Free community fair July 18 at Tilton Park organized by Wilmington Police Department

If you’re looking for free family fun in Wilmington, this month’s community resource fair at Tilton Park will feature police cars, K-9 units, information from various organizations and giveaways like free pizza.

Organized by the Wilmington Police Department, the fair will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at the park at 700 N. Broom St., between West 7th Street and West 8th Street.

The department launched the monthly fairs in the fall of 2022, as an evolution of the annual National Night Out program, said David Karas, Wilmington Police Department communications director.

“Our goal is to build on that model by providing opportunities for our police officers to build on our relationships with the public, while also bringing a range of resources into our neighborhoods,” Karas said.

The fairs are held at community centers or city parks, usually with more than 30 agencies and organizations.

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“These monthly programs – and our weekly community outreach walks and other initiatives – help link our residents with other resources and assistance as part of our efforts to uplift the holistic health and wellness of our community,” Karas said.

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Thursday's fair will include Wilmington police officers, the explosive disposal unit, K-9 unit, victim services unit, youth response unit and the Partners in Care program along with agencies and organizations.

Those groups include Delaware Health and Social Services, Delaware Child Support Services, Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, Wilmington Community Court, Delaware Animal Response, Delaware Probation and Parole, Wilmington Job Corps, Delaware Department of Labor, New Castle County Emergency Medical Services, Nemours Children’s Health, ChristianaCare, Aquila of Delaware, NAMI Delaware, Child, Inc., Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, Sean’s House, Brandywine Counseling, YMCA of Delaware, AIDS Delaware and more.

They will offer information, educational materials and giveaways.

“We also have partners who can make on-the-spot referrals for various services and who can connect attendees with assistance with everything from healthcare needs to social services, employment opportunities and support with substance abuse challenges,” Karas said.

Refreshments will include free water and Grotto pizza.

The next community resource fair is scheduled at Helen Chambers Park from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15.

“We are incredibly proud of the work that our police officers do each day to support residents and uplift quality of life in neighborhoods throughout our city, and these fairs are another opportunity for us to build on our relationships with our residents while linking them to resources,” Karas said.

For more information, follow the Wilmington Police Department on social media or check the website www.WilmingtonDE.gov/ResourceFairs for the schedule.

Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.