Delaware

This Delaware event made a list of the wackiest US festivals. Have you ever been?

Published

2 years ago

September 21, 2024

This Delaware event made a list of the wackiest US festivals. Have you ever been?

Delaware is known to have some unique happenings, but the one that just got a shoutout on this list of the wackiest fall festivals in the United States might surprise you.

Wacky fall festival in Delaware

There are plenty of odd and whimsical Delaware traditions that out-of-towners, and even some Delawareans, might see as a bit weird. The one that Thrillist, a media company, chose to highlight for its list of the weirdest and wackiest fall festivals in the country is the Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach.

If you don’t know what a Sea Witch Festival is, Rehoboth Beach prefaces the event with the following eerie blurb:

“Not all witches hang out in caves with their cauldrons; sometimes they have a strong affinity for the wide-open sea.”

In short, it’s to celebrate the lore of the alternative mermaid mentioned above.

This year’s festival runs from 8 a.m. on Oct. 25 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 27. It includes a haunted bonfire, hayrides, a pet-friendly costume parade with nautical floats, a broom-tossing competition and a lantern-lit story time that tells the “true tale” of a ship that sank off the coast of Delaware in 1785.

Oh, and apparently, ghosts will be in attendance …

Weirdest, wackiest fall festivals in the US

Whether you’re a Sea Witch Festival regular or you’ve never attended the event, some of the other festivals on Thrillist’s list make Rehoboth’s celebration look completely ordinary.

Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival

Although this takes place on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31, Thrillist added it to the list because it’s “too absurd to skip.” This festival in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, stems from the old practice of using dried buffalo chips – poop – as fuel to warm the houses of pioneers.

Now, Wisconsin keeps the spirit alive with its festival that includes music, arts and crafts, magicians, a “cow chip breakfast” and chip throwing.

Arcola Broomcorn Festival

The Arcola Broomcorn Festival in Arcola, Illinois, ran from Sept. 6 through Sept. 8 and celebrated all things related to broomcorn, a plant that can be dried and bound together to make brooms.

Aside from making brooms, festivalgoers could enjoy arts and crafts, live music, a 5K and 10K and a broom-sweeping contest. A parade featuring the Lawn Rangers, a lawn mower drill team that has been a staple event since 1980, also was on the agenda.

World Chicken Festival

The World Chicken Festival in London, Kentucky, runs from Sept. 26 to Sept. 29 in Laurel County, the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, according to Thrillist.

The festival is four days of fun that includes a “Rooster tail” mullet contest, Colonel Sanders impersonation competitions, live entertainment featuring the Gin Blossoms, carnival rides and the world’s largest stainless-steel skillet.

Nearby in Corbin, the Sanders Café & Museum highlights the 11 herbs and spices of the original KFC recipe and other memorabilia. This location is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Trailing of the Sheep Festival

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Sun Valley, Idaho, runs from Oct. 2 to Oct. 6 and highlights 1,500 sheep as they embark on their annual migration through Main Street in Ketchum.

Event highlights include sheep storytelling, a sheep jam, farm-to-table dinners, wooly items for purchase, sheepdog trials and a Q&A with sheep ranchers.

FireAnt Festival

The FireAnt Festival in Marshall, Texas, is on Oct. 12 and celebrates its 42nd celebration this year.

The festival began in 1982 to heighten morale during a period of economic hardship and, according to Thrillist, the name was given at random just because it sounded nice and fun.

The event is characterized by fire ant mascots; a parade; the Diaper Derby; a chicken chunkin’ contest; a fire ant calling contest; and a gurning contest, which is about making the most horrible and grotesque facial expressions possible.

… To each their own!

Fall fun at the beach: A powwow, greyhounds and crafts: Fall festivals and events at the Delaware beaches

North American Wife Carrying Championship

The North American Wife Carrying Championship in Newry, Maine, on Oct. 12 is self-explanatory.

