Delaware City’s Battery Park on Clinton Street will be full of crafts, music and people having a good time on Saturday, July 19, as the town celebrates its 28th annual Delaware City Day.
Penny Merena, chair of the 2008 Delaware City Day committee, said the event kicks off at 11 a.m. with a parade on Clinton Street.
“We will have a huge parade with fire trucks galore, politicians, boy scouts, girls scouts and horses,” she said. “It’s an old-fashioned small town parade with all the bells and whistles.”
Merena said fire companies from all around the state come out to the parade.
“We have quite a bit,” she said. “Some of them just show up.”
At 1 p.m., the committee will give out Community Service awards. Merena said in years past, only one award has been given out, but this year they chose two winners.
“We showcase local organizations or individuals who have shown exemplary service to the community,” she said. “Because of the depth and breadth of service, we couldn’t come down to just one.”
Merena said Harry Bright will be awarded for his depth of service to the Delaware City Fire Department. Carolyn Miller was chosen for her breadth of service in many areas of the community.
At 1 p.m., The Jump City Jazz Orchestra will perform. They’re a 17-piece band from Audubon, Pa.
“While that’s going on, we will have free adult and children’s bingo games and prizes will be awarded,” Merena said. “We’ll have face painting, pony rides and three inflatable activities. There also will be a miniature train ride for children.”
She said there will be a variety of crafts and retail vendors throughout the park.
There will be a woman who spins her own wool, people who make their own silks and lotions, jewelry and clothing. One man will display his handmade lawn sculptures and birdhouses. Another will sell books he authored and self-published.
At 2 p.m., there will be a crab ball eating contest at Crabby Dick’s.
From 2 to 3 p.m., Jungle John will host his Reptile Show.
“Many of our non-profit organizations are performing fundraising activities,” Merena said.
She said the Delaware City Lions Club with have a duck race where rubber ducks will be placed in the old lock by the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. The Delaware City Fire Department will use a large fan to blow the ducks down the lock and the first one to cross the finish line wins.
The Fire Department will also host a car smash fundraiser, where they’ll allow people turns at hitting a car with a bat.
“I saw a 2-year-old doing that last year. He just had such a grin on his face,” Merena said. “They take all the glass out and make it safe.”
From 6 to 9 p.m., the Britbeat Beatles cover band will perform.
Shortly after dusk, spectators can enjoy a 30-minute fireworks show over the Delaware River.
“People shouldn’t miss the parade and definitely should not miss the fireworks,” Merena said. “We have some of the best fireworks in the state. That is the crowning glory of the whole thing.”
She said every year Delaware City Day gets bigger and better, and this year is no exception to the rule. There is a wider variety of vendors than years past.
“It’s an inexpensive, close to home, low gas consumption afternoon or all day event,” Merena said. “It’s always nice to have close to home activities that are free.
“We’re focused on family events. It’s a place you can bring the kids to,” she said. “You can spend the day having fun, eating and enjoying yourself.”
All activities at Delaware City Day are free. Fundraisers will cost money to participate, and there will be vendors selling food, crafts and more.
For more information, go to www.delawarecity day.com.
Middletown, Del. —
