Delaware
ππ»π¬ Welcome to our 2024 Halloween Guide π¬π»π
Halloween is making a statement everywhere right now.
End caps of grocery stores overflow with bags of candy corn and mini chocolate bars. Skeletons and witches loom throughout the neighborhood, and farms, bars, breweries, museums and other venues are ready to entertain you, scare you silly, or both.
So, whether your idea of Halloween is a trunk or treat with other families, chased with streaming “Hocus Pocus,” or it’s more zombie run and Frightland, we’ve got you:
Right up there with apple-picking, corn mazes and haunted houses, pumpkin-picking has become a fall traditiion for many.
In 2020 alone, as many as 66,200 acres of pumpkins were harvested in the United States, producing over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins that year, according to theΒ USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
From the classic orange jack-oβ-lantern to the whimsical Cinderella’s coach, pumpkins are a staple of the season β and many are ripe and ready to be picked.
Hereβs where β and how β you can pick your perfect pumpkin in the First State this fall.
Halloween is just around the corner, and a majority of Americans have begun their planning and shopping for Halloween costumes.
According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated $12.2 billion was spent on Halloween last year across the country, nearly a third of which was spent on costumes, and the shopping wave seems to startΒ earlier and earlier.
Here are some stores around Delaware to look for the perfect costumes and decorations this Halloween season, plus some events and contests that will get the spooky season started.
Itβs about that time of year when Halloween costume planning is starting to set in.Β
If youβre out of classic ideas and looking for something topical and modern, here are some costumes inspired by the happenings of 2024 so that youβre the life of your upcoming Halloween celebration.
Halloween celebrations are filled with plenty of tricks and treats, and while horror-filled fun comes with the season, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Whether you have small kiddos in tow or want something a bit tamer, here are some Halloween celebrations around the state that are perfect for family outings and children of all ages.
Halloween thrill-seekers in Delaware, this spooky season’s events are ready to scare the pants off you, so going commando might not be wise.
Here’s a mix of freaky, witchy and eerie events that will be conjured around the First State, before and after Halloween.
If you thought southern Delaware had a lot of fall events, wait until you see the lineup for Halloween.
You’ll be fighting a candy hangover for months after attending all the parades, haunted houses, fantasy trails and more at or near the Delaware beaches. There’s no shortage of costumed events for adults, children, families, pets and zombies.
Mark your calendars for these events.
Halloween is still just over a month away, but that doesnβt mean itβs too early to start planning this yearβs Halloween party.
Just in time for the spooky season, these Halloween cocktails are unique ways to get into the spirit. IfΒ Sober OctoberΒ is more your speed, itβs even easier to make these into equally refreshing alcohol-free beverages.
Delaware is also home to plenty of cocktail bars and breweries that serve fall-inspired drinks.
Here are some recipes to try at home and some Halloween-inspired brews to look for in Delaware.
There is no replacing trick-or-treating on Halloween. Kids and parents in costume greeting their neighbors and getting their favorite candy creates memories that can last a lifetime.
If you want an earlier start on the Halloween fun, there are some trunk-or-treats around the First State that can get everyone warmed up for holiday itself.
Trunk-or-treats are events where people park their cars and give out candy in a parking lot. Instead of a neighborhood, it’s a lot and instead of houses, it’s car trunks. Community center and churches are common places to see these events.
Grab a bucket, bag or pillowcase, throw on a costume and check out some of these trunk-or-treats in all three Delaware counties right as Halloween season is in full swing.
In the home state of Dogfish Head’s iconic Punkin Ale, craft breweries take fall seriously.
Over the next month, breweries will roll out autumnal-themed events tying all sorts of things β horror comics, candy, brunches and cooking and pet costume contests β to, well, beer, of course.
So grab your favorite flannel and make some plans to celebrate pumpkin season with some of the state’s best beer-makers.
The calendar has turned over to October meaning the clock is ticking for your Halloween preparations.
McDonald’s is ready, according to the Instagram siteΒ @snackolator. The fast food giant is bringing back Boo Buckets.
This Halloween season, forget about ghosts: The scariest thing is what the holiday does to the environment.
According toΒ Waste Managed, Halloween generates a significant amount of waste, from discarded single-use costumes to nondisposable decorations to plastic candy bags.
Luckily, there are several ways to help curb your carbon footprint this year, but also make for fun new traditions for the whole family to enjoy.
Here are a few tricks-slash-treats you can help make for a sustainable and spook-tacular Halloween season.
As Halloween approaches, many revelers are eager to elevate their costumes with makeup but arenβt sure how to achieve their desired looks.
While envisioning a face painted hauntingly white, intricately marked with swirls of black paint, hollow eye sockets and adorned with red petal flowers, they end up with makeup that feels dry, coverage that looks uneven and fades quickly.
