June 2026 - Let The Good Times Roll

THE LOVE OF HEALTH KIDS ’

There is a love that watches every breath, listens no matter what, hopes through every heartbeat, and wants nothing more than a future full of bright, ordinary days.

For that love, expert care should never feel far away.

ChristianaCare and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have come together so world‑class pediatric care can live closer to the moments that matter — in the neighborhoods where children grow, in the arms that hold them, and in the place your family calls home.

Because when it comes to your child’s health, love deserves the very best. And now, the best is right here. CHOP NOW at ChristianaCare!

At The Beach

WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY:

NEW PROGRAMS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUCCESS

In today’s fast-changing job market, staying ahead means being equipped with the right skills at the right time. Wilmington University’s 200+ career-focused academic programs align with the demands of today’s workforce, and its flexible formats align with the schedules of working adults.

Relevant Coursework Backed by Research

WilmU’s academic programs are developed through continuous market research and industry consultation. This research-driven approach helps prepare students with the tangible skills employers are actively seeking across industries, including business, tech, education, health care, natural sciences, law and social sciences.

Learning From Professionals in the

Field

One of WilmU’s greatest strengths is its faculty of practitionereducators. These instructors are not only experienced professionals in their fields but also passionate mentors who share insights and strategies learned through years of practical experience. Their guidance helps students connect classroom concepts to real-life challenges and provides valuable networking opportunities that can open doors to future career paths.

Hands-On Experience Through Work-Integrated Learning

WilmU students don’t just learn theory — they gain experience. The University’s Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) model allows students to earn credit while working in professional settings relevant to their degrees. WIL helps students build resumes, explore career interests and gain a competitive edge. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 66% of companies offer interns full-time roles, and 76% of paid interns stay with their employer at least one year.

A Trusted Partner for Students and Employers

With more than 400 partnerships with regional employers, WilmU helps students connect with organizations that value their skills and readiness. These partnerships provide hands-on learning opportunities and help industries meet the growing demand for welltrained, dependable professionals.

Whether you’re looking to pivot careers, advance in your current role or explore a new field, WilmU’s forward-thinking, accredited and affordable programs are designed to help you succeed.

Explore WilmU’s newest offerings: NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS

A.S. in Accounting

A.S. in Applied Behavioral Health

A.S. in Organizational Leadership

A.S. in Health Sciences

B.S. in Applied Mathematics

B.S. in Chemistry

B.S. in Nursing to DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner

B.S. in Nursing to DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

NEW CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Biotechnology

Construction Management

Cybersecurity and Fintech

Esports

Essentials of People Management Fintech

Financial Management in Human Services

Juris Doctor

MBA in Banking and Financial Services

M.S. in Computer Science

M.S. in Digital Communication

M.S. in Environmental Science

M.S. in Health Sciences

Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesiology

Forensic Science

Logistics and Supply

Chain Management

Teacher Licensure: K-6

Teacher Licensure: 6-12

Teacher Licensure: Special Education

UX/UI Design

You can find all of WilmU’s academic programs at wilmu.edu/programs.

Next Classes Start: July 7 & Sept. 2

WILM U.EDU

THE WAR On Words

A monthly column in which we attempt, however futilely, to defend the English language

WHERE ARE THE EDITORS?

• Reader Larry Hamermish submits this sentence from a News Journal article by Sophia Voight about Delaware Law School moving downtown: “The Bridge academic center compliments nearby Community Education Building, another former MBNA-turned-education-hub at 1200 N. French St.” To compliment is to praise or offer accolades. The correct word here is complements, meaning to complete or enhance by providing something additional.

• From a recent email: “Amy Melissen and Lee Stivers revisit classic covers and originals in their premier album, ‘Something Tells Me Everything Will Be Alright.’” And I’m telling you that all right is two words.

• Tim Reynolds, Associated Press, exhibiting phony sophistication: “It’s reasonable to think many basketball fans learned of Wembanyama when the now-infamous video of a 2-on-2 game featuring he and Gobert came out six years ago.” As the object of the verb featuring, the pronoun here should be him.

• Reader Janet Ames sends this from The Philadelphia Inquirer: “Since he left CNN, Lemon has joined the legion of journalists who have gone into business for himself.” Glaringly, this should be themselves, since this reflexive pronoun refers to journalists, not Don Lemon.

• Alex Coffey, also in The Inky: “Someone hurled an illicit 40-ounce bottle of beer in retaliation, and everybody sprung into action.” The past tense — sprang — is needed here. Sprung is the past participle, as in, “The cat had sprung from her hiding place before John could catch her.”

• And finally, while distributing our grammatical brickbats, we must throw a bouquet to NBC’s Tom Costello. The senior news correspondent corrected himself when, reporting on the recent Artemis II mission, he at first said the spacecraft had traveled further than any of its predecessors, then quickly changed it to farther. Further refers to greater degree or extent, while farther means actual physical distance. Well done, Tom.

DEPARTMENT OF REDUNDANCIES DEPT.

• Once again, WDEL aired a police report in which a car was “traveling at a high rate of speed.” Speed: The rate at which something or someone is moving.

Word of the Month

Pronounced gra-sile, it’s an adjective meaning slender, physically slight.

SIMILAR, AND SOMETIMES THE SAME

By Bob Yearick

A friend recently mentioned that he had seen a news report about a man “careering around a corner,” and asked, “Shouldn’t that be careening?” Well, yes and no. According to Grammarphobia, “Until the early 20th century, a traditional distinction was made between the two verbs. The verb ‘career’ meant to rush recklessly and out of control, while ‘careen’ meant to tilt, tip, or heel over (as a ship might do).”

Since the 1920s, however, careen has the sense of “hurtling,” or “moving quickly and out of control” — at least here in the United States. The British, meanwhile, have clung to the original meaning, and across the pond career is more often used in this sense.

That led me to other words that have similar meanings, such as these two pairs:

• devoid/void Devoid (always followed by “of”) emphasizes the absence of something that is expected or desired, often used to describe a lack of qualities, emotions, or substances. E.g., “He is devoid of emotion.”

Void describes an empty space — “The room is void of furniture” — or a situation where something is null and without legal effect — “The contract was declared void.”

• begrudging/grudging. Grammarians such as Bryan Garner and Grammar Girl advise us to stick with grudging (reluctant; with grumbling). E.g., grudging acceptance. Avoid the participial adjective begrudging — e.g., “I have heard even some die-hard Hillary-haters express begrudging [read grudging] admiration for her determination, resourcefulness and fierce advocacy for her beliefs.”

CURATED TO DEATH

I nominate curate (and its offspring, curated and curating) as the current most overworked word in the English language. Originally used in relation to collections of art, it’s now a buzzword referring to a group or list of, well, almost anything — a playlist, a clothing line, a subscription box, homes in a given market. Why not use words like select, hand-pick, or tailor, and give curate a rest?

LITERALLY OF THE MONTH

CNN Opinion column on U.S. economic policy: “The administration is literally painted into a corner after its own spending spree.”

NEED A SPEAKER FOR YOUR GROUP?

Contact me at ryearick@comcast.net for a fun and informative discussion of grammar.

Gracile

March of the Living Fossils

By Joe O’Brien & Michael Guarino

correct puzzles will win a cool prize Previous contest winners: Alladin Kemp, Rory Tempest

Insta post

Phillies rivals

Final, perhaps

Friendly embrace

Half a pair

or “metric”

7 Makes smaller, as garlic or words

8 Pooh’s gloomy friend

9 Baby sheep 10 Red Muppet who had a cameo in Scrubs

Plant, as seeds

Refined resource

Chimpanzee, e.g.

Blacklist

RIVEFRONT WILMINGTON

Free admission • 2pm to fireworks

Three Stages

Delaware Symphony Orchestra

CliffordBrownFestivalOrchestra

Kristen & The Noise

Lower Case Blues Band

Big Package

DJ Mega Skills

Food & Drink

Multiple Beer Gardens

Inside & Outside Dining

FIFA Watch Parties: Del Pez, Docklands, Taco Grande, Timothy’s

Delaware

Made Village

Featuring local artisans offering one-of-a-kind items

Family

FreeEntertainment admission to Delaware Children’s MuseumPlus: Hot-Air Balloon Rides Amusement Rides Mini Golf & Other Games Kalmar Nyckel Tours Wilmington Fireboat

Honor Tent

Featuring a mesmerizing salute to Delaware history and our Founding Fathers

Spectacular Fireworks Display over Christina River at 9:30pm accompanied by the music of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra

(Clear bags only. NO backpacks, bikes, skateboards or scooters)

The Pride of Cape Henlopen

Three-sport star Adele Mears enters Delaware Sports Hall of Fame

By Chuck Durante

When first shown a field hockey stick at Rehoboth Junior High, seventh grader Adele Mears thought it was a strange object. She learned to wield it as well as anyone, becoming an all-American who drove Old Dominion University (ODU) to the national title in the longest championship game ever played.

A pioneer among Cape Henlopen High School's tradition of three-sport women athletes, she was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame at its 50th anniversary celebration on May 28 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

Also an all-state basketball player and slugging left fielder for Cape powerhouses, Mears became a foundation for Old Dominion’s national leadership in women’s sports. Under Beth Anders, who would coach nine NCAA champions and the U.S. Olympic team, “We were probably the most conditioned team in the whole United States,” says Mears. Suicide sprints were routine — even after games.

The exhaustion was rewarded in the Monarchs’ second straight title in 1983. After William Penn’s Dawn Hill’s semifinal goal put ODU into the title game at Franklin Field, the finalists — the Monarchs and their only regularseason conqueror, Connecticut — set the ground rules. Any tie would be decided not by penalty strokes, but by a 10-minute overtime.

There would be three overtimes, resulting in a 100-minute marathon won by ODU, 3-1. ESPN broadcast the game — two weeks later.

After helping Old Dominion to a top-five ranking as a freshman but missing much of her sophomore season

with ligament injuries, Mears was elected captain as a junior. She led ODU to a 20-1 record and the national title, with a semifinal victory over Missy Meharg and the Delaware Blue Hens, themselves making their fourth Final Four appearance in six years.

One of many introduced to field hockey by Ruth Skoglund at Rehoboth and Carolyn Ivins at Cape, Mears led the Vikings to the state finals in 1978, then victory over Laurel in an all-downstate final in 1979. In that season, goalie Delia Clark allowed only two goals and Cape achieved Delaware’s first fall triple crown, with adjoining titles in football and cross country.

Mears worked at the Stockley Center for 30 years, becoming director of the facility for adults with developmental disabilities. Grateful to teammates who have become lifelong friends and beloved in the Cape community, she has lost her husband to cancer and both parents in the last three years — while surviving three kidney transplants.

— Founded in 1976, the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame is located on the Wilmington Riverfront at 801 Shipyard Drive on the first base side of Frawley Stadium. Sports fans can tour the museum for free each Saturday from 10am to 1pm and for two hours before every Blue Rocks home game.

After a standout high school career, Mears led Old Dominion to a national field hockey championship.

Photo courtesy DSHOF

PETS OF THE MONTH

Meet this month’s adorable adoptables sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka

DOMINO

SARGE

Food Motivated

Super

SASSY & SWEET QUEEN

5 YRS | FEMALE | 12.5 LBS

Playful, Spunky

Super Talkative

Loves to Chase Toys

Prefers Older Kids or Adults

Snuggle Bug

Food

Camping Canines

By Brianna Hansen

There’s something about summer in Delaware that begs for a weekend outdoors. Maybe it’s the salty air at Cape Henlopen, the wooded trails at Lums Pond, or simply the excuse to unplug. But for many dog owners, leaving home for an adventure just doesn’t feel right without their four-legged friend … The good news? Camping with your dog can be an absolute blast as long as you plan ahead!

