DELHI — The final Friday evening of Delhi's annual Fair on the Square brought another festive celebration to Courthouse Square as residents and visitors gathered for an evening of music, family activities and community spirit. Although organizers noted that the final Friday traditionally attracts a smaller crowd, this year's finale drew an impressive turnout as temperatures quickly cooled from the day's high 80s into a comfortable summer evening.
The celebration opened with music by Stamford musician Bobby Curious before performances by the Community Band and Blues Maneuver carried the festivities into the night. Food trucks, local vendors, Rotary games, bounce houses and the presentation of the colors offered something for every generation throughout the evening.
With election season underway, State Sen. Peter Oberacker and Assemblyman Chris Tague spent time speaking with attendees, while Delhi Trustee Janet Tweed welcomed visitors during one of the community's signature summer traditions.
The evening's biggest attraction was once again the annual Soap Box Derby. Spectators lined the course as announcer Sarah Sisco kept the crowd entertained with music and lively commentary while creatively designed entries raced downhill. This year's patriotic theme celebrated the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary with entries resembling fire trucks, American flags and the popular Scooby-themed cart. One memorable SpongeBob SquarePants racer made a dramatic crash landing at the finish line, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the good-natured mishap became one of the evening's most talked about moments.
As dusk settled over Delhi, Blues Maneuver closed out the season with an energetic set of classic rock favorites that filled the square with dancing and smiling faces.
Bassett Healthcare Network played a significant role as a sponsor throughout this year's Friday evening series, continuing its partnership with O'Connor Hospital and the Delhi community.
"We're very pleased to be supporting not only O'Connor, but also the community," said Angie Blair, Director of Strategic Marketing for Bassett Healthcare Network. "It's got a wonderful turnout. This is incredible."
Peter Hamilton, chairman of the O'Connor Hospital Board of Trustees, said planning for the event began months before the first Friday evening.
"We met every month for five months to make sure everything was moving along," Hamilton said. "Sometimes when there's five Fridays in July, the fifth night can be harder to draw people, so we wanted to make sure there was an extra reason for people to come. The Soap Box Derby is always a big draw."
Hamilton, who has been involved with O'Connor Hospital for nearly four decades and has served on the Bassett Medical Center Board of Trustees for more than 30 years, also praised the quality of healthcare available throughout the region.
"We're so fortunate to have the quality of care we do here in rural upstate New York," he said. "The nurses, doctors and staff are outstanding, and we're continuing to increase the number of practitioners providing care in our local communities."
While Fair on the Square has concluded for another summer, the community spirit continues each Wednesday through the Delhi Farmers' Market, giving residents another opportunity to gather until next July's Fair on the Square returns once again.
