Delaware
Delaware County kicks off July Fourth celebrations with a bang
ALDAN
For over a century, the residents of Aldan have been organizing annual parades and festivities celebrating our nation’s Independence Day and on Thursday, July 4, the tradition will continue.
Decorated, wagons, strollers, floats, bikes, and scooters, as well as community groups, fancy and classic cars, individuals in patriotic costumes and more are invited to participate. Sign up to participate at www.aldanpa.gov/home/news/sign-july-4th. There will also be a Baby Parade in which all participants will receive a prize.
Residents and friends can help defray the cost of the parade and festivities by making a donation of $5 and in return, receive a coupon redeemable between 1 and 2 p.m. at the snack bar on July 4 to receive an American flag and ice cream.
Checks can be made to “Aldan 4th of July Association” and brought or mailed to the Aldan Municipal Building, 1 W. Providence Road.
ASTON TOWNSHIP
Aston Township will begin its Fourth of July celebration at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 at the amphitheater in the rear of the Aston Community Center, 3270 Concord Road with music by The Greaseband from 7 to 9 p.m.
The township’s annual fireworks display will take place 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4 at Sun Valley High School, 2881 Pancoast Ave.
BETHEL TOWNSHIP
Bethel Township will host its annual fireworks display on Wednesday, July 3 at Bethel Springs Elementary School, 1498 Deer Meadow Lane, Garnet Valley.
The show will start at dusk, around 8:45 p.m. Attendees can bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. Mr. Softee will be available for purchase.
For more information, see the Bethel Parks and Rec website at https://tinyurl.com/3hxznxmz.
CLIFTON HEIGHTS
The annual Clifton Heights Fourth of July parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. Awards will be given for best appearing bikes, mini-bikes, walkers, strollers, wagons, floats, antique cars and group walkers. Parade staging begins at 9:30 a.m.
The borough will have its annual fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. However, due to construction of the new middle school, the fireworks will only be viewable from individuals’ homes in the borough.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/CHJuly4thAssoc.
EDGMONT TOWNSHIP
The public is invited to celebrate the nation’s birthday at the Pennsylvania Colonial Plantation in Edgmont on Thursday, July 4.
Attendees can join the debate among patriots, loyalists and Quakers as they all confront independence and help decide the true loyalty of the farm.
Guests can meet Martha Washington, make a demonstration against the king, hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and show their loyalty by signing the Declaration.
Ongoing activities at the farm include hearth cooking, quill writing, garden, textiles, meet the animals and more. The farm is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children and adults over 65, and $5 for members. Visitors are welcome to bring a lawn chair and water bottles.
For a full schedule or directions, visit http://colonialplantation.org, email office@colonialplantation.org or call 610-566-1725.
GLENOLDEN
Glenolden will have its annual parade and festival on Thursday, July 4.
The day will include the Fourth of July parade, moon bounces, face painting, food, music, and other activities for the whole family, along with the brand new Glenolden Golden Golf pop-up mini golf course supporting local independent businesses and organizations.
For more information and times, go to https://www.facebook.com/glenolden4th for updates.
HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP
• The Paddock Farms Civic Association will present the annual Fourth of July celebration in Paddock Park from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Everyone is invited to decorate bikes, scooters and strollers and meet at 10:30 a.m. at Merrybrook Circle to parade into the park, led by Oakmont Fire Company. Prizes will be awarded for best decorations.
The festivities will begin in the park at 11 a.m., and will include an inflatable slide, games, face painting, a dunk tank and more. To nominate someone to be in the dunk tank, email paddockfarms@gmail.com or text 610-202-9284.
Food trucks on-site will include Savannah’s Southern Cuisine and Owl Water Ice and Treats. Cash and Venmo will be accepted by vendors.
Attendees are encouraged to stop by the association table for a fun kids’ giveaway and to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets. Guests will be able to cool down before leaving with a “hose down,” compliments of Oakmont Fire Company.
• The Llanerch Civic Association and the Llanerch Fire Company will present the annual Fourth of July Parade from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Children, accompanied by adults, are welcome to get their bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers and even dogs, ready to parade through the neighborhood.
The parade will line up and leave from the Llanerch Fire House parking lot, 107 West Chester Pike, Havertown, at 10 a.m. Parade participants should arrive at the firehouse at 9:45 a.m.
The parade will end at Llanerch Park where there will be light refreshments.