Before booking your site, double-check that the campground is truly pet-friendly. Some locations welcome dogs on trails but not beaches, while others limit breeds, leash lengths, or the number of pets per campsite. A little research upfront avoids a lot of stress.

Remember that campground etiquette matters just as much for dogs as it does for humans. Not every camper wants a 6 a.m. wake-up call from an enthusiastic squirrel-spotting pup. Keeping dogs leashed, cleaning up after them, and respecting quiet hours helps everyone enjoy the outdoors. Pack toys, but skip the squeaky ones unless you want to become instantly unpopular with your neighbors.

Safety is another big focus, especially during June’s rising temperatures. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, and don’t forget a collapsible bowl for hikes and beach walks. Paw pads heat up quickly on sand and paved campground roads, so plan walks during cooler parts of the day when possible and limit your time in the sun.

Ticks are another warm-weather reality. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on flea and tick prevention before your trip, and do a quick nose-to-tail check each evening.

As for other gear, a few items can make the trip dramatically easier: a longer lead for relaxing at the campsite, a dog bed or thick blanket, extra towels for muddy paws, and a light-up collar for late night bathroom breaks. If you do opt for a lead, a harness is generally safer and more comfortable than clipping directly to a collar.

Perhaps the most important rule of all? Your dog should be your constant companion. Never leave them unattended in a tent, tied at a campsite, or inside a vehicle, even briefly. Summer temperatures rise fast, and unfamiliar environments can make any pet anxious or unpredictable.

And remember, keep your expectations realistic. Sometimes camping with dogs looks less like a zenfilled outdoor retreat and more like a dash to unscramble leashes while your dog investigates a fallen marshmallow.

But that’s part of the fun! Because at the end of the day, whether you’re sitting beside a campfire in Delaware or road-tripping to the mountains, the best camping memories usually involve the companions who are happiest simply being with you.

FYI Things Worth Knowing

IT'S A SIGN!

The Waypoints of Route One reveal interesting stories and we encourage you to read part one of Jim Miller's series (pg. 58). While you're at it, see if you can spot the four Route One road signs we've hidden in this issue. Tell us the four page numbers you find the signs and you could win a cool prize. Email your answers with the subject line: I Found the Signs by June 17 to Contact@TSNPub.com. We will choose three winners from correct submissions. Last month's winners: Douglas Campbell, Dorothy Mangum, Stephanie Traynor. The bus was on pages 29, 31, 43 and 53.

LESSONS BEYOND THE BALLFIELD

LARDEN STUDIO TOUR RETURNS JUNE 6

The annual Arden's Artists Studio Tour returns Saturday, June 6 from 11am–5pm, inviting visitors to explore the studios and galleries of 17 artists, artisans, and craftspeople throughout the Ardens. This year’s free, rainor-shine tour will also feature emerging young artists and new QR codes that allow guests to learn more about participating artists and their work while experiencing the area’s longstanding artistic heritage. Follow on Facebook for more information.

EASTSIDE THRIVE ROCK THE BLOCK

Eastside Thrive, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, and the Juneteenth Association will host Rock the Block on Saturday, June 13, as part of broader implementation efforts tied to the Eastside Thrive Plan. The event begins with a community cleanup at 8am at Bethel AME Church, followed by the Juneteenth Parade at 11am in downtown Wilmington, with a health-and-safety fair at Tubman-Garrett Park on the Riverfront immediately after. Register to volunteer at HabitatNCC.org.

ocal author John Riddle has released More Than a Game: Life Lessons from the Baseball Field, a new collection of stories inspired by the baseball experiences of his grandsons. The book explores lessons of teamwork, resilience, and personal growth learned through youth sports. “Baseball is just the setting,” Riddle said. “The real story is about becoming who you’re meant to be. It’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and learning from every experience, on and off the field.” The title, Riddle’s 42nd book and eighth self-published release, is available now on Amazon.

WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY NAMES FARNAN SCHOOL OF LAW

Wilmington University officially renamed its law school the Farnan School of Law on May 1, honoring Joseph J. Farnan Jr. for more than 50 years of service to the University. Farnan joined then-Wilmington College as a political science faculty member in 1970 and later helped establish its Criminal Justice program, served on the Board of Trustees, and championed the creation of the law school (then-Wilmington University School of Law), which welcomed its first class in 2023. University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon said the naming reflects Farnan’s longstanding commitment to accessible and affordable higher education. More at WilmU.edu.

OPERADELAWARE ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL DIRECTOR

OperaDelaware has named Eric Einhorn as its next General Director, effective August 1, 2026. Einhorn, co-founder of site-specific company On Site Opera, brings more than two decades of experience in artistic leadership, production, and nonprofit management, including work with The Metropolitan Opera.

OperaDelaware leaders cited Einhorn’s blend of creative vision and organizational leadership as key to guiding the company’s next chapter. He will succeed outgoing General Director Brendan Cooke and oversee the company’s artistic, administrative, and community engagement efforts as it continues expanding its innovative Company Artist model and regional programming. More at OperaDe.org.

2026 EDGE 2.0 GRANT RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

The Delaware Division of Small Business has awarded nine small businesses a total of $1.15 million through its Spring 2026 EDGE 2.0 Grant Competition. Entrepreneur winners included Huxley & Hiro, which will expand its downtown Wilmington “Prose Parlor” into a modern event venue. “We are so excited to build out the space and use the grant to really enhance our community offerings,” says co-owner Claire van den Broek. Other winners include Middletown's SOMA Skin & Sculpt and Wilmington-based companies Dunya Analytics, HouseCall VR, NeuroSync, and Trial IQ Technologies. EDGE 2.0 supports early-stage businesses through funding, mentorship, and post-award resources More at De.gov/edge.

DELAWARE DERBY DAY RETURNS

Delaware Park Casino will host the second annual Delaware Derby Day on Saturday, June 13, from noon to 5pm, featuring a full day of live thoroughbred racing and entertainment with a mix of national, local, and up-and-coming talent. The celebration includes family-friendly activities such as a Delaware-themed hat contest, giveaways, food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment by Delaware’s Mega Chin. More at DelawarePark.com

NEW LEADERSHIP AT THE DELAWARE CONTEMPORARY

The Delaware Contemporary has appointed Sara A. Crawford as Interim Managing Director as it enters a new phase of strategic planning and growth. Founded in 1979, the Wilmington museum has long served as a creative hub for emerging and established artists. Crawford, founder of Blondie Mansion and former director at True Access Capital’s Women’s Business Center, will guide priorities including artist support, fundraising, accessibility, and sustainability. “This moment is an opportunity to thoughtfully reimagine how contemporary arts institutions can continue to serve artists, audiences, and communities in meaningful and sustainable ways,” Crawford said. More at DeContemporary.org.

Photo courtesy of DSB

Courtesy of S.ara Crawford

JUNE 11TH - JULY 19TH

WATCH PARTIES THROUGHOUT

THE MATCHES

Catherine Rooney’s

Chelsea Tavern

Del Pez Mexican Gastropub

Docklands Riverfront

Kid Shelleen’s (Branmar)

Kid Shelleen’s (Trolley Square)

Hummingbird To Mars

Maker’s Alley

Rocco’s Sports Bar

Santa Fe Mexican Grill

Skratch Bar & Kitchen

Taco Grande

The Chancery

AT THESE WILMINGTON LOCATIONS: SPECIALS DURING EVERY MATCH PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS AT ALL ABOVE LOCATIONS! IN

Timothy’s Riverfront

Tonic Bar & Grille

Trolley Square Oyster House

Trolley Tap House

Washington Street Ale House

Wilma’s

A Good Death

Linda Gould helps people contemplate and actualize their end-of-life wishes

LBy Adriana Camacho-Church

inda Gould plans to have a good death.

A volunteer at AccentCare Inpatient Hospice Center at Christiana Care Hospital and a death doula, the 65-year-old knows a thing or two about death and dying.

As a certified and trained death doula, Gould provides non-medical, practical, and emotional end-of-life planning for individuals and their families. Through her practice, The Good Death Doula, she offers free workshops to educate the public on topics such as medical aid in dying, home funerals, and eco-friendly burials. Her free classes — Death Chat with Cookies, Share Your Grief, and Artful Meditation — address comfort and healing.

Her podcast Talk Death Delaware features conversations on topics such as human composting — natural organic reduction (NOR), caregiver support, and hospice care.

“When thinking about my own death, I can’t forget the things I’ve seen,” says Gould, who resides in Newark. “Everyone wants to die peacefully in their sleep. That really doesn’t happen to many people. So, people should really think about what a good death would look like for them.”

A good death means planning your end-of-life — preparing your finances, funeral and burial arrangements ahead of time; notifying your loved ones of your end-oflife wishes; a plan that honor your life and values.

A 2017 study published in Health Affairs, an online journal, shows that two out of three Americans have not put their end-of-life wishes in writing.

Gould created The Good Death Doula two years ago to help others avoid the turmoil she and her family went through during her father’s last days. The sleep deprivation, the emotional roller coaster, the denial, the confusion about what to do, and the feeling of everything being out of our control took a toll on everyone involved, she says.

“We didn’t even know if he was dead when he died.”

A survey released in 2024 by the National Funeral Directors Association found that an overwhelming majority of Americans (91%) think it's healthy and

normal to discuss death and dying — but nearly a third (27%) are uncomfortable doing that, and 31% struggle to contemplate their own mortality. Findings also showed that one's comfort level increases with age, with most Boomers open to discussing matters of death while most Gen Z are reluctant.

A native Delawarean who has lived in Europe, Australia, Africa and Japan, Gould says most Americans are unprepared for death. “Yet, that is so unnecessary,” she says. “There is a stigma around talking about death. I just want to help people get past that stigma so that something as natural and inevitable as death doesn’t have to be full of negativity, fear, and anxiety for the patient and the family.”

Wilmington resident Mary Jane Arden, 69, says Gould has helped her think through important decisions.

“Over the years I’ve come to realize that my horses and dogs were given a kinder, more compassionate end of life than my parents had,” Arden says. “That’s stayed with me, and it’s a big part of why I support medical aid in dying. For myself, I’d like to be cremated, with my ashes mixed with those of my dogs and scattered somewhere meaningful, returned to the world rather than buried. If my husband outlives me, then I’d want our ashes to be combined with his as well and dispersed together.”

Chris Lorence, 57, of Bethany Beach says he prefers to be composted and turned to soil.

“Whether embalmed and buried in a sealed vault or cremated, your remains are toxic and do more harm to the environment than most people realize,” Lorence says. “Linda

was the first person I'd met who was aware of and an advocate for natural organic reduction. I joined her on her podcast to discuss organic burial and the need to expand awareness.”

Although Delaware legalized human composting in May of 2024, no facility offers it. “The state does not have any guidelines established,” says Robert Timblin, owner of Faries Funeral Directors in Smyrna. The industry is new, requiring time to establish regulations, infrastructure, and specialized facilities.

Delaware residents must currently use out-of-state options for NOR. Faries Funeral Directors partners with provider Recompose in Seattle to assist Delaware residents. Return Home and Earth Funeral are other providers. Costs for human composting typically range from $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the provider, services included, and location.

In May of 2025, medical aid in dying became legal in Delaware. It authorizes the option of medical aid in dying for terminally ill, mentally capable Delawareans.

When reflecting on her life, Gould says her interest in art, philosophy, yoga, exposure to other cultures and religions, and volunteering with AccentCare and sitting with patients at the end of their lives, have all led her to where she is now.

“The hardest part of being involved in this is that everywhere I go, I end up talking about death and dying, I’m worried no one will invite me to parties anymore.”

