Delaware’s First Responder Day
Free family event honoring Delaware’s first responders is set for Sat., Oct. 1 at Delcastle Recreational Park from 11am-3pm. Activities include K9 demonstrations, fire trucks, DJ and live music, kids games and amusements, vendors and more. Donations will benefit the families of fallen first responders in Delaware. Visit FirstResponderDay.org
Mickeyfest 3 Benefit to Rock Fort DuPont
It sounds like quite the party: As of press time, seven food trucks, 10 bands, the Ghostbuster Mobile, the A-Team van, a team of fire-eaters, and the Delaware State Police helicopter had all signed on for MickeyFest 3 on Saturday, Sept. 17 (11am-9pm) at Fort DuPont in Delaware City.
The purpose of MickeyFest 3 is to raise funds for the Save Mickey Association, a local non-profit that seeks treatment and a cure for San Filippo Syndrome, which impacts the family of Donny Merrill, owner and operator of Skipjack Dining and founding drummer for Fat Daddy Has Been (one of the featured acts).
Merrill and his wife, Molly, founded Save Mickey after their older daughter, Mickey, was diagnosed with San Filippo, a rare degenerative disease that is often referred to as “Children’s Alzheimer’s.” More recently, Mickey’s brother Declan was also diagnosed.
In addition to pony rides, inflatable amusements, and games and prizes for the kids, there will be a beer garden with wine and full bar for those over 21. For more details, visit SaveMickey.com.
Chancery Market Prepares for Wilmington Debut
World-class chefs are bringing international food concepts to 1313 N. Market St. as Chancery Market Food Hall & Bar prepares to open this fall. The 12,000-square-foot culinary collective and unique indoor/outdoor bar will feature dining experiences from around the world, curated by HQ Hospitality co-founder and award-winning chef Akhtar Nawab. Visitors will get to enjoy vibrant flavors and try dishes from renowned chefs and up-and-coming local culinarians.
Among the concepts coming to Chancery Market is New York City’s favorite fried chicken joint Fuku. What started as a secret sandwich at David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar has since grown to serve a variety of fried chicken offerings and sides in a fast-casual concept. Also joining the roster at Chancery Market are Rooted AF, a quick-service vegan experience offering unique multicultural fare, herbal products, fresh cold-pressed juices, and smoothies; and Kati Roll Wala, serving up authentic Indian cuisine composed of delicious Indian street food staples such as Kati Rolls and Rice Bowls. HQ is encouraging vendor applications from minority-owned businesses and talented culinarians who create a range of styles of global cuisine with reimagined specialties.
“We’re thrilled to bring such an exciting new array of dining offerings and culinary experiences to the Wilmington community,” said Chef Nawab. “Our goal is for our kitchens to serve as a springboard for talented, local vendors looking to take their businesses to the next level and to create a thriving communal space where visitors feel welcome.”
Chancery will be open seven days a week and include both shared and private dining space, seating for 233 people, and the indoor/outdoor Nectar Bar. A new 10,000-square-foot communal plaza will feature outdoor dining and co-working areas with seating for 150, lush green gardens and landscaping designed by the Delaware Center for Horticulture, as well as activities and games for families and visitors.
“Chancery Market represents the start of exciting redevelopment projects for 1313 N. Market and 1201 N. Market,” said Scott Johnson, representing ownership of 1313 N. Market and TSG Hospitality LLC. “As our tenants continue to return to the office environment, Chancery Market and the adjacent outdoor plaza will be an exciting amenity for professionals in the city, as well as a welcoming gathering place for our wider community and visitors.”
An Artful Tradition for 61 Years
The Brandywine Festival of the Arts, a Wilmington tradition since 1961, returns to Brandywine Park on Sept. 10-11 with 240 artisans displaying and selling their works, plus food, music, children’s activities and pet-adoption opportunities.
The vendors, including 40 who are exhibiting at the festival for the first time, include painters, photographers, jewelry makers, ceramicists, woodcrafters and fabric artists. One must-see exhibitor is watercolorist Beth Palser of Chester County, PA., who has been named the featured artist for the 2022 festival.
Festival hours are Saturday (10am-6pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm). Admission is $5 per day with children under 12 free. Visit BrandywineArts.com.
Brandywine YMCA Family Field Day
Pedal cars, bean bags, soccer balls, hula hoops, and even laundry baskets will be part of the action during the Brandywine YMCA Family Field Day on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The free event will be held on the sprawling grounds of Hanby Outdoor Center, located at 35 Chestnut St., in North Wilmington. Volunteers and board members will be on hand to guide families through the games, which will include gaga, pedal car relays, giant tic-tac-toe, lava hop, three-legged races, and more. There will also be DJ music and refreshments. Register at ymcade.formstack.com/forms/familyfieldday.
For more information, contact Kerry Anne Smith at KSmith@ymcade.org.
Step Up and Step Out at Annual Aids Walk
AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium will present the annual AIDS Walk Delaware on Sat., Sept. 17 with walkers beginning at 10am in two locations: Brandywine Park (Wilm.) and Grove Park (Rehoboth Beach). The event strives to advance HIV awareness, reduce stigma, and endorse HIV-informed community health for all Delawareans. This year’s theme is Step Up, Step Out: Remove Stigma, Eliminate HIV, Improve Lives.
The AIDS Walk is the state’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness event. Delaware is in the top third of states with the highest HIV infection rates per capita. Funds raised help provide everything from free HIV testing to counseling and housing. Register at AIDSWalkDelaware.org.
27th Annual Judy Johnson Night
The memory of Wilmington’s Judy Johnson, a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Negro Baseball League legend, will be honored at Frawley Stadium on Sat., Sept. 10 before and during the Blue Rocks game against the Hudson Valley Renegades. Festivities begin at 6:35pm and a limited-edition commemorative will be given to the first 1,000 fans. Negro League players and legends will be recognized prior to the game and available for photos and autographs. Vendors will also be on hand to sell Negro League memorabilia. For tickets visit MILB.com/Wilmington