LANSDOWNE
Register a decorated car, motorcycle, truck, float or organization for this year’s Lansdowne Borough Fourth of July Parade, to be held on Thursday, July 4.
The parade will begin on East Greenwood Avenue, turn on Wycombe Avenue then onto Stewart Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue. The parade will continue north on Lansdowne Avenue and right onto Essex Avenue to the Penn Wood High School Football Field.
Parade lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. on East Greenwood and all community groups are encouraged to sign up to join in the parade. The parade will be followed by a short ceremony at the Penn Wood football field at approximately 10 a.m.
To register to participate, go to https://bit.ly/3xbJlTX/. Registration closes on Tuesday, July 2.
MARPLE TOWNSHIP
The Annual Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade will begin with a bang at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, setting off from St. Albans Circle in Newtown Square and going east on West Chester Pike, ending at the Broomall Firehouse on Malin Road in Marple Township.
All are invited to watch the best of Marple Newtown, including veterans, musical groups from all over, floats, marchers, classic and antique cars, first responders, decorated bikes and strollers, community groups and much more.
MEDIA
The Media Recreation Board will present its annual day of patriotic family fun on Thursday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at Barrall Field on State Street.
The event will include water slides, wagon rides, a bike-decorating contest, yard games, face painting, music and treats.
To reduce plastic waste, attendees are asked to bring their own water in reusable bottles to drink. Registration is not required, but appreciated at https://tinyurl.com/ywvbh4h6.
PHILADELPHIA
A partnership of cultural and historical institutions and Old City businesses, the Philadelphia Historic District has created a new event for 2024 and beyond — the Red, White, & Blue To-Do — to take place on Tuesday, July 2.
John Adams declared that July 2 should be a day of “pomp and parade” from one end of the continent to the other.
Philadelphia’s Historic District will welcome the world to celebrate in the place where it all began. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will take place throughout America’s most historic square mile with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more.
The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will debut on July 2, continuing to get bigger and more joyful each July 2 through 2026 and beyond, creating memories for residents and visitors.
The inaugural Red, White, & Blue To-Do will feature 20 cultural institutions and historic attractions, along with Old City restaurants, with the old-fashioned Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, free musical entertainment, and special happenings across Historic Philadelphia all day and evening.
Anyone can sign up to walk in the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade and anyone can decorate one of the red wagon floats at the National Constitution Center in the days leading up to July 2.
For more information, including a list of participating institutions and businesses, visit http://phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa.
PROSPECT PARK
Prospect Park will hold its annual Fourth of July Parade at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.
The 2024 parade assembles on Baltimore Avenue at Amosland Road, parallel to the railroad tracks.
The parade route will travel down Baltimore to a left onto Holmes Avenue, to a right onto 17th Avenue, going left onto Yagle Avenue to a right onto 16th Avenue to a left onto Pennsylvania Avenue to a right onto 13th Avenue to a left onto Lincoln Avenue to 11th Avenue.
At that point, Youth on Parade will join the main parade. The parade will continue on Lincoln Avenue to a right onto 10th Avenue to a left onto West Park Square and follow around Park Square to the park entrance, where the parade will end.
RIDLEY PARK
Ridley Park will hold its annual Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 6. Kids can register in advance for the bike parade, which will kick off the festivities at 10 a.m.
To register: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfkE7e77ZmLs4…/viewform.
Games will be held at 11 a.m., followed by the Patriots In The Park Car Show at noon in East Lake Park.
All makes and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display. Car owners can participate for a $15 registration fee. Registration begins at East Lake Park at 11 a.m.
The borough will hold its annual fireworks display at Ridley Lake at dusk.
ROSE VALLEY
Rose Valley residents who wish to participate in the annual Fourth of July Parade can meet at the Moylan-Rose Valley Train Station at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, July 4.
The parade will begin at 2 p.m. The parade welcomes decorated bikes, wagons, strollers and anything that people want to contribute to make the parade more festive.
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP
Springfield Township will hold its annual Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4.
The parade will kick off at 9 a.m. and will end about noon at Veterans Memorial Park, 331 W. Springfield Road, with activities to follow.
For more information, email parades@springfielddelco.org.
SWARTHMORE
The annual Swarthmore Lions Independence Eve 8K (5 mile) and 2½ Mile Walk will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3.
This friendly, small town community race draws runners from all over the Delaware Valley.
This year, participants will run on a relatively flat 8K route through the tree-lined neighborhoods of the borough. The 2½ Mile Walk route follows the first loop of the 8K.