—

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

RIVERFRONT

The Delaware Contemporary

200 S. Madison Street

656-6466 • DeContemporary.org

Exhibitions: group shows Tree Watching and ARC 26; solo shows for Elizabeth Bergeland and Hugh Atkins

DOWNTOWN

2nd & LOMA Leasing Office

211 N. Market Street 655-0124 • 2ndAndLoma.com

Exhibition: Free Will by Agi

Bridge Art Gallery

213 N. Market Street

439-0805 • BridgeArtGallery.net

Exhibition: Wings of Awakening

Chris White Gallery

701 N. Shipley Street

475-0998 • ChrisWhiteGallery.com

Exhibition: INTROspective by Cony Madariaga and Better Living Through Mythmaking by Lauren E. Peters

Christina Cultural Arts Center

Edward Loper, Sr. Gallery

705 N. Market Street

652-0101 • CCACDe.org

Exhibition: “Man Cave”

City of Wilmington’s Redding Gallery

800 N. French Street

576-2100

CityfestWilm.com/Redding-gallery

Exhibition: Zan-tay Collection by Chevala Oliver and City of Wilmington Employee Art Exhibit

Create Magic Studio 419 N. Market Street 439-0805

Exhibition: Future Cats of Tomorrow & The Marvelous Masked Mower 4 Double Book Release Art Party

Gallery at Grace Church

900 N. Washington Street (570) 412-1832

Exhibition: CatHeARTsis by Phoenix

The Grand Opera House

818 N. Market Street

658-7897 • TheGrandWilmington.org

Grand Gallery: Infinite Progression by Todd Breitling

baby grand Gallery: Journey in Through by Andrew Oresto

Huxley & Hiro Booksellers

601 N. Market Street

439-0805 • HuxleyAndHiro.com

Exhibition: Body Inclusive Art Show by Anna Rispoli

John William Gallery 1313 N Market Street

585-317-5409

Artists: Dennis Beach, Rick Hidalgo, and Hannah Robinett

MANE Gallery at the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange

1509 Clifford Brown Walk, Studio #1 576-2100

CityfestWilm.com/uae-amphitheater

Exhibition: Free Mic Group Show

Mezzanine Gallery 820 N. French Street 577-8278 • Arts.Delaware.gov

Artist: A Good Tree by Milton Downing

MKT Place Gallery

200 W. 9th Street 289-6772

Exhibition: She Blooms by Virgo Chanel

Spaceboy

205 N. Market Street 225-9781 • SpaceboyClothing.com

Exhibition: Art Battle Wilmington Presents Lil Spider

Wilma’s 900 N. Market Street 761-0564 • GoodTimeWilmas.com

Artist: Chhavi Gupta

WEST SIDE

Blue Streak Gallery 1721 Delaware Avenue 429-0506

Exhibition: Life Lines by Nancy Grimes

Howard Pyle Studio 1305 N. Franklin Street 656-7304

Exhibition: Featuring the works of The Studio Group artists

West Side Creative Hub 610 N. Union Street 563-2238

Exhibition: West Side Stories Group Show

BEYOND THE CITY

Arden Buzz-Ware Gallery 2119 The Highway, Arden 981-4811

Exhibition: A Love of Drawing –Russ McKinney Retrospective, his Mom, and Kelly Kinkaide

Bellefonte Arts

803-C Brandywine Blvd 547-2573 • BellefonteArts.com

Exhibition: Ireland and Other Places by Kathleen Donahey

Finist & The Owl 811 Brandywine Blvd, Bellefonte 786-228-6638 • FinistAndTheOwl.com

Exhibition: Healing with Color by Jennifer Gola

The Glad Suite 1339 Linden Street (410) 458-1119 • TheGladSuite.com

Exhibition: Hands On: An Interactive Art Exhibition in Tufted Woo

Lumen Studio & Gallery

Independence Mall 1601 Concord Pike, Suite 89 545-3204 • lumenstudiogallery.com

Exhibition: Iceland, a World Beyond Mid Century Collections 803D Brandywine Blvd 734-658-3308

Exhibition: León by Vincent Rivera

Oldhead Tattoo & Gallery 109 N. Maryland Avenue 482-8819 • OldheadTattoo.com

Exhibition: Seasons

Rockwood Park & Museum 4651 Washington Street Extension 761-4240

Exhibition: We the People… 5 Contemporary Artists. 1 Historic House.

The Station Gallery 3922 Kennett Pike 654-8638 • StationGallery.net

Exhibition: Spring Group Show

In celebration of Delaware 250, this monthly series will spotlight historic people and sites unique to our state.

Remembering New Sweden

Wilmington residents who shaped our shared history

IBy Laini Farrare

n late March 1638, two small ships sailed up the Delaware River carrying a group of settlers whose arrival would leave a lasting mark on the region now known as Delaware. Those vessels, the Kalmar Nyckel and the Fogel Grip, are often remembered as the ships that brought Swedish colonists to establish New Sweden, a short-lived colony that stretched along both sides of the Delaware River. Yet the story of that landing is much richer than a simple tale of flags planted on unfamiliar shores. It is a story of Swedes, Finns, Dutch influences, Indigenous diplomacy, and the practical building traditions that helped shaped life in the Mid-Atlantic.

The landing of the ships and the founding of Fort Christina near present-day Wilmington marked the start of New Sweden, the short-lived colony established by the Swedish Crown in 1638. About two dozen people including one enslaved African sailor, Antonius or “Black Anthony," formed the original settlement.

The settlers were much more diverse than the title “New Sweden” suggests. Many passengers were Finnish people, then subjects of the Swedish Empire. At that time they were known as “Forest Finns” for their skilled lumber work. Others, including Belgians and Germans, arrived later from different backgrounds as political control shifted from

Above: Old Swedes Church is Wilmington’s oldest building. Photo courtesy Old Swedes Church

Right: Dr. Tymen Stidham house, circa 1885. Photo courtesy Delaware Historical Society

Swedish to Dutch to English hands. From its earliest days, the Christina River settlement was a crossroads of languages, loyalties, and peoples.

The settlement would later grow north and west into what is now Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In 1643, the capital was moved from Fort Christina to Fort Nya Gothenborg on Tinicum Island. The colony’s other major settlements included Finland (Marcus Hook), Crane Hook (Wilmington), Wicaco (southern Philadelphia), Upland (Chester), and Fort Elfsborg (Salem, New Jersey).

Aside from the Rocks at Fort Christina, the colony’s legacy in Delaware can still be felt at Wilmington’s oldest building, Old Swedes Church. Officially known as Holy Trinity Church, the congregation dates to the beginning of the colony. The present building was completed in 1698. The church and burial ground occupy a Lenape burial ground that is estimated to have been used for thousands of years prior to European settlement. One of New Sweden’s most famous residents was Wilmington's first doctor, Tyman Stidham.

Perhaps New Sweden’s largest contribution to the United States was its log architecture. Finnish settlers helped popularize practical log construction in the Delaware Valley. The “v-notching” characterized Scandinavian log construction by cutting and shaping logs to fit together at the corners. English, French, and German settlers would later replicate this architecture with stylistic variations.

Wilmington was home to many cabins during the early period. Though many are now gone due to wood’s fragile nature, Front Street, French Street, Market Street, and Walnut Street were still home to several cabins during the early 20th century. Not many people know that the romanticized imagery of log cabins on the rowdy American frontier was born out a transatlantic tradition in Wilmington, Delaware.

According to Delaware Public Archives, log cabins like this one (from the 1600s) were among the first to have been built in America. This one was moved to the Fort Christina Park in 1962 and existed there until the early 21st century

Photo courtesy of Delaware Historical Society

The history of New Sweden matters as Delaware prepares to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. Too often, early American history is told through neat origin stories: one ship arrives, one group settles, and one town begins. Wilmington’s history is much more interesting than that. Its founding landscape was shaped by Indigenous people. Its colonial period included Swedes, Finns, Dutch, English, and Africans. Its institutions rose on ground already marked by earlier communities.

Today, visitors can tour the replica Kalmar Nyckel, walk through Old Swedes’ Churchyard, or stand near the site of Fort Christina. But they should also imagine the people whose names are often less centered.

Wilmington did not begin with a single landing in 1638. It emerged from layers of human presence. That is the story worth telling and retelling as Delaware reflects on its past.

— To learn about upcoming DE250 events, visit Delaware250.org.

Separation Day

IN HISTORIC NEW CASTLE

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

JUNE 12 & 13, 2026

Former Eagles player Kevin Reilly is the Master of Ceremonies for this time-honored Colonial-Themed Parade. Featuring Caesar Rodney—The 250 Ride, Historic Re-enactors, Antique Cars & Fire Engines, Historic Musical Groups, Floats . . .

Quite The Move

For a pair of ballroom dancers from Ukraine, the American Dream feels real and attainable

DBy Andrea Smith

espite their status as ballroom dance champions, Tania Sopit and Denis Parfyonov’s careers as dance instructors were never secure in their home country of Ukraine.

Nationally, there were seasons of conflict and uncertainty even before the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, often resulting in tense situations at their dance studio in Kyiv. People didn’t come to classes with the same optimism and joy as they do here in Delaware, Parfyonov says. How could they? War was imminent. >

Tania Sopit (front) and Denis Parfyonov (blue shirt) work an instructional session at the BlueBallRoom. Photos by Andrea Smith

Now in Wilmington, they come to work at the BlueBallRoom Dance Studio with an expectation that what they build may last and that there’s space for hope and happiness.

“For us, it was very unusual that people were always smiling,” says Sopit. “Life is good, and there is always something to be grateful for… If you don't feel like smiling, but you smile anyway, then you feel better automatically. That's what I actually like about American culture and American people.”

Sopit and Parfyonov have been married for seven years and dance partners for 13. Making the leap together, they moved to the United States in late September of 2022 at the invitation of BlueBallRoom directors Ken and Roseanna Richards, who have connections throughout the ballroom dance world and felt compelled to help those who were interested in leaving Ukraine.

“There was a lot of support for [Ukrainians], but not everybody knew what they could do,” says Ken Richards. “We knew that there were talented dancers in Ukraine, and that maybe we could provide an opportunity for a career, or a chance to escape the war and maybe also to make a new life here in America.”

Getting the job offer felt like winning the lottery, says Parfyonov. They didn’t know anything about Delaware — initially, an internet search for “Wilmington” diverted them to North Carolina and further confused their expectations — but they felt confident in the studio being a safe place to land.

The Richards sponsored Sopit and Parfyonov’s application through the Biden administration’s Uniting for Ukraine program and opened their home throughout the resettlement process.

“We took them to get their working papers, to get their social security cards, to get their driver's licenses — all of those things helping them establish themselves so that they could work and pay taxes,” says Richards. “They're making contributions to the community, just like everybody else, so they're shopping here, working here, playing here, and you know, they're a regular part of Wilmington.”

Dance With Me

Both Sopit and Parfyonov were born and raised as dancers in different Ukrainian cities and met as adults while training and teaching in Kyiv. As professional dance partners, they placed first in multiple Ukrainian dance competitions, first in a European Standard Showdance Champion, and were finalists in two world championships. Since moving to Delaware, they’ve retired from competing but still enjoy performing at regional events — such as last month’s Field & Fête: Winterthur Celebrates 75 Years — while teaching group or private lessons six days a week.

Additionally, their jobs involve fostering a community at the BlueBallRoom by hosting club dance parties in collaboration with other staff members. These typically

occur twice a month and they welcome non-members to visit the studio, too. People of all ages come with partners, friends, or alone — knowing they’ll find someone to dance with before the night ends.

The space is set up more like an events venue than a traditional dance studio. A Frank Sinatra radio station plays on outdoor speakers 24/7, greeting guests from the parking lot. Inside, a chandelier sparkles above a curved staircase and leads dancers to the lobby and an open studio, where a disco ball glitters over the dance floor. There are tables and a small bar at the center that allow space for socializing, snacking, and people watching.

