[4][5] In 1917, the state fair moved to Elsmere where the Delaware State Fair Association had purchased property and built a fairgrounds within the town limits, in the area of the current Filbert, Birch, and Dover Avenues.

The fairgrounds included racetracks, agricultural exhibits, and stages for various entertainment acts.

[13] Today the fairgrounds encompass over 300 acres (1.2 km2) and feature concerts, wrestling, rodeo, races, agricultural exhibits, a midway, and other typical state fair demonstrations and events.

It is one of only a few local concert venues, so it has been able to attract many popular acts to Delmarva, among them: Harrington Raceway & Casino operates on the fairgrounds year round and consists of a harness racetrack and a casino offering slot machines, table games, and sports betting.

[16] In January 2025, it was announced by the Fair that the Centre would close as an ice rink due to rising maintenance costs.