However, with the right tools and a bit of practice, anyone can bring their Halloween vision to life.
Whether you’re leaning toward creative glam or venturing into special effects and fantasy looks, Delaware-based makeup artistsΒ Daysla IxtliΒ andΒ Chyna “Chy” GibbsΒ have expert tips to help you nail your spooky transformation.
It’s the spookiest time of the year and, in some cases, the only time you’ll see most of your neighbors.
Halloween is on the horizon, as shown by the holiday displays at local grocery stores, Walmarts and Targets.
Here’s what you need to know about Halloween.
Check out some creepy houses of Halloweens past.
Here are some tips to ensure a safe night of Halloween trick-or-treating.
Delaware
108-year-old Delaware Woman Renews Her Driverβs License to 2033, Works Out Thrice a Week
βI grow old gracefully,β said Susan Young Browne, who just received permission to keep driving until 115 years old.
Thatβs a testament to Browne enduring aptitude (and attitude) for life; having recently celebrated her 108th Birthday at theΒ Modern Maturity Center in Dover, Delaware.
Browne was in Delaware in 1918 during Segregation where she worked on a farm with her familyΒ sansΒ water or electricity. She would eventually attend Delaware State College for Colored Students, today known as Delaware State University, and graduate in 1945, going on to teach in a one-room school house.
Married twice, she enjoys the company of a clan of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Nowadays, she can be found three times a work at the Modern Maturity Center where she enjoys group exercise classes; staying active is a key to that graceful aging she mentioned.
βWhen I get up in the morning, I have an exercise routine that Iβve been doing for the last 20 years,β she said. βWhen I retired and I walked around that classroom for 30 years, I am not going to sit down.β
SPRITELY ELDERS:
130 people attended her birthday party, including the Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, where she was gifted a parking spot right in front of the building reserved for those 100 years or older.
Thatβs important, because as Ms. Browne told those assembled to celebrate her life, the state had just reissued her driverβs license until 2033.
WATCH the story below from CBS Newsβ¦Β
SHARE Ms. Susan Brown With Your Friends Who Need a Little Inspirationβ¦Β
Delaware
After fire destroys historic Delaware church, congregation finds temporary home
One week after a fire destroyed a historic church in Delaware, the congregation has foundΒ a temporary place to worship.
In the early morning hours on Sunday, May 17, 2026, a massive fire broke out at the Mother African Union Church along North Franklin Street.
The fire spread throughout the entire building, shooting flames 20 to 30 feet into the air. Nearby homes had to be temporarily evacuated because of flying embers.
Firefighters fought the blaze from the outside because the conditions were too dangerous, and it took more than an hour to bring the fire under control.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries; no one else was injured.
The church was left largely in ruins, and investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
Leaders of Mother African Union Church say the mission to rebuild begins now after the historic building burned down over the weekend. NBC10’s Tim Furlong reports.Β
Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker II, the Senior Pastor of Mother African Union Church, held a press conference alongside Governor Matt Meyer and other community members just one day after the devastating fire.
“The flames may have touched our building, but they did not consume our faith,” Whitaker said as he announced the path to restoration would begin.
Pastor, Delaware Governor and other community members provided details following the fire that left a historic church in ruins over the weekend.Β
A few days later, on Sunday, May 24, worship services resumed at a temporary location in the Congo Legacy Center in Wilmington.
“This Sunday at the Congo Legacy Center, the Motherland Nation gathers again. Not defeated. Not broken. But resilient, faithful, and moving forward together in our #GoldenRestoration season,” church leaders wrote in a statement.
Church leaders have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support recovery efforts saying in part:
“As we begin the long and difficult journey of recovery and rebuilding, we humbly ask our local community, extended partners, friends, and supporters across the nation to continue lifting our congregation in prayer. We remain steadfast in our belief that although our physical sanctuary has been damaged, the spirit, mission, and legacy of Mother African Union Church remain unshaken.
Should you feel led to support our rebuilding and restoration efforts in any capacity, your generosity and partnership would be sincerely appreciated as we work faithfully to restore this historic pillar of faith and community service for future generations.”
If you would like to support Historic Mother African Union Church efforts to rebuild, click here.
Delaware
Delaware celebrates birth of nation with America 250 events
Historic Odessa Foundation official shares all about hearth-cooked dinner
Hear from Historic Odessa Foundation’s official on intimate 18th century hearth-cooked dinner at historic house, using authentic tools and recipes.
The countdown to Americaβs 250thΒ year of independence has begun β but how can you even begin to celebrate such aΒ milestone moment in just one day?Β
Short answer:Β ItβsΒ impossible.Β ThatβsΒ why Delaware has a series of events and celebrations leading up to the big day.Β Β
Β With only a weeks left to go until that fateful Fourth,Β here are some of the biggest happenings planned this summer.Β Β
Attention all blues and Motown enthusiasts: American Legion Post 17 in Lewes will host a night full of the history, appreciation and spirit of blues music. This event was inspired by the historical Happy Day Club, a Lewes-based social club and gathering place for Black community members.
