DELAWARE – As Delaware prepares to celebrate America’s historic 250th anniversary of independence, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office (DSFMO) reminds all residents and visitors to prioritize safety this holiday weekend.

With unprecedented crowds and community events planned across the state, Delaware fire officials are tracking a heightened risk of preventable injuries and property damage from illegal consumer fireworks. Further, with a drought watch declared statewide, DSFMO is intensifying its public education and enforcement efforts throughout the summer.

“Delaware played a foundational role in the birth of our nation, and the best way to honor that legacy during America 250 is by keeping our communities safe,” said State Fire Marshal John W. Rudd. “A single spark can cause irreversible injury or a devastating house fire. We strongly encourage all Delawareans and visitors to celebrate our nation’s milestone safely by attending one of the many spectacular professionally managed public displays hosted throughout the First State.”

Fireworks: What’s allowed and what isn’t?

State Fire Marshal Rudd reminds residents and visitors that the possession, sale, and use of most consumer fireworks are illegal at all times under Delaware law. Firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial fireworks, and other explosives are included in the prohibition. Further, any other device that explodes or shoots into the air is prohibited per the fireworks chapter of Delaware’s Health and Safety code.

DSFMO also reminds Delawareans that it is illegal to purchase fireworks across state lines and bring them back to Delaware. Firework misuse and/or illegal possession are misdemeanor crimes that can result in fines; but, any injuries or damages caused by firework use can result in felony charges.

However, certain fireworks, such as sparklers, ground-based displays, and a selection of other non-airborne, nonexplosive novelty items, regulated by the federal government, are allowed to be used only on Independence Day. Permitted ground-based fireworks include the following:

• Spinners
• Fountains
• Jumping jacks
• Ground blooms
• Handheld sparklers

These fireworks can be purchased by a person 18 years or older between Jun. 4 and Jul. 4. DSFMO urges caution when using legal novelties as even they can pose severe burn risks, with sparklers burning at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.

Firework Safety Tips

DSFMO offers the following tips to ensure that Delawareans celebrate the holiday safely:

• Follow proper safety measures when using fireworks
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby when lighting fireworks in case of fire or other mishaps
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Dispose of used fireworks by placing them in a bucket filled with water located at least 10 feet away from any buildings for at least 12 hours.

Fire officials maintain the safest alternative to lighting your own fireworks is to attend professional fireworks shows. For a full list of fireworks on Delmarva, click here.

DOVER, Del. – On Monday, the Delaware on Main Street (DOMS) Program, operating within the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB), presented certificates of accreditation or affiliation to 17 downtown organizations on behalf of Main Street America.

The recognition reflects continued growth in the Delaware on Main Street Program, with two new organizations joining the network between July 2025 and January 2026 and two communities advancing to Main Street America’s highest designation level. Delaware now has six nationally accredited Main Street programs, up from four in 2025, representing a 50% increase in communities earning Main Street America’s top designation.

“I’m incredibly excited to see the growth of this program and so proud of the dedication, passion, and effort that each of these Main Street programs put into economic development and revitalization of their downtown areas,” said Delaware on Main Street Coordinator Anastasia Jackson. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve.”

The impact of Delaware’s Main Street programs extends far beyond recognition. In 2025, eleven Delaware on Main Street programs generated more than $306.8 million in local reinvestment, facilitated the creation of 421 full-time and 108 part-time jobs, and helped open 104 new businesses. They also completed 38 rehabilitation projects, 85 public improvement projects, and eight new construction projects. Volunteers contributed more than 29,293 hours to support downtown revitalization efforts.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce a list of designated programs that have committed to creating meaningful improvements to their downtowns through the Main Street Approach™.

These designations serve as a powerful advocacy tool, demonstrating to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders, that a Main Street program has an established position within a nationwide movement. Main Street America’s 46-year track record of economic success and community building has created a lasting impact in communities across the country.

Certificates were presented during the quarterly Main Street meeting held at Middletown Town Hall on Monday, June 29, 2026.

The four programs receiving renewed accreditation are Downtown Wilmington Visions, Downtown Dover Partnership, Downtown Milford, Inc., and Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Inc. The two programs earning accreditation status for the first time are Cornerstone West CDC in Wilmington and Middletown Main Street.

To qualify for Accredited status, Main Street America’s highest designation tier, communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach™ and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.

The remaining 11 downtown programs receiving Affiliate status are City of Harrington, City of Seaford, Clayton Main Street, Delaware City, Main Street Laurel, Millsboro Downtown Partnership, Milton Main Street, The Newark Partnership, Town of Elsmere, Smyrna Main Street, and Town of Georgetown.

To qualify for Affiliate status, Main Street America’s second designation tier, communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model and dedication to achieving outcomes in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.

According to Main Street America, for every dollar invested in the operation of a Main Street program, an average of $21.73 is reinvested into its downtown and commercial corridor communities.

Together, Delaware’s accredited and affiliate Main Street programs are helping strengthen local economies, support small businesses, preserve historic downtowns, and create vibrant places where residents and visitors want to live, work, and spend time.

To learn more about the Delaware on Main Street Program, visit de.gov/demainst.

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The Delaware Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital. DSB also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and the Office of Supplier Diversity

Media Contact
Andrea Wojcik
Division of Small Business
O: (302) 672-6840; C: (302) 554-0060
andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov

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Rutgers men’s basketball has added some more local flair to its 2026-2027 non-conference schedule, as the Scarlet Knights have added St. Peter’s and Delaware State to their non-conference slate, according to Craig Epstein of The Knight Report.

Both games are set to be home games for Rutgers, as they will host St. Peter’s on December 13 and Delaware State on December 29. The Knights’ game against the Hornets comes exactly one full calendar year since Rutgers beat them 65-50 to end last year’s non-conference slate.

The last time Rutgers played St. Peter’s was in 2024 when they bested the Peacocks 75-65. Last season, St. Peter’s was one of the best teams in the MAAC, sporting a 17-12 record and finishing second in conference standings. The Peacocks’ only power conference opponent last season was Seton Hall. The Pirates pulled off a 77-50 victory in that game.

Delaware State, on the other hand, did not have a good season last year. They finished the season with a record of 8-23 and last place in the MEAC. They did play another power conference opponent last season, Syracuse, whom they lost to by 40 points.

With the addition of the Peacocks and the Hornets, Rutgers has a well-rounded non-conference Schedule in terms of competition. Rutgers is slated to have games against Bryant, Army, NJIT, Syracuse, and Seton Hall in addition to Delaware State and St. Peter’s. They are also set to compete in the Players Era Tournament, where they will take on Houston, Notre Dame, and another opponent from the eight-team field.