Proceeds from the race support Lions charities, which include organizations that assist the visually impaired, such as the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Chester and the Delaware Valley Eye Bank.
Online registration is available at http://www.runsignup.com. The entry fee for both the race and the walk is $30 and $35 on race day.
Awards will be presented to the first three overall male and female runners and to the first three male and female runners in nine age groups: 10 and under, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. Refreshments will be served after the race.
Tech T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners and walkers and while supplies last.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Jim Ryan at 610-909-3127 or jdryan17@gmail.com.
Thornbury Township
Thornbury Township residents are invited to get their bikes, floats and patriotic costumes out to participate in the township’s annual Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. No off-road vehicles will be allowed.
The bikers and walkers in the parade will assemble at 9:30 a.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 4 Westtown Road, Thornton. Floats and antique cars will assemble at Nice Road and Blantyre Circle.
The most patriotic entries will win prizes. A grab bag of gift cards to local businesses will be awarded for best in show for the following categories: Most Patriotic Bike, Most Patriotic Dog, Most Patriotic Stroller, Best Antique Car and Most Creative Float. Parade participants must be Thornbury Delaware County residents to win.
Prizes will be awarded at 11 a.m. at the gazebo by the playground. Immediately following the parade, everyone is invited to games, hot dogs and water at Thornbury Park.
For any questions, call Susan Daudert, 610-399-8383, Ext. 109
UPPER CHICHESTER TOWNSHIP
Upper Chichester Township will hold its annual Independence Day celebration featuring food trucks, music, yard games, fireworks and more on Friday, July 5 at Furey Road Park, 8500 Furey Road. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Food trucks will be on-site at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks interested in being a part of the celebration, can email recreation@upperchitwp.org for details.
UPPER DARBY TOWNSHIP
Upper Darby Township will host a free Independence Day Fireworks Show at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School, 403 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill.
To be included in this listing, Delaware County’s boroughs and townships are welcome to send more July Fourth celebration information to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.
Delmarva Power objects to applying legislation to interim rate
The debate among commissioners over the breadth of their oversight on utility rates comes as the company has pushed back on the group, limiting its interim rate increase to half of its total request, even while it faced criticism from commissioners that it is “cruel” and “tone deaf” for continuing to press for rate hikes.
Delmarva Power, an investor-owned utility, serves 344,000 residential and nonresidential customers in the state. Its parent company, Exelon Corporation, is the nation’s largest regulated electric and gas utility.
Its customers pay a supply and a delivery charge for gas and electricity. The supply of energy comes from PJM Interconnection, a regional grid serving Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and several other states. Delmarva Power profits through the distribution fee.
Delmarva Power Region President Marcus Beal said they need to file rate hike requests to recoup money it spends on improving and maintaining the infrastructure.
“Our equipment is extremely expensive, the items that we buy, the transformers, they’re very large, complex things to build,” Beal said. “Even something as simple as a treated pole of a certain size can be very pricey, so we spend a lot of money on the grid itself.”
Under Delaware law, interim rates can be approved seven months after a rate case is filed, while the full petition is being considered by the commission. Prior to the legislation, 100% of the rate request could be implemented. The bill caps interim rates at 50% and allows 75% of the ask to go into effect after 12 months. The bill also puts limits on Delmarva Power’s infrastructure spending.
Delmarva Power spokesperson Matt Ford said the commission overstepped its authority to cut the interim rate as much as they did and the company has argued in its PSC submissions that SB 326 did not apply to the rate increase request filed in December because it had yet to be signed into law. Meyer said he signed the bill Monday.
“Delmarva Power further reserves its objections to the applicability of the legislation, should it become effective, including its impermissible retroactive application,” the utility company said in comments filed Monday afternoon with the commission.
In addition, Delmarva Power has objected to halving $23.2 million in distribution system improvement charges as part of the interim rate commissioners approved. The fee allows utility companies to recover project costs and depreciation between full rate case proceedings.
“My suggestion is, if you don’t like it, appeal it,” Iorii said.
It’s unclear whether the utility plans to appeal the order. Ford said they were reviewing it and its implications.
Tweedie said he hopes they decide not to appeal.
“If they appeal this, what they are essentially saying is, ‘We want to extract more money from our customers than the commission intended to allow,’” he said.
Delaware State Police have identified the man who was struck and killed by a vehicle while lying on the roadway in Harrington, Delaware.
On Monday, July 13, 2026, Jimmy Burgess, 62, was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado driving westbound near the 1500 block of Whiteleysburg Road.