But this isnβt just about music β itβs also about remembering the people, stories and lives that shaped the townβs cultural landscape.
Cost of entry is $75 per person. There is an additional service charge if purchased online. Attendees are encouraged to come decked out in their favorite shade of blue.
American Legion Post 17 (115 American Legion Road), Lewes, 6 to 10 p.m. May 30.
250 Ride, from Dover to Philadelphia
This year not only marks 250 years of independence for the United States, but alsoΒ 250 years of Caesar Rodneyβs famous, 80-mile journey from the state capital to Philadelphia.
Rodney β who, like many of Americaβs founding fathers, has a complicated legacy, as previously reported by Delaware Online/The News Journal β trekked through stormy weather to cast the deciding vote that declared the countryβs independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Beginning noon June 12, a historical reenactor will make their way from Legislative Hall in Dover to Independence Hall in Philadelphia in a period-appropriate carriage, alongside fellow reenactors and other guests. The ride also will include welcome stops and moments for public engagement.
Legislative Hall (411 Legislative Ave.) June 12 at 7 a.m. to June 13 at 8 p.m.
Another one of Delawareβs oldest traditions marks a similar milestone this year: the stateβs independence from both England and neighbor state Pennsylvania. Held every year inΒ historic New Castle, this two-day celebration kicks off with food,Β drinksΒ and music at the town center, and features a colonial-styled parade, a beer garden, anΒ artisanΒ and vintage market andΒ childrenβs rides the next day. It then leads to a grand finale of fireworks over the Delaware River.
New Castle Battery Park (West Third Street) June 12 at 6 p.m. to June 13 at 11 p.m.Β
This community festival aims to bring together visitors and residents alike for a day filled with family-friendly activities, liveΒ musicΒ and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. The festival also will feature a variety ofΒ arts and crafts,Β foodΒ vendorsΒ and even a scavenger hunt.Β
Intersection of South Race Street & East Pine Street, Georgetown, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13.Β RainΒ date is June 20.Β Β Β Β
Tracing Black Family HistoriesΒ at the Delaware Public Archives,Β WilmingtonΒ
Presented by the Delaware Public Archives, this event provides available resources for researching the history of Black families inΒ Delaware, up to the present day. Participants also can learn ways to unearth details about formerly enslavedΒ predecessorsΒ andΒ the history of free Black communities in the First State.Β
Woodlawn Library (2020 W. NinthΒ St., Wilmington) 6 to 7 p.m. June 15.Β Β
Colonial Punches: Flavors of History, Prices CornerΒ
ThisΒ oneβsΒ for the history lovers and theΒ punchΒ aficionadosΒ in Delaware. This Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm-sponsored event takes you on a whirlwind history and tastebud tour ofΒ drinks, accompanied by trivia and stories about punch and drinking habits from way back when. Participants can even sample five different punches, featuring the likes of rum,Β brandyΒ and whiskey.Β
Greenback Mills and Philips Farm (500 Greenbank Road, Prices Corner), 7 to 8 p.m. June 18.Β
Newark Revolutionary History Stroll, NewarkΒ
Considering Newark isΒ locatedΒ right on the nationβs East Coast, itΒ shouldnβtΒ be surprising the town hasΒ witnessedΒ some action during the American Revolution, from theΒ Battle of Coochβs Bridge to theΒ Battle of the Brandywine at Chadds Ford. But what is lesser known is the British Armyβs march through the town fromΒ one battle to the other. This tour takes residents back to that very day and what went down between the soldiers and the townspeople.Β Β
Newark Revolutionary History Stroll 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 27. Event is free, but preregistration isΒ requiredΒ at newarkde.gov/play.Β Β
Tall Ship Tours, Wilmington
For all big boat enthusiasts out there, this oneβs for you. Come aboard and explore the deck of the Tall Ship of Delaware for free on Independence Day. The event also will feature food vendors, live music and activities on the riverfront for the whole family to enjoy β plus, of course, fireworks. Organized by the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
Dravo Plaza (920 Justison St., Wilmington), 2 to 7 p.m. on July 4.
βRevolutionary Tavern Night,β Prices Corner
Thought the festivities were over July 4? Better think again: Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm is also sponsoring a Revolutionary Tavern Night. Participants will dive into a five-course meal, with recipes harkening backing to the flavors and taverns of the past.
Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm (500 Greenbank Road, Prices Corner), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 11.
For more events and information, you canΒ visit delaware250.org.Β
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal.Β If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her atΒ omontes@delawareonline.com.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
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