“My wife and I wanted to build a beautiful place where people could feel special when they come in the door — not just a dance floor and a ceiling with fluorescent lights,” says Richards. “We recognize what dance does for people. We have a number of students who are psychologists, who are teachers, or who are medical professionals, and they take from this a reset in their lives — their busy, busy lives with helping people. They come in here and they do something for themselves.”

At a club party, there’s no pressure to perform with perfect technique, although it does provide an opportunity to practice the styles of dance taught in various classes. Dancers take their cues from the mix of music playing throughout the evening: Is the beat conducive to a cha-cha, swing, salsa, or waltz? They listen, find their rhythm, and move across the floor accordingly.

All BlueBallRoom instructors are well-versed in a variety of ballroom, Latin, and other social dance genres, so their students learn how to partner with another dancer and either lead or follow cues. Students have opportunities to test these skills and earn medals in bronze, silver, and gold, which represent the levels completed through instudio training. At a party in late April, Richards and the instructors awarded certificates to those who had recently performed in front of judges to complete their Medalist Achievement Exams.

Students range in age from elementary-aged kids to older adults. Some come for professional training and compete across the country, while others join classes as a hobby or to practice for an upcoming wedding. It’s a popular studio for engaged couples or brides and their fathers who want to learn a dance routine, as well as for couples seeking a unique date experience.

Joanie Thayer, one of Parfyonov’s students, joined the studio after her husband passed away, and in retirement, she reignited a love for dance.

“When I walk in the ballroom, I feel special, and I feel young,” says Thayer. “It's just a very special feeling. And when you learn these dances, it's a very good health situation, as well. It keeps your brain going and your body going.”

Kyle Turner began lessons shortly after moving to the area, hoping to meet people and also learn ballroom dance.

“He's really good with the details, and he knows how to

work within my capabilities,” Turner says of Parfyonov’s teaching strengths. “He's so advanced, of course, but he never makes you feel [behind].”

“People need our knowledge, our skills. They appreciate it,” says Parfyonov, adding that he learns something new from his students every day.

The American Dream

After nearly four years in the United States, Sopit and Parfyonov have bought a car, adopted a dog, and started looking for a house to buy. They admire the white-picketfence neighborhoods and ample parks, but most of all, they’re grateful to make a living as dancers.

“It’s the American Dream,” says Parfyonov. “If you’re a professional in something, you can reach everything if you want it. In Ukraine, unfortunately, it's a little bit different.”

It’s more feasible to support their families while they maintain steady jobs in Delaware, he says. Still, it stings to remember the danger and uncertainty that loved ones endure back in Ukraine.

“My mom calls me to say, ‘I'm in the shelter again,’” says Parfyonov. “And we're sitting here, sitting in a beautiful studio, and somebody in the shelter cannot sleep

Denis Parfyonov and Tania Sopit with Blue Ballroom director Ken Richards.

because there’s no electricity, bombs falling … It's tough.”

At least 5.6 million Ukrainians have tried to leave, and approximately 3.7 million remain “internally displaced within Ukraine, navigating precarious living conditions often marked by overcrowding, inadequate shelter, financial insecurity, and limited access to basic services,” according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration.

They talk with their family regularly, and Sopit’s parents have been able to visit them in the United States. But while the couple continues to work through everchanging immigration requirements to maintain their legal status here, they must stay in the United States and wait for an opportunity to visit in the future.

“Even if the war stopped tomorrow, we would still stay here,” says Parfyonov. “We feel like we're in our country, and we feel at home here.”

Their goals are to “travel, have fun, teach,” and “make our dance community bigger,” says Parfyonov. They hope to see the BlueBallRoom busy all day, every day.

“All our students are just so uplifted. They all have their troubles and problems, you know, but they always look happy,” says Sopit. “Dance also helps all of us be a little happier, a little more grateful.”

Students test new moves during a recent dance class at the BlueBallRoom.

Songs of Summer Italian classics to today’s favorite hits.

Bring the Family

From young ones to young at heart.

Ride Into Summer Games, rides, and excitement for the family.

Reconnect With Friends

Catch up, catch some tunes and make some memories.

Capture the Moment

Snap the photos you’ll be sharing all summer long.

Feel the Atmosphere

Come for the food. Stay for the unforgettable festival spirit.

Best of the Fests

Summer in Greater Wilmington is packed with festivals celebrating food, music, culture, and community — all while marking our nation’s 250th anniversary. Here is a preview of what to expect.

HOLY TRINITY GREEK FESTIVAL

June 1 – June 6 | 11am-11pm | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Wilmington

Transport yourself to Greece at this annual week-long celebration of culture, cuisine, and tradition. Enjoy authentic dishes, folk dancing, and live Greek music from Philadelphia’s Atlantis, all in a festive village-style atmosphere. Opa!

— Visit GreekFestDe.com

ST. ANTHONY’S ITALIAN FESTIVAL

June 7 – June 13 | 901 N. Dupont Street, Wilmington

Hosted by St. Anthony of Padua Church, this festival is one of the largest Italian American cultural events in the region and brings the spirit of Italy to Wilmington with authentic cuisine, live music, traditional dances, carnival rides, and games for all ages.

SEPARATION DAY

June 12 & 13 | Historic New Castle

— Visit SAPDE.org/ItalianFestival

One of the state’s longest-running traditions returns as Separation Day marks the 250th anniversary of Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and the British Crown. Festivities begin Friday evening with an outdoor block party at The Wharf featuring live music, food trucks, and a beer/wine garden. On Saturday, a Colonial-inspired parade kicks off at noon, followed by activities in Battery Park including a vintage market, kids’ rides, food and drink, live music, and a grand fireworks finale over the Delaware River.

— Visit SeparationDayDe.com

St. Anthony's

ROCKWOOD PRIDE DANCE

Friday, June 12 | 6-11pm

The Carriage House at Rockwood Park, Wilmington

Don your rainbows and dance the night away at this free, all-ages Pride celebration featuring queer pop artist Be Steadwell, acoustic roots and rock group Just Roses, and DJ Raven de la Noir, along with drag entertainment, vendors, snacks and drinks, and tours of the We the People … art exhibition.

— Visit Rockwood.org

32nd ANNUAL JUNETEENTH PARADE & FESTIVAL

Saturday, June 13 | 11am

Rodney Square & Tubman-Garrett Park, Wilmington

Hosted by the Delaware Juneteenth Association, this celebration of freedom and resilience begins with a parade down King Street, followed by a free family-friendly festival at Tubman-Garrett Park featuring live music, entertainment, food trucks, and more.

— Visit DelawareJuneteenth.org

REGGAE IN THE PARK

Sunday, June 14 | noon-6pm

Delaware Park, Wilmington

Delaware’s largest Caribbean festival brings high-energy performances, world-class reggae artists, DJs, food, local vendors, and a vibrant celebration of culture and community. Free, family-friendly, and full of rhythm, this growing tradition delivers an unforgettable day built around music, unity, and Caribbean pride.

— Visit ReggaeInTheParkDelaware.com

The Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival serves up fun for all ages June 27.

Photo courtesy New Castle County Parks

SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

Saturday, June 20 | noon-3pm Dupont Environmental Education Center, Wilmington Riverfront

Spend the afternoon on the Christina River exploring nature up close. Paddle the river, try dip-netting, meet live animals, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages.

— Visit DelawareNatureSociety.org

RUMBLE IN RODNEY

Saturday, June 28 | 6-10pm

Rodney Square, Downtown Wilmington

As part of Wilmington Celebrates Delaware 250, Downtown Wilmington will transform into an open-air boxing arena featuring a USA Boxing-sanctioned showcase of top amateur fighters competing under the lights. The event is free and open to the public, with reserved ringside seating available for purchase. The evening also includes live music, food trucks, celebrity boxers and special guests. A drone show above the historic Court House provides a grand finale.

— Visit CityfestWilm.com/Rumble-in-Rodney

OLD-FASHIONED ICE CREAM FESTIVAL

Saturday, June 27 | 1-9pm Rockwood Park, Wilmington

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! And there’s plenty of the sweet treat to enjoy at this quintessential summer event that also includes live music, family entertainment, free museum tours, a beer garden, fireworks at dusk, and more.

— Visit NCCDE.org/ICF

JULY 4th DELAWARE 250 CELEBRATION

Saturday, July 5 | 2-10pm | Wilmington Riverfront

This daylong, free family celebration will feature live music on multiple stages by Kristen & The Noise, Big Package, Lower Case Blues Band, Clifford Brown Festival Orchestra, DJ Mega Skills and more. Another highlight is an honor tent featuring a mesmerizing salute to Delaware history and our Founding Fathers. There will also be hotair balloon rides, amusement rides and games for young kids, free admission to the Delaware Children’s Museum, Kalmar Nyckel tours, and a Delaware Made Pavilion. The day culminates with a fireworks display over the Christina River with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra providing the musical accompaniment.

— Visit Delaware250.org

by Kelly

ARTISAN MARKET AT WINTERTHUR

July 17, 18 & 19 | 10am-4pm

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Browse handcrafted goods, vintage finds, antiques, garden décor, gourmet treats, and original artwork from talented regional artisans during this summer shopping weekend. From woodworking and ceramics to textiles and jewelry, there’s something unique waiting around every corner.

— Visit Winterthur.org

MID ATLANTIC WHISKEY FESTIVAL

Saturday, July 25 | 6-9pm 2411 Lancaster Ave, Wilmington

Sip your way through a wide range of whiskeys, from bold bourbons to smooth single malts and ryes, at this elevated 21+ tasting. Guests can explore standout pours while watching top bartenders battle it out in a live cocktail competition.

— Visit MidAtlanticWhiskeyFestival.com

22nd ANNUAL DOWNTOWN NEWARK FOOD & BREW FEST

Saturday, July 25 | noon-7pm | Downtown Newark

This summer tradition celebrates the relationship between the culinary arts and brewing sciences. Explore downtown restaurants offering 40+ beer tastings paired with creative food specials in a pay-as-you-go format. Guests can sample, shop, and enjoy a lively, walkable festival experience throughout the day.

— Visit NewarkFoodAndBrewFest.com

Visitors browse unique gifts and goods at Winterthur’s annual Artisan Market.

Photo

Levin

39th ANNUAL CLIFFORD BROWN JAZZ FEST

August 2 - August 8 | Rodney Square, Downtown Wilmington

The Clifford Brown Jazz Fest, the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast, returns in August with a reimagined weeklong celebration featuring themed nights, live painting during performances, and a starstudded lineup of jazz artists.

— Visit CliffordBrownJazzFest.org

33rd ANNUAL MIDDLETOWN OLDE-THYME PEACH FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 15 | 8:45am-4pm Main Street, Middletown

This festival is far from the pits, delivering a perfectly peachy day of family fun including a parade, food, live music, kids’ activities, local art, a peach pie contest and more in a festive, walkable downtown atmosphere.

— Visit MiddletownPeachFestival.com

212th ANNUAL AUGUST QUARTERLY FESTIVAL

Sunday, August 30 | Wilmington Riverfront

The August Quarterly, the nation’s oldest African American religious festival, honors religious freedom, free speech, and the right to assemble. The weeklong celebration culminates with a Sunday service and lively riverfront festival featuring music, storytelling, performances, children’s activities, local vendors, food, and more.

— Visit AugustQuarterly.org

Clifford Brown Jazz Fest is the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast.

Photo by Butch Comegys

What Is Separation Day?

The story behind one of Delaware’s oldest celebrations and how the state put its stamp on the start of the American Revolution

By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald

As Delawareans, we’ve (hopefully) all heard of “Separation Day.” But how many of us have delved into the history of the event and why we’re still commemorating it 250 years later?

