A gift that gives back: Charitable events to pair with Dover light display

By Craig Horleman
Posted 11/29/22

Dover Motor Speedway is combining its inaugural Gift of Lights display with charity by hosting “Speedway S’mores” events this month near the Monster Monument.

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A gift that gives back: Charitable events to pair with Dover light display

Posted

DOVER — Dover Motor Speedway is combining its inaugural Gift of Lights display with charity by hosting “Speedway S’mores” events near the Monster Monument in December.

Coinciding with the Woodlands’ holiday drive-thru experience, which started last week, Speedway S’mores is a fundraiser for Speedway Children’s Charities. It is presented by the Delaware Lottery.

This event will also mark the debut of the Monster Mile’s SCC Trackside Treasures trailer, featuring NASCAR mementos, collectibles, autographed items, clothing, advertising banners and more for sale, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation.

Speedway Children’s Charities, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1982 by Speedway Motorsports chairman O. Bruton Smith to honor his late son, Bruton Cameron Smith, has awarded more than $61 million to U.S. nonprofit organizations that meet the direct needs of children, no matter the obstacles they face.

Features of the event, which will run Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 from 4:30-10 p.m., include:

  • Bonfire/roasting s’mores — Families can purchase s’mores kits and roast them over a bonfire in The Grove, near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza. The fire will be supervised by the Dover Fire Department and speedway safety personnel, and a firetruck will be at available to explore.
  • Pictures with Santa — The jolly old man is visiting from the North Pole and will be available for photos with guests in front of the Monster Monument from 6-9 each day.
  • Fifer Orchards — The Wyoming-based locale will have its traditional goods for sale, including apple cider, cider doughnuts and kettle corn.
  • EasySpeak spirits — The Milford distillery will be selling beverages, including hot cocoa and hot apple cider spiked with easySpeak craft spirits, along with a full bar serving mixed drinks, beer and wine.
  • The Villager — Kent County Tourism’s mobile visitor center and team will distribute guides, maps and area information about restaurants, attractions, hotels, shopping and events.
  • Shasta Shutterbug photo booth — C.M. Baker Photography’s retro photo trailer will provide free snapshots of attendees’ Speedway S’mores visits.

Guests are encouraged to visit the Speedway S’mores area after their Gift of Lights experience. Enter at 599 Persimmon Tree Lane. Follow traffic signs for directions.

Gift of Lights runs every evening through New Year’s Day, with more than 60 scenes and 3 million lights along a 1.5-mile path through the Woodlands — the Monster Mile’s largest camping lot during NASCAR weekends and the home of the Firefly Music Festival. The tour takes around 45 minutes.

Additionally, several theme and discount nights are planned, including Military, Healthcare and First Responders Night, presented by the Delaware Lottery, on Dec. 7.

From 4:30-9 that evening, all active-duty military members and veterans, along with nurses, police, firefighters and paramedics with valid IDs receive free admission.

Other theme nights include:

  • Wednesday — Pet Night presented by Delaware’s Quaint Villages, with $5 off per car if you bring a furry friend.
  • Thursday — National Christmas Lights Day. Decorate your car and drive it through the show for $5 off.
  • Tuesday — Christmas Sweater Night presented by Visit Delaware. Wear your most festive holiday sweater for $5 off per car.

Tickets are $35 per carload, while buses and limos pay $60. They can be purchased here or upon arrival. Reservations are not required.

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