According to police, the Silverado, which was operated by a 17-year-old boy from Milton, Delaware, was unable to stop once he saw Burgess on the road, striking him. The driver of the Silverado was not injured during the crash.
Burgess was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead, said police.
The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collison Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash.
Troopers ask anyone with information about the crash contact Sergeant M. Long at (302) 698-8518.
Information can also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police, or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-(800) 847-3333
Where the music grew
Soon playing the restaurant piano became part of Leonard’s regular routine.
In early 2024, a friend encouraged him to record himself playing the old instrument and post the videos online.
The series, “Putting the Chinese restaurant on to jams,” featured Leonard performing R&B, funk and soul covers in the restaurant and interacting with customers. Before long, the videos found an audience online.
Leonard made one thing clear: It was never about building a following; it was about having peace.
As more videos were posted, he invited his friend to join him. In every live stream, viewers suggested adding more instruments and upgrading the sound system, which he initially thought was ridiculous.
“We started bringing speakers. We started to make music. We started to remix music,” he said. “We pretty much treated it as a public studio at that point.”
Word continued to spread of Leonard’s music and the Chinese restaurant where he played. Drummers, bass players, saxophonists and singers began making their way to the restaurant, transforming an ordinary neighborhood takeout spot into an open jam session where no two performances were ever the same.
“Everything is bliss. So it’s not planned. We just show up,” he said. “I may start a groove — and usually it’s like R&B, gospel, funk, soul, somewhere in that vein — and then it takes off, because the drummer may have a way that he wants to add to the groove. We all just feed off of each other, and then we create something. It’s almost like magic.”
Audiences became part of the performance. Some sang along. Others danced. Many pulled out their phones to capture the moment. Customers who stopped in for dinner often stayed long after their food was ready.
“You’ll have some people come in, maybe to order food, and then they’ll forget that they’re in a restaurant because of everything that is happening,” he said. “They may order food and then stick around for maybe 10 to 15 minutes and then leave.”
For Leonard, the biggest change wasn’t the growing audience or the recognition. It was rediscovering the confidence he thought he had lost.
“When I picked up the … DoorDash at the Chinese restaurant, that piano was my reminder of leaning more towards my creative side and not really pushing it all the way to the side,” he said.
“Me being able to bring things to life in a Chinese restaurant with a piano, able to reach a lot of people from across the globe, it definitely built my spirit back up.”
An imperfect piano; a perfect community
As the jam sessions grew, Leonard realized they were becoming something larger than just music.
“The piano being out of tune and not really in good shape … I actually thought it… would actually push more people away from it,” he said.
Instead, the opposite happened.
Leonard said he believes the piano’s imperfections are what made the phenomenon possible. Because the instrument is out of tune, musicians have to adapt to it and to one another, creating a sense of collaboration and shared purpose.
“We can still make it adhesive if we all agree to be in tune with the piano,” he said.
He hopes people leave the restaurant with more than a memorable performance.
“I hope they feel recharged,” he said. “They leave that restaurant feeling great, and they feel like they can do whatever they want to do. No matter what goes on in the world.”
The jam sessions have also introduced Leonard to opportunities he never imagined, connecting him with other artists and collaborators. He has even produced a couple of songs with British singer-songwriter, rapper and producer KWN.
“Honestly, I just hope it grows in a direction where it needs to,” Leonard said. “I’m just following God at this point, because I mean, to me, a year ago, I didn’t really see this happening. But it just happened.”
Leonard said he hopes to continue creating music similar to his jam sessions, curating spaces where strangers become collaborators and where art feels accessible to anyone.
-
Sports4 minutes ago2026 AL, NL MVP Odds: Ohtani Favored; Alvarez Holding Off Challengers
-
Technology10 minutes agoTesla helped save a driver. Is your car ready?
-
Business16 minutes agoSpaceX stock erases all its gains and slides below IPO price in intraday trading
-
Entertainment22 minutes agoContributor: Hollywood will stop fueling racism when audiences demand better
-
Politics34 minutes agoTrump seeks prime-time spotlight for election claims, sparking concerns he’ll intervene
-
Science40 minutes agoCalifornia employer health premiums will cost as much as a new car in 2027
-
Sports46 minutes agoHow Spain ‘recaptured the spirit of 2010’ in its run to the World Cup final
-
World58 minutes agoFake Hezbollah video threatening attack on France possibly Russia-tied