Separation Day is unique to Delaware, so it’s truly a day all about The First State. This annual celebration is held on the second Saturday of June in Historic New Castle, which served as Delaware’s capital in the colonial era. >

Photo by Lindsay duPhily

The day marks the Delaware colonial assembly’s decision to separate from Pennsylvania — and thus, England — and become its own state. Before that time Delaware had been known as the "Lower Three Counties" of Pennsylvania.

On June 15, 1776 — weeks before the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence itself — an 18-man Delaware assembly (six representatives from each county) met at what would become New Castle Court House to adopt the Act of Separation.

NOTE: Separation Day is different from Delaware Day (December 7), which honors the day that Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

A Quick History Primer

In 1681, some time after acquiring the region from the Dutch, King Charles II bequeathed to Wiliam Penn the territory known today as Pennsylvania — likely to settle a debt owed to Penn’s family. The King’s brother, The Duke of York, controlled the Lower Three Counties and subsequently gave that region over to Penn as well, to establish Pennsylvania’s waterway access to the Atlantic.

Penn granted the Lower Three Counties on the Delaware the ability to form their own general assembly in 1704, although the area continued to share a governor with Pennsylvania.

“For a long time, the Pennsylvania and Delaware regions were connected politically,” says Juliette Wurm, a member of Delaware’s Historical and Cultural Affairs Department and Site Supervisor of the New Castle Court House Museum.

Despite its own governance, religious, political and economic differences continued to grow between the two territories.

On that June day, Wurm says, Delaware’s legislators decided to fully separate from both Pennsylvania and England. This happened as the Continental Congress was encouraging colonies to create governments independent from Britain, and just before the Declaration of Independence was approved.

The Local Connection to American History

“I think [Separation Day] is important because it gives a local focus to the history of the American Revolution,” says Wurm. “We often think of the Revolution in broad national terms, but Separation Day shows how independence happened, step by step, at the local level.”

“This is very much a Delaware story,” she continues. “It’s our own local celebration and our own local connection to the Revolution.”

Samantha Baranski, Visitor Services Lead at First State National Historical Park, notes that reflecting on our nation’s history reminds us of the challenges we’ve overcome together and inspires us to continue learning from our shared past.

“Separation Day provides a meaningful opportunity to

do both,” she says. “We can celebrate the courage and vision of our founding leaders while we recognize the important role Delaware has played in shaping our nation.”

Antonina Tantillo, New Castle’s City Administrator, notes that the celebration is important on multiple levels.

“Without this event, our nation may not be the same as we know it today,” she says. “And, [Separation Day] is so important to the City of New Castle specifically, because this is where it happened! History was made here, and it’s important we remember that.”

Be ‘In the Room Where It Happens’

One of Wurm’s favorite parts of the celebration is helping visitors connect directly with the physical space where history was made.

“To borrow from Lin-Manuel Miranda, there’s a real power to being in ‘the room where it happened,’” she says. “We can say, ‘in this room 250 years ago is where Delaware decided [to separate from Pennsylvania and Britain].’ That connection to place makes history very real and relevant.

“Honestly, I’d love to get Pennsylvania officials involved,” Wurm joked. “Maybe Governor Meyer could formally hand Governor Shapiro a document saying, ‘We’ve officially been independent from you for 250 years.’”

Baranski shares that one of her favorite parts of Separation Day is seeing all the smiling faces. “You see the twinkle in children’s eyes as they watch the parade . . . throughout the day, I enjoy watching families laugh together and create memories that I hope they can reflect on for years to come.”

Tantillo also enjoys the camaraderie the day brings to Delawareans in New Castle and beyond.

“I love that this event truly brings the community together,” she says. “Everyone joins in on the fun — whether participating in or observing the parade, dancing to music at the festival, or ending the night with friends and family watching the most spectacular fireworks — there is something for everyone.”

As Delaware marks this historic anniversary, we recognize the day serves as both a celebration and a reminder — the story of America’s independence was shaped not only in places like Philadelphia, but also in

smaller places like New Castle, where local leaders made decisions that would define the future of an entire state, and ultimately, a country.

Celebrate with History, Fireworks & More

The City of New Castle, which is also celebrating its 375th anniversary this year (established as Fort Casimir in 1651 by Peter Stuyvesant), has a long history of celebrating Separation Day. Wurm says that the “modern” Separation Day festivities grew in popularity with the advent of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration in 1976. “Different iterations of [the event] have occurred over the years, always with the spirit of celebrating the monumental history that occurred here and the wonderful community of the City of New Castle,” says Tantillo.

Separation Day 2026 will be a two-day celebration, starting with the Separation Day Kickoff Party at The Wharf in Old New Castle on Friday, June 12, at 6:00 p.m. The block party-style event includes food trucks, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks, with live music from Special Delivery.

Celebrations continue Saturday, June 13, beginning at noon with the official Separation Day Parade & Festival. It’s a day-long party for all ages with a Colonialinspired parade down Delaware Street; an appearance by the team re-enacting Caesar Rodney's historic ride to Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Indpendence (250Ride.og); an Artisan & Vintage Market in Battery Park; a Distinctly Delaware Pavilion; antique cars, kids’ rides and activities; beer garden; live music from Club Phred, Lyric Drive, and Brandi Sanders; and a fireworks display over the Delaware River at 9:30 p.m.

Baranski shares that this year, Park Rangers will collaborate with historical institutions across the state to offer hands on activities for families to explore Delaware’s rich heritage. For guests who might enjoy an extra challenge, they offer a “Junior Ranger” program for youth to earn their own badge and take the official Junior Ranger Pledge to help preserve Delaware’s parks for future generations.

—

Photo by Lindsay duPhily

Photo by Butch Comegys

Photos courtesy of Riverfront Development Corporation

The Wilmington Riverfront and Christina River play host to Delaware Cruises & Events. Enjoy public and private cruises for any occasion! For full details, visit: DelawareCruises.com

The DuPont Environmental Education Center

The DuPont Environmental Education Center features a 13,000 square foot facility on a 212-acre freshwater tidal marsh on the edge of the Peterson Wildlife Refuge adjoining the Christina River. The sprawling marsh is home to wildlife such as American bald eagles, wood ducks, American beavers, dragonflies, river otters, and eastern painted turtles. Open to the public, year-around with a visitor center featuring panoramic views and most notably access to the trailhead of the Jack A. For more information, visit: DelawareNatureSociety.org/DEEC

Banks’ Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar

Banks’SeafoodKitchen&RawBar

Big Fish Grill

Del Pez Gastropub

Delaware Duck Café & Catering

DelawareDuckCafé&Catering

Docklands Riverfront

DocklandsRiverfront

Iron Hill Brewery

Riverfront Bakery

River Rock Kitchen

Taco Grande

The Riverfront Asian Cuisine & Bar

TheRiverfrontAsianCuisine&Bar

Timothy’s on the Riverfront

Timothy’sontheRiverfront

RIVERFRONT MARKE

RIVERFRONTMARKET

MON- FRI: 9AM-6P SAT: 9AM-4PM

MON-FRI:9AM-6PM

Stop in and enjoy fresh produce, made-to-order salads and sandwi Mexican, Indian, and Thai favorit Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken, Pizz Coffee, Pastries, Breakfast Sandwiches, and so much more under one roof!

Bernie’s Espresso is OPEN EARLY!

MON- FRI: 7AM-5P SAT: 8AM-4PM

T M ches, es, a, all M

made-to-ordersaladsandsandwiches, Mexican,Indian,andThaifavorites, PeruvianRotisserieChicken,Pizza, Sandwiches,andsomuchmore—all 7AM-5PM

Steak tacos at Del Pez

Fin Bike Rentals

The Riverfront is one of the best places in the area for a bike ride, and we have the best bikes for you to rent!

Our Fin bike rental service onsite at the Riverfront is as convenient as it gets — whether you are visiting the area; you live nearby and don’t have a bike (or it’s not convenient to get here with your bike); or you simply want to go on a spontaneous spin.

Reservations & Info: Bikes available 7am-6pm; last rental 5pm.

Bike Rentals are now available at two locations: on the Riverwalk between Riverwalk Mini Golf and Taco Grande and at the DuPont Environmental Education Center.

Public Parking: 601 South Madison Street.

Take a Break by the River ∙ 12:15PM - 1:15PM

Join us on the Riverfront every Wednesday from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM for our free Lunchtime Concert Series at Hare Overlook Pavilion! Enjoy live performances featuring jazz, rock, pop, and R&B – the perfect midweek pickme-up with beautiful river views.

June 3rd∙ June 10 ∙ June 17 ∙ June 24 th th th

Additional July and August dates can be found on our website July August dates can be on our July can found website

Drone Light Show ∙ 9:00PM - 9:30PM

Join us at 9 PM for a spectacular Drone Light Show at Riverfront Wilmington as our 30th Anniversary celebration continues! Watch the night sky come alive with synchronized drones and dazzling lights along the Riverwalk between Taco Grande and Riverwalk Mini Golf. Bring your family and friends and celebrate 30 years of Riverfront Wilmington under the lights.

June 12th

ThursdayChildren’sHour ∙ 11AM-12PM

Thursday Children’s Hour 11AM - 12PM

Bring the kids to the Riverfront for Thursday Children’s Hour! us every Thursday from 11 AM to 12 PM at the Hare Overlook Pavilion for magical fun, live music, -friendly entertainment. Enjoy exciting magician performances and lively tunes in a beautiful out setting. It’s the perfect midweek outing for little ones and their grown-ups!

June 18 ∙ July 16 ∙ August 6 th th th

JoinuseveryThursdayfrom11AMto12PMattheHareOverlookPavilionformagicalfun,livemusic,and family-friendlyentertainment.Enjoyexcitingmagicianperformancesandlivelytunesinabeautifuloutdoor

Join and family door

The Little Farm Petting Zoo ∙ 3PM - 6PM

Join us from 3 6 PM for a hands on experience with alpacas, goats, sheep, bunnies, ducks, and more!

Plus, enjoy face painting for the kids – it’s all FREE and fun for the whole family!

June 19 ∙ July 18 ∙ August 8 th th th

Riverfront Walking Tour ∙ All Summer Long

Explore the Riverfront in a whole new way with our Walking Tour, available all summer long as part of our 30th Anniversary celebration! Discover the stories, landmarks, and hidden details that highlight 30 years of transformation along the Christina River as you stroll the Riverwalk Follow along with our audio tour at your own pace and experience the history, growth, and scenic views that helped shape Riverfront Wilmington.

Riverfront Rewards ∙ All Summer Long

Support local and get rewarded with Riverfront Rewards, available all summer long as part of our 30th Anniversary celebration! Dine, shop, or play at participating Riverfront businesses, then submit your receipt for a chance to win weekly giveaways like gift cards, mini golf passes, and Riverfront merchandise, plus monthly grand prizes including Riverboat Cruise tickets and more Every $30 spent earns you an entry, with bonus chances on Wednesdays and when you join the fun on social media .

Turning Up the Heat

From hot sauce to ice cream, Chip Hearn has the Midas touch

YBy Pam George

ou could say that entrepreneurship is in Luther “Chip” Hearn’s blood. His grandfather and great-uncle started Hearn Brothers food markets on March 17, 1919. By 1948, there were three locations. Hearn’s father, Luther Jr., was a serial entrepreneur. “He was a workaholic. He worked every day, all the hours,” his son recalls.

At one point, the Hearn family had up to eight Dairy Queen and Tastee-Freez locations throughout the state. With his father and sister, Randi, Hearn co-owned the Country Squire in Rehoboth Beach and The Starboard Restaurant in Dewey Beach. Today, he owns Lewes-based Peppers.com, which sells hot sauces, and The Ice Cream Store in Rehoboth Beach. He’s also an investor in Somewhere, the Rehoboth Beach restaurant that his daughter, Aileen Hearn, owns with partner Kyle Ten Eyck.

