Parade Kicks Off 2025 Delaware County Fair

It was 100 years ago – in 1925 – when the first Delaware County Fair parade was introduced. And on Monday night, tradition continued, with the annual parade kicking off fair week 2025 in Manchester. 

Craig Ingamells was among those leading the parade, named as this year’s Delaware County Fair Parade Grand Marshal.

Ingamells served on the Delaware County Fair Board for twelve years.

Ingamells says there has always been one thing that has amazed him about the Delaware County Fair.

The 2024 Delaware County Fair royalty were among those leading the parade too, along with this year’s candidates. Queen Leah Reicher of Hopkinton, King Ethan McGovern of Earlville and Princess Lainey Knipper of Hopkinton are each looking forward to this week at the fair for different reasons.

The Delaware County Fair parade brings out hundreds of parade-goers, as well as dozens of floats, vehicles and other parade entries – with a focus on celebrating the community. Some of the parade entrants were celebrating milestones, including F&M Bank, which is marking 100 years in 2025.

That’s F&M Bank’s Adam Sheppard, who says he looks forward to the fair’s livestock shows.

Regional Medical Center’s float was also created to celebrate their anniversary – 75 years – with a celebration planned in Manchester later this summer.

That’s RMC Marketing Manager Angie Salow, who has been coming to the Delaware County Fair her entire life.

Today’s events at the Delaware County Fair include the opening of the free carnival rides at 3 pm, the start of the free exhibits and entertainment shows, and MotoCross kicking off a week of grandstand events at 7 pm tonight. Fair Manager Jeannie Domeyer says it’s a fan favorite.

4-H and FFA shows also continue today, following Monday’s judging, which included conference judging, the Dog Show, the Horse Show, Pen of Three and the Cow/Calf Show. You can find the fair schedule at delawarecofair.com.

photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH; RMC photo courtesy of Angie Salow