clients,” said Arost.

Vendors like Arost say they are taking all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“My booth this year is different because every time somebody touches the piano I go by and I sanitize because you don’t want anybody getting sick,” said Arost, “So, you do the best you can to sanitize.”

“We’re also having hand sanitizer that we’re just asking people to apply if they’re going to grab a pen or sign up for anything,” said Fedale.

And they say although so far there aren’t many people at the fair this year time spent there is all worthwhile.

Some vendors say the fair is only getting started, which means they expect to see more visitors at the tent next week.