The natural-born business owner is also a savvy marketer. When Hearn owned The Starboard, he ran hermit crab races, which he emceed with a microphone, recalls the restaurant’s current owner, Steve “Monty” Montgomery, who was an employee at the time. >

“People would crowd around him, cheering on their hermit crab,” Montgomery says. “As you can imagine, those little guys don’t move too fast, so it was hilarious that customers were laughing, screaming and watching these things take 30 minutes to move a whopping 8 feet.”

The Starboard’s popular Bloody Mary bar helped launch Hearn’s hot sauce business, which Hearn promoted at industry events. At The Ice Cream Store, the flavor names read like marketing copy — they’re playful, memorable and built for word-of-mouth. Consider Booger, Garlic Amaretto Chip and Lick Me, I’m Delicious.

Although raised in North Wilmington, the Brandywine High School graduate is a coastal Delawarean through and through.

An Early Start

The Hearn family began vacationing in Rehoboth Beach long before Hearn was born, he says. They spent their summers at the house they owned on Olive Avenue, where there was a vacant lot after the March 1962 storm consumed an apartment building.

“It was the greatest concept, because it meant that we got to be at the beach all summer instead of having to work somewhere else,” Hearn says. The homespun business didn’t raise an eyebrow at a time when milk trucks and fish or meat vendors would deliver to residences.

Hearn and his friends saw the space as an opportunity. The teenagers, including Butch Emmert, made water ice in the Dinner Bell’s kitchen, owned by Emmert’s grandmother, Ruth Cowgill Emmert. (Today, it’s the Bellmoor Inn.) They sold the water ice from a table on the lot.

Hearn and his family purchased the Dairy Queen on Lewes Beach, and Hearn lived nearby. “In those days, everything closed down at the end of September,” he says. “Then it opened just before Easter. So, you basically led a double life. You worked doing other stuff in the winter, and then you worked at the beach in the summer.”

He added a Dairy Queen on Rehoboth Avenue. Another space became available. Hearn was ready to move from soft serve to scoopable ice cream. His marketing plan came from a University of Virginia commerce-school assignment: Hearn and his classmates were supposed to create a business from scratch, and he asked whether they could build the project around a real Rehoboth Avenue shop.

The name also came from that exercise. Hearn admits “The Ice Cream Store” sounded almost too obvious, but that was the point. “What a silly name, but the professor loved it,” he says. At time, they were not serving homemade ice cream. That came later.

Hearns' award-winning Georgia Peach and Vidalia Onion Hot Sauce.

From Dessert to Full Service

Around 1980, the Hearns purchased The Country Squire, and Randi moved to the beach to help run it. Their father, who’d retired, got involved. “We said, ‘OK, now it’s time to do the thing,” Hearn says. “That was a totally different ballgame.” The Country Squire had just under 120 seats, a bar area and a “minuscule” kitchen, he says. They ordered supplies from Butch McQuay’s store down the street. (It’s now Egg.)

In the mid-1980s, The Starboard was up for sale. The Dewey Beach landmark began around 1960 as Duke Duggan’s Last Resort Bar, a small tavern that served spaghetti and meatballs and hosted late-night winter singalongs with locals. Over time, additions expanded the building and the business. The Hearns bought the business and the building.

Hearn’s father opened the restaurant at 6 a.m. Ever the grocery store owner, he taught the staff how to open a can of tomato juice on the Bloody Mary bar in such a way that customers couldn’t help but place it back on the shelf with the label facing outward, recalls Montgomery, who started working at the restaurant when he was 18.

Randi and Hearn came in later, often staying until 2 a.m., seven days a week in summer. Hearn let his imagination go wild. “He was not only a great marketing professional, but he was also incredibly creative in finding ways to keep customers engaged and talking about the place,” Montgomery says.

Hearn, he adds, had a great rule: “You don’t ever steal

any ideas from anyone locally, but when you travel out of town, it’s fair game to steal any cool, fun idea you see! I love that myself.”

Hearn would bet customers double or nothing on their bar tab to consumer half a bottle of Parmesan cheese. “They all fell for it, and three to four bites into the Parmesan, they would beg for mercy,” Montgomery says.

Stunts were only one layer to The Starboard’s success. Montgomery says Hearn’s customer service was “insane.” If a guest wanted Hearn to stand on a table and sing “Happy Birthday,” he would do it. “Nothing was out of the question,” Montgomery says. “I love that style and have done my best to maintain it.”

Fire & Ice

The DIY Bloody Mary bar’s hot sauce collection continued to grow, and Randi and Hearn opened Peppers, a small shop adjacent to The Starboard. Hearn had long been fascinated by how hot sauce was sold in New Orleans, where his sister Tracy lived. He was ahead of his time. This was long before “Hot Ones,” a YouTube interview show from First We Feast, hosted by Sean

Hearns saved his creativity at The Ice Cream Store for the flavors, not the name.

Evans. Celebrities answer thought-provoking questions while eating progressively hotter wings.

Hearn wanted a proprietary label, but in those days, co-packing was not the accessible industry it later became. The first sauce with his label was made by Crystal, the Louisiana brand. It was not a custom recipe, he says, but it was a start. Dewey Beach Fire, one of the early products, was designed for regular use rather than punishment. “It was not designed to be superhot,” Hearn says. “It was designed just to enjoy regularly, like we did in those days.”

In 1999, the Hearns sold The Starboard to a group that included Montgomery. It’s gratifying to see the next owner succeed, Hearn says. Too often, the opposite result is true. Country Squire, for instance, only lasted a few years after the Hearns sold it.

Peppers is now a store, a catalog and an online business. In the early days, promoting Peppers took time; Hearn often attended shows and competitions. His Georgia Peach and Vidalia Onion Hot Sauce won a first prize in the fruit category at Chili Pepper magazine’s National Fiery Food Show. You Can’t Handle This Hot Sauce won third overall.

Hearn, however, considers the heat. He has watched the industry move from vinegar-based pepper sauces to ghost peppers, Carolina Reapers and Pepper X. He respects the innovators, including South Carolina grower Ed Currie, but he does not view heat as the whole point. When Hearn eats a good piece of meat or seafood, he does not want to bury it. “I want a sauce that matches what I’m eating,” says

Hearn, who was inducted into the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame.

Today, Somewhere has a wall filled with shelves of hot sauces, and customers can select one to complement their meal. Hearn is an investor in his daughter’s business — and a proud father — but he is clear about the roles. “It’s their restaurant,” he says. “They do all the work.” Hearn’s son, Sean, bartends at the restaurant.

Randi died in 2011; her father in 2017. Judging by the way Hearn talks about them, he still feels the loss of his family members and partners. At 73, he still works seven days a week, though not with the same punishing schedule as before. He travels less for Peppers and says he has no desire to start another major venture. But he is not retired, he adds.

And he has left a coastal legacy, evident in the lines of customers who want to try Booger or Better Than Sex ice cream, now made by Woodside Farm Creamery in Hockessin. It’s also apparent in the employees he’s trained who are now successful.

“I know that I learned so much from Chip and even 26 years later, I still go to him to tell him when I find something really cool to bring to The Starboard,” Montgomery says. “I honestly think he still loves to hear about those kinds of zany things.”

Hearn’s coastal career proves that the best ideas do more than sell. They make customers laugh, linger and remember. Hearn made his mark one scoop, one sauce and one stunt at a time.

Beach Happenings

Summer has arrived at the Delaware beaches, with calendars packed full of live music, festivals, food events, and longtime local favorites worth adding to your list

Party Like It’s 793 Festival

June 5-7 | Brimming Horn Meadery, Milton

Delaware’s only Viking and heavy metal themed event celebrates the start of the Viking Age in the West with a party at the Brimming Horn Meadery. This festive weekend includes Viking reenactors, live music, food and craft vendors, and every Viking's favorite drink … mead!

— Visit BrimmingHornMeadery.com

Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival

June 6 & 7 | Lewes Historical Society, Lewes

More than 70 regional and local sea glass and coastalthemed artists showcase everything from jewelry and home décor to sculptures and paintings. Bring your favorite pieces of sea glass and learn its history, shop from a collection of sea glass, or enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration. The weekend also includes live music, food, children’s activities, and educational presentations. — Visit HistoricLewes.org

Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week Supports the Red, White, & Blue on the Culinary Coast™

June 7-12 | Coastal Delaware

Delaware’s premier dining event showcases dozens of top local restaurants with special menus and dining deals in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes, and beyond, while supporting military members and first responders through a portion of the proceeds.

— Visit Beach-Fun.com/Restaurant-Week

Bikes & Beers

Saturday, June 6 | Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton

Cyclists of all levels can choose from 15-, 30-, or 45-mile rides through the scenic roads and trails around Milton before rolling back to Dogfish Head for craft beer, live music, food trucks, games, giveaways, and a massive charity raffle. This high-energy celebration of cycling and community benefits local cycling nonprofits.

— Visit Dogfish.com/events/bikes-and-beers

Above: Cyclists gather for Bikes & Beers at Dogfish Head in Milton on June 6. Photos courtesy of Dogfish Head Brewery.

KidFest

Sunday, June 7 | 1-4pm

Schellville, Rehoboth Beach

Enjoy a fun-filled day of roller skating, bounce houses, train rides, magic shows, and more. It’s all about joy, play, and making memories together.

— Visit SchellBrothers.com/events

Justin Moore

June 11 & 12 | 8pm | Bottle & Cork, Dewey Beach

Multi-platinum country star Justin Moore brings his traditional sound and high-energy live show to the stage. Sing along to No. 1 hits like “Small Town USA,” “Point at You” and “This Is My Dirt” during an unforgettable night of country music.

— Visit BottleAndCork.com

35th Annual Lewes Garden Tour

Saturday, June 20 | 10am-4pm | Lewes

Take a self-guided tour of several select private gardens throughout Lewes, plus enjoy a Garden Market in Zwaanendael Park with garden-related items for sale during the hours of the tour. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

— Visit LewesChamber.com

The Cher Show

June 23 – August 27

Clear Space Theatre Company, Rehoboth Beach

Three powerhouse performers bring Cher’s extraordinary journey to life, from shy dreamer to global icon. Featuring 35 smash hits, dazzling costumes and nonstop glamour, The Cher Show is a high-energy celebration of heartbreak, triumph, reinvention and unapologetic diva power onstage.

— Visit ClearSpaceTheatre.org

4th Annual Lavender & Lambs Festival

Saturday, June 27 | 9am-4pm | Brittingham Farms, Millsboro

Spend a relaxing day strolling Brittingham Farm’s lavender field, meeting the farms’ lambs, treating yourself to lavender-infused snacks and beverages, and enjoying live music, sheep shearing demonstrations, and more.

— Visit BrittinghamFarms.com

29th Annual Running of the Bull

Saturday, June 27 | The Starboard Restaurant, Dewey Beach

Hundreds gather in Dewey Beach dressed in red bandannas for this quirky annual tradition featuring a lively parade, a playful beachside “running of the bull,” and festivities at the Starboard, all benefiting the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.

— TheRunningOfTheBull.com

5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 27 | 1-6pm | George H.P. Smith Park, Lewes

This free community event, hosted by Lewes African American Heritage Commission, celebrates African American heritage and culture and features food trucks, dancers, live music and more.

— Visit LewesChamber.com

Independence Day Fireworks

Sunday, July 5 | 8-10pm

Bandstand, Beach & Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach celebrates America’s 250th Independence Day with a bigger-than-ever fireworks display over the beach and boardwalk. Festivities begin with a bandstand concert before the night sky lights up in a dazzling, expanded show honoring this milestone summer celebration.

