Have a blast at these Delaware Fourth of July festivities

By Olivia Montes
Posted 7/2/21

As the Fourth of July weekend dawns, communities across Delaware are preparing a wide range of patriotic events, festivities and other happenings.

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Have a blast at these Delaware Fourth of July festivities

Posted

As the Fourth of July weekend dawns, communities across Delaware are preparing a wide range of patriotic events, festivities and other happenings.

After mass cancellations of last year’s events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many towns are excited for what this year’s Independence Day weekend has in store.

Here are a few events throughout the First State to check out:

Bethany Beach

Fireworks are scheduled to launch from the beach near Wellington Parkway on Monday at 9:15 p.m.

The band Love Seed Mama Jump will perform at the Bethany Beach Bandstand prior to the fireworks, beginning at 7:30.

On Sunday, the bandstand will host the 287th Army Band, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“We want (attendees) to feel safe, while enjoying their time in Bethany Beach for both residents and visitors,” said Julie Malewski, events director and media coordinator for the town.

“Our Fourth of July events draw about 20,000 to 25,000 people, and our town will make sure that everybody is going to be safe, feels comfortable and is happy to be here.”

Additional information can be found at here.

Dewey Beach

On Sunday, Highway One will host a fireworks display, which is set to launch from Rehoboth Bay. Visitors can take in the view from northbeach and Ivy nightclubs.

Dover

In the capital city, the Fourth of July weekend will be celebrated with historical events.

Readings of the Declaration of Independence at 2 p.m., alongside tours of the Old State House at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m., are scheduled for Saturday. Tours are by reservation, which can be made by calling 744-5054.

On Sunday, additional readings of the Declaration of Independence are scheduled for 2 and 4 p.m., alongside half-hour tours of the Old State House at 1 and 3 p.m. through reservation only.

At 7 p.m. Sunday, American Legion Walter L. Fox Post 2 will also host an Independence Day parade, with the route beginning at Hazel Road, continuing south on State Street, turning east onto Loockerman Street to Legislative Avenue and ending in front of Legislative Mall, in time for the launching of the city’s fireworks.

Calling it a “good old-fashioned Fourth of July celebrating our diversity, our inclusion and 245 years of independence and freedom for this nation,” Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen encouraged the community to attend the city’s celebration of Independence Day on Legislative Mall.

Music on Legislative Mall by Spinjocs Entertainment will start at 7:30. Announcements and recognition of sponsors will be at 8:45, with fireworks at dusk.

Georgetown

On Sunday, Fat Daddy’s BBQ & Grille will host a free concert and fireworks from 7-10 p.m., featuring Mike Hines and The Look.

Fireworks are scheduled to launch at 9:15.

Hockessin

The town of Hockessin will launch fireworks at dusk Friday.

Visitors are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing while at designated areas, including Swift Memorial Park.

Laurel

Initially scheduled for dusk Saturday, the town’s fireworks display has been postponed to July 10. More information will be made available on the Laurel 4th of July Facebook page.

Lewes

Set to launch from Fisherman’s Wharf near Lewes Beach, visitors can watch the fireworks display Sunday at dusk. You can watch the display anywhere from Cape Henlopen State Park and Roosevelt Inlet, as well as other notable spots in town.

“We hope that people will really enjoy being able to gather and will be mindful that they need to be safe to celebrate the significance of the holiday,” Lewes Mayor Theodore Becker said. “I (also) hope people will be mindful of the fact that we are not totally out of (the COVID-19) woods yet and not only their own personal safety but the safety of those around them.”

To avoid large gatherings in numerous locations, the fireworks will be launched higher than usual. Patrons are also encouraged to continue wearing masks and practice social distancing.

The Independence Day Lewes Boat Parade will begin at 2 p.m. that same day, beginning its route at the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and traveling from the Roosevelt Inlet to Fisherman’s Wharf. For more information, visit here.

Middletown

For residents in Middletown, the annual fireworks display is scheduled to launch at dusk Sunday from Silver Lake Park. While residents and visitors are not permitted to watch from the park to abide by COVID-19 safety protocols, they are encouraged to observe the display from the comfort of their own homes, designated vehicles or other distanced areas.

Millsboro

A long-running Independence Day tradition will return to Millsboro. The Children’s Celebration and Parade will take place Sunday.

Festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the labyrinth on the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church grounds at State and Ellis streets.

Initially, organizers were granted a July 3 date from Town Council, but subsequent approval for the July 4 date was granted.

“We went back through the Town Council and got approval to change it for the Fourth of July,” said event organizer Gale White.

A founder of the event, Dottie Lecates, added, “It has always been on the Fourth and will continue to be on the Fourth, no matter what day it is.”

Following a brief patriotic ceremony, which will include the “voice of Sussex County,” Cathy Gorman, children — and possibly pets — dressed in patriotic colors and costumes will parade on the church grounds.

“We’ve done this for 15 years. We missed last year because of COVID,” said Ms. Lecates. “This started in 2006, and it has just been a little tradition. No vehicles, no motors, no sirens — just children, dogs, pets and lots of love.”

Each child will receive a special gift for participating. And free lunches of grilled hot dogs, chips, desserts and beverages will be provided.

In case of rain, the celebration will be held in St. Mark’s Parish Hall.

For more information, contact Ms. White at 644-0777.

Milton

Through the Milton Theatre, the Independence Day Picnic & Dance Party on Saturday will provide attendees a beer garden and food stall right under sparkling fireworks at its outdoor Quayside venue.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and visitors can either bring their own chairs or reserve seating prior to arrival. Ticket prices range from $6 to $40.

Newark

Fireworks will launch Friday at the University of Delaware athletic complex, with the rain date scheduled for Monday.

While no seating areas will be available on the surrounding lawn, visitors can watch the display from their vehicles in the complex’s parking lots, including at UD Stadium and the Bob Carpenter Center.

To abide by COVID-19 safety protocols, additional entertainment and vendors will not be present.

Parking lots will open at 7 p.m.

Smyrna-Clayton

To commemorate this year’s festivities, Smyrna-Clayton will launch fireworks Sunday at dusk from James T. Vaughn Sr. Little League Park and Duck Creek Parkway. Parking will be available at Smyrna Middle School and Smyrna High School.

Entertainment prior to the event will include a performance by the band Party Fowl, with food trucks available at Smyrna High.

The Smyrna-Clayton Independence Day Parade will take place Saturday at 9:30 a.m. The parade will begin at St. Polycarp Catholic Church and end at George C. Wright Jr. Municipal Park. To be in the parade, contact Skip Carrow at skip4515@yahoo.com.

Rehoboth Beach

Fireworks are scheduled to launch near 9:30 p.m. Saturday, depending on the weather. Witness the display across the beach and on the boardwalk south of Rehoboth Avenue.

The Funsters will also be performing before and after the fireworks at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, starting at 8.

Wilmington

A day of family-friendly activities, entertainment, food and games leads to a large fireworks display launched from the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park on Sunday.

This event will last from 2-9 p.m. Parking will be available at Orange and Market streets and at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Frawley Stadium and Shipyard Shops.

Additional information can be found here.

Staff writer Glenn Rolfe contributed to this story.

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