The First State Gridiron Dinner & Show (often referred to as simply The Gridiron) is the longest running annual roast of politicians and business people in the state and has remained a mystery to many Delawareans - and for good reason. During the first years of the event - it began timidly in 1992 - organizers made a conscious effort to keep publicity out of the media and the content of the program a secret. That's because it was originally envisioned as an invitation-only, political insiders' affair with comedy skits that might offend the uninitiated. Not so any more. Attendance has grown dramatically since the show was opened to any and all who wanted to come. It has become one of the premier formal affairs in the state and arguably has the single largest gathering of politicians of all stripes short of the General Assembly.

Click here to view images from the 2011 Gridiron Dinner & Show.

Money raised by the annual event funds full and partial scholarships for Delaware students interested in journalism careers at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University.

To date the dinner has endowed over $380,000 at the Delaware Community Foundation and in excess of $240,000 at the University of Delaware.


(The William P. Frank Scholarship Fund Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.) Come join us for a memorable night of zany skits and songs that take on some of the most powerful forces in The First State.