HARRINGTON, Del. (AP) - Delaware State Fair organizers are blaming heat and the entertainment lineup for an attendance drop-off of about 10 percent this year.
Organizers announced Wednesday that 228,000 people attended the 10-day fair this year. That's down from 259,000 last year and officials say the carnival gross was down less than 2 percent.
General Manager Bill DiMondi says organizers had hoped for stronger ticket sales and realize it wasn't the strongest entertainment lineups on the grandstand stage. He says at least four concert offers have already been made for next year.
Officials say the Junior Livestock Auction raised $183,000 through the sale of 129 animals, topping the previous high of about $170,000.
The 2014 Delaware State Fair will be held July 17 through July 26.
