By Mike Finney

DOVER — The Dover Days Festival was all set to bring a bit of colonial flavor and hometown atmosphere to the capital city Saturday, after being canceled the past two years by the pandemic.

However, a coastal storm expected to bring high winds and up to 2 inches of rain through Sunday forced the new Dover Days Celebration Committee to cancel the event.

This would have been the first year the event was staged by the committee.

“We were not afraid to hold the event in the rain, but the winds are a great concern,” said Chris Cooper, president of the committee. “Vendors need to set up tents to protect their goods from the weather, and with winds gusting at 40 mph, those tents and other items become projectiles that could cause severe injuries.”

Tours of Legislative Hall, Woodburn and the John Bell House will still be held. As of Friday evening, today’s History, Heritage and Hops block party in downtown Dover was still on, running from 2 to 9 p.m.
And with the gloomy weather, Wesley United Methodist Church will be holding its annual pancake breakfast and bake sale — doors open at 7, with serving finishing at noon.

Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen said it is a huge disappointment that Dover Days was forced to cancel for a third consecutive year, citing the work that so many put into the event.

“Many people may not understand the amount of effort it takes to put together a large-scale event,” he said. “We all know how stressful planning a holiday meal can be for a family of 10. Well, multiply that by at least 10.

“Dover Days brings out well over 10,000 people that come with the expectation of having a fun-filled, family event. The ... committee typically delivers that year after year.”

But due to anticipated wet and windy conditions, the planners will have to wait until 2023 to try it again.

“Unfortunately, all the months of planning can be overshadowed by poor weather conditions,” said Mayor Christiansen. “This year, with the intent of making a big comeback after the pandemic, the wind is not cooperating, and the parade and festival need to be canceled.

“It, unfortunately, becomes a safety hazard, and we needed to take action for the safety of our community. We are already looking forward to May 6, 2023, for the next Dover Days.”