From fireworks to parades, the First State has plenty of events to celebrate July Fourth. (Photo from Unsplash)
The Fourth of July – a day of fireworks, beach trips, backyard BBQs and games – is right around the corner.
With 70.9 million travelers predicted to travel 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday week, here’s some tips to remember and plenty of events in Delaware to celebrate.
Best and worst times to travel
AAA Mid-Atlantic , a regional travel agency, suggests hitting the roads in the morning, or waiting until later at night.
The organization points out that the 70.9 million Americans making long trips is a 5% increase compared to last year, and an 8% increase over 2019.
“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” stated Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”
Road Safety
With 200,000 Delawareans traveling a distance of 50 miles or more – up 5.6% over last year and setting a new record for the holiday – it’s important to drive safely.
Every year, the Delaware Department of Transportation advises travelers to keep road safety practices in mind.
That includes driving the speed limit, wearing a seatbelt and avoiding distractions and aggressive driving.
Most importantly, never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and create a plan to get home safely if consumption does occur.
In addition to the various public transportation options available, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are a way to get home safely.
Fireworks/Events
It isn’t the Fourth of July without fireworks.
RELATED: Fireworks and so forth to celebrate Independence Day in Del.
Click on the event names below to be directed to that specific event’s website for more information.
There are relay races hosted by the Hockessin Athletic Club, which run from 9 a.m. to noon on July 4. A parade through the town starts at 3 p.m. at Old Lancaster Pike. The fireworks start at sundown and the main viewing areas are located at Swift Park, Piedmont Baseball Fields, Hockessin Library and Artesian Soccer Fields.
Newark’s Liberty Day and Fourth of July Fireworks runs 6-10 p.m. July 4 at the University of Delaware athletic complex on South College Avenue.
The city hosts fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on July 4, synchronized to music, with the good viewing locations in Tubman-Garrett Park and other Riverfront locations. Family activities start at 2 p.m. and there’s a rain date July 5 for fireworks only.
Fireworks are set to begin around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6. The 20-minute display will be visible along the beach and boardwalk. Downtown traffic restrictions start at 6 p.m. The Funsters will perform at the bandstand beginning at 8 and again after the fireworks display.
Attendees can have an Independence Day with a colonial theme. Historic interpreters at the John Bell House host a Living History Day to explore multiple historic trades from the 18th century. There’s also a Revolutionary Dover tour. Tour times are at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on July 4 and there’s tours at Legislative Hall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This program is free.
While the hot-dog-eating-legend Joey Chestnut is banned from this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Delaware has its own twist on the holiday tradition. The event starts at noon on July 4 on the Millville Boardwalk, is free, and features free giveaways, free dogs, and lots of family fun activities.
From 3-7 p.m. on July 4, there will be free deck tours of the Kalmar Nyckel ship deck on the Wilmington Riverfront.
Starting at 9 a.m. on July 4, the city of Lewes has its annual hosting of old-fashioned games for children on Second Street. After, the Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade will wind its way down the Lewes–Rehoboth canal to Fisherman’s Wharf. The parade entrants will leave from Roosevelt Inlet across from the Coast Guard Station at 1:30 p.m. and reach the judges’ reviewing stand at Fisherman’s Wharf at approximately 2 p.m.
There will be a parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Clayton. The fireworks will begin at dusk at the little league fields across from Smyrna High School.
A complete list of fireworks can be found here .
If your organization is hosting fireworks or another July Fourth event that is not in this article, contact reporter Jarek Rutz via email at jarek@delawarelive.com to have it added.
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