— Visit RehobothBeachDE.gov

76th Annual Cottage Tour

July 7 & 8 | Select homes around Rehoboth Beach (TBA)

The Rehoboth Art League’s popular self-paced tour features select homes in the Rehoboth Beach area with a variety of landscapes, interior and architectural designs, ranging from historically significant to contemporary and sleek.

— Visit RehobothArtLeague.org

45th Annual Sandcastle Contest

Saturday, July 11 | Towers Road Beach, Dewey

Admire sand creations by teams and individuals inspired by the nation’s 250th anniversary at this beloved annual competition held by Delaware Seashore State Park.

— Visit DeStateParks.com

Canoe Races at the Lighthouse

Tuesday, July 14 | 11am-2pm | Dickenson Avenue, Dewey Beach

Old-school bay racing at its finest as teams paddle between iconic landmarks in a chaotic, competitive showdown filled with splashing, capsizes, and plenty of summer fun along the water.

Right: Canoes at The Lighthouse is a lively Dewey Beach tradition near the Rusty Rudder. Photo by GCFL Productions

You’ve packed your bags, filled up the tank, and have all you need for your beachbound journey to Southern Delaware this summer. There’s just one more obstacle between you and the sun, sand, and tasty waves — the 100-some miles off roadway along Delaware’s Route 1.

And let’s face it: The drive can be a slog.

But take comfort: While the old adage “getting there is half the fun” hardly applies to sitting in Friday rush-hour congestion, that doesn’t mean the ride down has to be corporal punishment, either.

Whether you are heading to Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, South Bethany, or Fenwick, here are some intriguing tidbits about the places we all pass along the way — stories that might stimulate a lively discussion among your passengers or, if you are rolling solo, get your imagination going (particularly when everything else is stopped).

The waypoints of Route 1 connect places with compelling histories and legends of pirates, dragon slayers, heroes of the Revolution, and more.

So, buckle-up. It’s going to be a wild ride…

THE PATH TO VICTORY

The journey south starts along a path central to our country’s history. At the point where Route 1 starts — at the intersection of DE 7 and DE 58 — it converges for nearly a mile with the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R), most prominently around the area where both routes pass the Christiana Mall.

In total, W3R comprises 680 miles of roads

stretching from Newport, Rhode Island to Yorktown, Virginia. This National Historic Trail marks the route taken in by more than 4,200 French soldiers, led by Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau, and includes where they met up George Washington’s Continental Army in New York then continued south to Yorktown.

Fourteen weeks after leaving Newport, Rochambeau and his troops proved vital to securing the surrender of General Cornwallis’ British troops, who had turned Yorktown into a heavily fortified garrison.

“The Wild Waypoints of Route 1” series is brought to you by

PART 1 — The route along New Castle County

Rochambeau was undeterred. With Washington’s troops and the addition of more forces, their number now totaled close to 20,000. Most of the coalition were French and were well-experienced when it came to laying siege to a city. In fact, Rochambeau had taken part in 14 sieges before Yorktown.

Considering their situation, Washington was wise to let the French leaders do most of the strategic planning. The eventual success of the three-week siege at Yorktown secured a major victory and became a turning point in the war.

So, the next time you’re jammed up in traffic by the I-95 off-ramp — and it feels like there’s more movement in the Christiana Mall parking lot than in the southbound lanes of Route 1 — take heart: Thousands of Revolutionary War soldiers passed by this very spot on the way to victory. Their finish line took weeks to reach. Yours is just hours away…

ST. GEORGE, THE DRAGON SLAYER

About 12 miles south of Christiana, you’ll approach the town of St. Georges and the memorable-looking, yellowcabled Senator William V. Roth Bridge, which spans the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal.

St. Georges was incorporated in 1825, but at least a century before that, colonists settled along the creek from which the town got its name: St. George Creek.

Predating the settlement, there had been loose talk of a canal connecting the Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay.

Dutch mapmaker Augustine Hermann was among the first to suggest the idea of a canal back in 1661 — probably because, being Dutch, he wasn’t used to drawing maps that didn’t have canals in them.

In the 1780s, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams became supporters of the idea, and helped move the needle with a visit to Wilmington in 1788. Still, another 14 years would pass before the formation of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Company.

The company’s surveyors determined that easiest way to build the canal was to dig a trench between the landscape’s existing waterways. The eastern-most waterway utilized was St. George Creek (a much smaller part of which still exists today in the marshlands of the Augustine Wildlife Area). The canal ended up taking 27 years to complete.

But this still leaves us with an important question: Exactly who is St. George?

For starters, St. George is and has been the patron saint of England for nearly 680 years. His presence is so interwoven in the country’s tradition that his emblem was incorporated in the British Flag, which essentially is St. George’s cross (two stripes running north-south) combined with Scotland’s St. Andrew’s flag (two stripes forming an X).

But it’s the legend of St. George that comes into play with the Delaware landscape. As the story goes, a swampdwelling dragon has been terrorizing the people of the city of Silena, forcing them to make live sacrifices to it — first livestock, then eventually, the town’s children.

Upon visiting the town, St. George is horrified and vows to hunt down the dragon in its swamp. After defeating the beast, the dragon slayer is rewarded with treasures by one of the city’s noblemen. Our hero declines, requesting the money go to the town’s poor, instead.

This brave feat and humble gesture constitute a large part of St. George’s sainthood and legend, which has been honored in many varied cultures across the Western world.

As it turns out, this legend is also honored in Delaware. About a mile before you reach St. Georges, you’ll see a sign for an otherwise ordinary marshy creek, that runs nearly parallel to the canal.

The name of that creek? Dragon Run.

And, just as it did then, that creek runs through a swamp on its way east to the Delaware River.

BLACKBEARD SINGING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT

Heading south from St. Georges, between Odessa and Smyrna, you pass to another creek with a legend to it — one more closely aligned to a terrorizing dragon than a saintly hero.

Folklore has it that Blackbird Creek was originally called Blackbeard Creek, named for or by the nefarious pirate who made a career for himself plundering ships up and down the East Coast. The story dates back to at least the late 1930s, as it’s mentioned in The Ocean Highway , a 1938 book sponsored by Charles L. Terry, Delaware’s Secretary of the State at the time.

“The name is believed to have been originally Blackbeard Creek,” the book states, “named for a notorious pirate of the early 18th century, who, according to tradition, used the lower creek as a harbor and its banks as a cache for booty.”

Although Blackbeard’s career was short — he captained his own ship for less than three years between 1716 and 1718 — he cast a long shadow across colonial coastlines and throughout history, itself, as a January 4, 1893 edition of

Wilmington’s Daily Republican illustrates. “A Dreaded Pirate,” reads the headline of a front-page story, followed by the sub-head: “Blackbeard Looked Enough Like Satan to Be His Brother.”

“Perhaps a greater demon never prowled the seas or walked the earth in human form,” the story reads mid-way through, dripping in dramatic prose. “Even in personal appearance he was hideous and repulsive, nature having stamped him both as a physical and moral monster.”

The question remains: Did this moral monster lurk in the waters of Blackbird Creek? And if he did, did he bury treasure there?

Yes, there is evidence of Blackbeard being in the Delaware Bay in 1717. Documented support exists on the Queen Anne’s Revenge Project site, created by the research team that discovered one of Blackbeard’s ships, Queen Anne’s Revenge, off the coast of North Carolina in 1996. Among the several sources cited, there is an October 24, 1717 edition of the Boston News-Letter which says “[a ship] with 150 passengers was taken at the mouth of the Delaware Bay by a pirate sloop called the Revenge, which formerly sailed out of Philadelphia.”

The article matches the timeline of an account in the local book, History of Delaware County, written in 1884. In it, author Henry Graham Ashmead writes “Blackbeard with his crew often visited Marcus Hook, where, at the house of Swedish woman there… he was accustomed to indulge in the wildest disorder and drunken debauches.”

However, while Blackbeard sailed up down the coast of Delaware, there is no historical account of him specifically being in Blackbird Creek — nor did this author find any mention of “Blackbeard Creek” during an extensive search of more than 20 maps dated from 1847 to 1749 (available via Library of Congress, University of Delaware, and Delaware Public Archives). All depictions of the creek in question were either labeled “Blackbird Creek” or not labeled at all.

DREADED PIRATE OR PUSSY CAT?

Scottish author Angus Konstam has written more than 100 books about maritime history, many on the subject of pirates. In addition to being a fellow of the Royal

An early 1700s engraving of Blackbeard, a pirate who often used theatrics like tying burning match-cord from the brim of his hat.

Historical Society, he was inducted into the International Pirate Hall of Fame last year. In his 2006 book, Blackbeard: America’s Most Notorious Pirate, Konstam wrote about that the myths surrounding Blackbeard. In a 2024 interview with Aspects of History, Konstam shared his findings:

“It turned out there was no evidence Blackbeard actually killed anyone — at least not before he fought his final battle in November 1718,” Konstam said. “He was something of a pussy cat really.

“However, Blackbeard didn’t need to kill his victims. Instead, his reputation was built on his appearance — his long beard, his long hair tied up in plaits, with bits of burning matchcord hanging from the brim of his hat. It was all designed to intimidate.

“Blackbeard built up a fearsome reputation, but it didn’t involve random killings. After he died, his myth was augmented by other stories, and like most pirates, the fiction and romance of the character almost completely obscured the real pirate at the center of it all.”

What about Blackbeard burying treasure along the banks of Blackbird Creek?

“Pirates didn’t really bury their treasure,” Konstam said in the same interview. “For starters, most of their plunder was in cargo goods: like rum, wine, cloth or sugar. Anything valuable was divided up among the crew. So, unfortunately black spots and treasure maps came from the wonderfully fertile mind of Mr. Robert Louis Stevenson.”

Despite Kostam’s last statement, at least one famous pirate buried treasure. And that pirate’s story partly inspired Stevenson to write Treasure Island — the very book that Konstam says helped first plant the idea of black spots and treasure maps in the public’s collective imagination.

That pirate was none other than Captain William Kidd, who does have a significant Delaware connection and whose story we’ll get to a little further down the road…

Until next month: Safe travels and enjoy the ride!

ST. GEORGES BRINGS ON THE

BLUES AT THE LEGENDARY COUNTRY STORE

The Blues on Main concert series returns to St. Georges this summer at the area’s headquarters for blues: Saint Georges Country Store.

The festivities kick off at noon, Saturday, June 20, with The Bruce Katz Band, Billy the Kid & The Regulators, and Tin Pan Playboys. Shows continue throughout the summer with Gary Allegretto headlining on July 18; the Mike Junior Blues Band kicking it with Dr. Harmonica & Rockett 88 on August 15; and the Matt G Legacy Fundraiser closing out the series on September 5.

The series is run by the Saint Georges Culture and Arts Revival Corporation with the effort captained by Gene Fontana, who has managed blues festivals in Delaware for more than three decades. Admission is free and the event is rain or shine. — More at SaintGeorgesCountryStore.com

HEATHER COX’S FOMO: EVENTS BRING DJ DANCE PARTIES TO SECRET DELAWARE LOCATIONS

Local entrepreneur and EDM fan Heather Cox got tired of spending loads of cash traveling with friends to other larger mid-Atlantic cities just for the opportunity to spend a few hours dancing at high-priced DJ parties.

So, she made the decision to bring the parties to the First State.

“I’m trying to bring EDM and rave culture to the masses,” Cox said on a recent Instagram post. “I’m trying to bring community back to the EDM culture.”

There’s just one twist: Her parties are so underground, guests don’t know exactly where to go until the day of the event. It’s all part of her FOMO:DE party venture, which has put together 10 events so far since November.

