Old New Castle will host a two-day Delaware Separation Day festival on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, to commemorate Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain. The event is one of the state’s longest-running traditions.
According to a Delaware Online report, New Castle, located along the Delaware River, served as the landing spot for William Penn on Oct. 27, 1682. It became Delaware‘s first state capital.
On June 15, 1776 at the New Castle Court House on Delaware Street, a resolution was passed to have Delaware separate from Pennsylvania and Great Britain to create the state of Delaware. The signing of the Declaration of Independence took place approximately two weeks later on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia.
On Friday, June 6, festivities will feature live music from classic rock and blues band Brad Newsom & The Jagermintz. Vendors providing food, alcoholic, and nonalcoholic beverages will set up in the center of Historic New Castle from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission for Friday’s events is free.
On Saturday, June 7, a Colonial-inspired parade will kick off at 1 p.m. on Delaware Street. The parade will feature numerous bands, classic cars, dance teams, nonprofit organizations, sports teams, and living historians. An artisan and vintage market will follow the parade at 2 p.m. in Battery Park. Live entertainment will also begin in the park at 2 p.m. Performances will feature rock ‘n’ roll, blues, soul, funk, and R&B.
Children’s rides, a beer garden, and food will be available for purchase. A fireworks display over the Delaware River in Battery Park take place at 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or beach chairs.
Free event parking with shuttle service will be offered at Carrie Downie Elementary School (1201 Delaware St.) and William Penn High School (713 E. Basin Road). Parking is also available at the municipal lot at Second and Chestnut streets and the paved and grass lot at Fourth and Chestnut streets.