“From coffee shops to pizza joints and bookstores, FOMO:DE transforms local businesses into unforgettable nightlife experiences,” the FOMO:DE website reads.

Sound like your idea of fun? Give it a whirl at one of three events planned this month.

— More at fomode302.com

LOVE SEED MAMA JUMP HEADS NORTH FOR MINQUAS FIRE CO. BENEFIT SHOW

n addition to catching Love Seed Mama Jump throughout the summer at The Rusty Rudder and Bottle & Cork, you can see them for a rare above-thecanal performance on June 16.

The legendary beach rockers will be heading north for a benefit show for Minquas Fire Company. Proceeds from the show will go to helping the department purchase a top-of-the-line LUCAS CPR device.

“To be able to play a gig where you are potentially helping to save lives is absolutely an honor,” says Love Seed bassist Pete Wiedmann, who has been with the band since their start in 1992. “It a privilege supporting firefighters, because they’re the ones running into burning buildings when everyone else is running out.”

The show will be held outdoors at the Minquas Fire Company in Newport starting at 6pm on Wednesday, June 10. Tickets are $20 before June 7 (then $25 after) and can be purchased using the ad link on page xx or by calling Bubba at the fire department: (302) 409-8864. — More at LoveSeed.com

Still

The Sauce SPECIAL Is

G. Love has fond memories of the Delaware beaches. He returns June 21 for a performance at Rocking the Docks.

By Roger Hills

G. Love & Special Sauce have been wowing crowds for more than three decades with their mix of hip hop and blues; and the trio’s head honcho (driver’s license name: Garrett Dutton) is busier than ever with a myriad of projects. The group has added a second leg to its tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Lemonade album which will take up most of the month of August. But before that, G. Love will be part of the collaborative Rolling Together Revue tour with surf-rock troubadour Donavon Frankenreiter and indie-rock quartet Moon Taxi. Included will be a coastal Sussex County stop at the annual Rocking the Docks concert series on the grounds of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.

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G. Love continues to create. He appears in a new Jack Johnson documentary and is part of a blues trio called Mud Kings. Photo by Karen Lee Hillis

G. Love has also recorded an upcoming funk-blues album under the name Mud Kings along with lap steel virtuoso Robert Randolph and R&B vocalist Aloe Blacc.

While G. Love has always been synonymous with his hometown of Philadelphia, he now calls Massachusetts’ Cape Cod home. While much of his year is spent traveling the rock ’n’ roll circuit, he says he treasures the moments he can enjoy some rest and relaxation with his family.

O&A: How is Cape Cod life treating you?

G. Love: I love it. I love surfing and being by the water, so we made that move. Things are slow in the winter, which is something you get used to. This morning I went fishing and dropped my kids off at school. Then I went surfing. Then I came home and cooked up a big pot of soup. Now I’m picking up my kids, and then I’ll probably go fishing again. For me, this is like the perfect day at home.

O&A: Frankenreiter and Moon Taxi on the bill. There will be some jamming going on?

G. Love: Yes. The way it’s going to work is, Moon Taxi will come out and open with a set of their own stuff. Then Donavon and I are going to play a mini-acoustic set. And then Moon Taxi is going to back us up for an electric set. It’s pretty sick! It’s definitely going to be a lot of fun. Donavon is one of my best friends. Hopefully we’ll get some surfing in.

O&A: The first time Robert Randolph played the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach, you were in the audience and jumped up on stage with him to jam — and then you ended up playing an unannounced solo acoustic show next door at The Starboard the following day. How did that all come about?

G. Love: That’s kind of a legendary story. I grew up in Philly, and usually went to the beach in Avalon, New Jersey. But I have family in Dewey. My cousins live there, so I’ve been known to take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry across to visit them. We went to the Cork for Robert’s show, and I’d played the Cork before. I thought the doormen would let me in for free. They said they didn’t care who I was, so I shelled out the thirty bucks for a ticket. Whatever. But it was fun catching up with Robert and jamming with him. The owner of the Starboard, Monty (Steve Montgomery), asked me if I’d be interested in playing an acoustic set at his place the next day. It ended up being a lot of fun, and I’ve done it many times since then. It’s like a total party vibe. And one of the cool things is that Monty never has a cover charge. It’s just a gift to his customers. And he does a lot for the community.

O&A: You played the inaugural Oceans Calling festival in Ocean City, MD in 2023. The Lumineers headlined that day and had one of those long metal ramps that stretches out into the audience, but they didn’t connect the section that attaches to the stage until right before they went on. I watched you

take a flying leap over the pit with your wireless microphone so that you could perform out in the middle of the crowd. Was there any blowback?

G. Love: There were 60,000 people out there, so I just went for it. But, no, I didn’t get in trouble or anything. That whole day was incredible.

O&A: You came back out later that day for the allstar jam session, and did a hip hop set with DMC from Run DMC. Was that a “pinch me” moment?

G. Love: Absolutely. That was an amazing moment that I will never, ever forget. It was like a dream come true. To be up there with him paying tribute to Run DMC and also the Beastie Boys, those are the songs I grew up with. I know those lyrics like the back of my hand. By the way, I showed up the year before that when the festival got rained out at the last minute. There were all these people in town for the festival with nothing to do, so I started looking for someplace to play. Bobby Taylor from the Purple Moose Saloon on the boardwalk booked us, and it was great. People were going crazy. It reminded me of that first time playing The Starboard.

O&A: Your summer tour schedule has a few TBA’s listed; is there any possibility that something in Ocean City will be added?

G. Love: I think so. I have a strong feeling I’ll be doing something at Seacrets. (Editor’s note: tickets have gone on sale for a stripped-down version of the Rolling Together Revue featuring just G. Love and Frankenreiter that will take place outside on Seacrets’ beach stage at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 14.)

O&A: You’re going to Hawaii for the premiere of Jack Johnson’s documentary, which you appear in. You two have quite a history.

G. Love: Yes, the film is called SURFILMUSIC We had a good hand in helping him out when he first started playing music. I’ve always tried to help other musicians. One of my missions in life is to inspire people to play music. Jack has definitely ended up being the most successful.

O&A: As if you aren’t busy enough, you’re part of a new supergroup blues trio with Robert Randolph and Aloe Blacc called Mud Kings. Is that something that will be launching next year?

G. Love: Actually, as far as the album goes, it’s all done and we’re ready to start dropping singles. I just got the mastered version of the record, and it sounds absolutely amazing. It’s unbelievable. I think people are going to love it. For me personally, it’s just great to be a part of this amazing group of people.

— For tickets to G. Love's June 21 show at Rocking the Docks, visit RockingTheDocksLewes.com.

The City

MAYOR CARNEY HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS AT EASTLAKE PARK

As improvements continue at Eastlake Park, the City of Wilmington remains committed to investing in public spaces that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life for residents across the city. During a recent on-site progress update with the Parks and Recreation team, Mayor John Carney highlighted the steady momentum being made on the project, including ongoing lighting installation and the completion of the basketball court blacktop.

The work at Eastlake Park reflects a larger citywide effort to revitalize and beautify Wilmington’s parks and recreational spaces. From upgraded courts and playgrounds to improved lighting and gathering areas, the City is focused on creating safe and welcoming environments for residents of all ages.

Parks play an important role in the health and vitality of Wilmington’s neighborhoods, serving as spaces for community programming and everyday connection. City leaders believe these investments not only enhance the appearance of neighborhoods but also provide meaningful opportunities for youth engagement and outdoor activity.

As construction continues, residents can expect additional updates leading up to the park’s anticipated latesummer opening. Eastlake Park represents another step forward in the City’s ongoing mission to ensure every Wilmington neighborhood has access to quality public spaces that residents can enjoy for years to come.

CITY OF WILMINGTON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for your next opportunity? The City of Wilmington is hiring! Explore careers that make a real impact in our community, from public safety and public works to administration and professional services. Visit WilmingtonDE.gov ABOUT US tab to view current openings and apply today.

Mayor John Carney with the City's Parks and Recreation team at Eastlake Park.

RUMBLE IN RODNEY BRINGS BOXING TO DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON

The City of Wilmington is preparing to bring energy, entertainment, and championship spirit to downtown this summer with Rumble in Rodney, a USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur boxing showcase celebrating Delaware’s 250th anniversary.

Set for Friday, June 26, in Rodney Square, the event will feature some of the region’s top amateur fighters competing under the lights in the heart of the city. The evening is designed to be more than just a boxing card. It will be a full community experience featuring live music, food trucks, sports and entertainment personalities, and a post-fight drone show over the historic courthouse.

The free public event will include 12 to 15 bouts, with the first fight scheduled for 6 p.m. Limited ringside seating options will also be available for purchase.

As Wilmington continues its DE250 celebration efforts, Rumble in Rodney aims to spotlight both athletic talent and community pride while bringing residents and visitors together for a high-energy summer event in the city’s downtown district.

Visit CityfestWilm.com/rumble-in-rodney for more information and tickets.

MINORITY SUPPLIER DIVERSITY QUARTERLY SESSION

The Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Wilmington Department of Real Estate and Housing to connect minority-owned businesses with new opportunities, resources, and relationships through its upcoming Minority Supplier Diversity Quarterly Session.

Scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at the DEBCC Headquarters in Wilmington, the session will feature the City of Wilmington’s Department of Real Estate and Housing to focus on upcoming housing initiatives, procurement opportunities, and ways local businesses can position themselves for future growth.

Organizers say the event is designed to help contractors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners better understand how to engage with upcoming city projects while building meaningful connections within Wilmington’s business community.

The quarterly session reflects a broader effort to strengthen supplier diversity, expand access to opportunity, and support a more inclusive economic future for businesses across the city.

To register for the event, visit business.debcc.org/calendar.

Bites

BURGER BATTLE RETURNS WITH NEW LEADERSHIP

The 13th annual Delaware Burger Battle returns to Rockford Park on Saturday, Aug. 29, bringing together Delaware-area chefs for the popular burger showdown and charity fundraiser. The all-volunteer event features burger tastings judged by both attendees and a panel of “DElebrity” judges, with proceeds benefiting the Food Bank of Delaware and the Delaware Restaurant Foundation. More than $166,000 has been raised for charity through Delaware Food Battles events.

This year also marks new leadership for the event, as founder JulieAnne Cross steps back and Rachel Painter takes the lead. Tickets go on sale June 1, and organizers encourage fans to act quickly after last year’s event sold out in eight hours.

— Visit DEBurgerBattle.com

MAD PRETZELS SET TO TWIST UP THE LOCAL FOOD SCENE

The team behind Nick's Pizza Parlor & Bar is preparing to launch MAD Pretzels, a new standalone pretzel shop from Nick Vouras and David and Joanne Govatos. Expected to open in June near Prices Corner at 1903 Newport Gap Pike, the concept blends the classic Philadelphia soft pretzel shape with the flavor and texture of traditional German-style pretzels.

The menu will feature classic soft pretzels alongside creative variations like pretzel pizzas, sandwiches, rolls, buns, and specialty flavors including Cooper Sharp long hot and prosciutto bread pretzels. Until the shop opens, customers can try items at Nick’s Pizza and through local collaborations. The owners say the dedicated storefront is inspired both by growing demand and a desire to bring a true Philly-style pretzel shop to the area. — Visit MadPretzels.com

CONSTITUTION YARDS MOVES, SET FOR SUMMER RETURN

Constitution Yards Beer Garden is set to reopen in mid-June at 303 Justison St. on Wilmington’s Riverfront, relocating from its previous location to the corner lot along Justison, West, and S. Madison streets, giving the it a 20% larger footprint. First opened in 2014, the seasonal favorite will return with its signature outdoor setup and live music, alongside casual food and drink offerings, a new Sky Deck, and more.

— Visit ConstitutionYards.com