The sport of wife-carrying began in Finland due to the local legend of a robber stealing food and women from the towns he pillaged. Now, it’s an annual sport competition – in its 23rd year – that requires participants to carry their partners through a dry and muddy 278-yeard obstacle course. Partners can be carried fireman-style, piggyback or in the Estonian carry, which is flipped upside down with legs around the runner’s shoulders.

Wondering why people do this? The winning team wins their partner’s weight in beer and five times their weight in cash.

Bridge Day

Bridge Day in Fayetteville, West Virginia, is on Oct. 19 and celebrates New River Gorge, the 63rd National Park.

The event is held annually on the third Saturday in October and focuses on the allure of jumping off or rappelling down the park’s 876-foot-tall bridge, which BASE jumpers have done since 1980. The bridge is the world’s second-longest arch bridge.

BASE jumping stands for the four categories of fixed objects that can be jumped from: buildings, antennas (radio masts), spans (bridges) and earth (cliffs).

Texas Bigfoot Conference

The Texas Bigfoot Conference in Jefferson, Texas, is on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19 and honors the city’s name as “The Bigfoot Capital of Texas,” according to Thrillist.

Although the location of Bigfoot varies according to witness accounts, the Texas Bigfoot Research Center reports a long history of sightings in the state. The annual conference features dinners, Bigfoot enthusiasts and speakers.

Conference attendees also can stop by the Bigfoot statue in the Port Jefferson History and Nature Center. The area between the train bridge and the entrance is known as “Bigfoot Alley.”

Punkin Chunkin’

Punkin Chunkin’ in Clayton, New York, is on Oct. 19 and leans into medieval fun.

Attendees build their own catapults and trebuchets to launch pumpkins into the St. Lawrence River, with many donning Viking helmets with horns. The pumpkins reach 150 miles per hour and reach at least 1,000 feet. Other activities include a farmers market, live music, a kids’ competition and a barbecue contest.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin, Oregon, is on Oct. 20 and is hosted by the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers, whose goal is to grow “obscenely large vegetables,” according to Thrillist.

The regatta is the main event and features fifteen competitors dressed in costumes as they race in giant hollowed-out pumpkins with a kayak paddle on the Lake of the Commons. Other events are the 5K, a Terminator pumpkin weigh-off and pumpkin golf.

Fall festivals in Delaware: Delaware fall festivals you must hit up in 2024, for kids and adults

Woolly Worm Festival

The Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, North Carolina, is on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 and celebrates the woolly worm.

Some people believe that the hue of each of the worm’s 13 brown segments will predict how severe the following 13 weeks of winter will be, dubbed the Woolly Worm Forecast. Darker colors signal harsher weather for a given week while lighter colors mean more agreeable conditions.

The festival highlights the tradition and also includes vendors selling pottery, photography and worm houses and hosts a worm race. Winning worms get a cash prize and are used to predict the weather of the upcoming winter.

The Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival

In Manitou Springs, Colorado, the Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival is on Oct. 26 this year and celebrates Emma Crawford, a woman who was sick with tuberculosis and went to the town for its healing mineral water.

The mineral water did not turn Crawford’s health around and she later died, requesting for her casket to be buried atop a mountain. When Manitou Springs flooded years later, her casket was unearthed and slid down the mountain into the town.

The story inspired the town’s coffin races of today, which feature costumed teams of five racing through the town in heats, hoping to win prizes like “best Emma,” “best coffin” and “best entourage.” Aside from the festival, the town is big into Halloween and hosts movie nights and ghost tours throughout the month.

Tarantula Awareness Festival

The Tarantula Awareness Festival in Coarsegold, California, is on Oct. 30 and aims to educate people about the California Brown Tarantula during spider mating season in October.

Halloween and spider fun come together for events like scream-offs, a costume parade, a rice of spiders, a pumpkin cheesecake contest, a tarantula poem contest and the hairy leg contest for humans.

PA Bacon Fest

The PA Bacon Fest is a two-day festival on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 in Easton, Pennsylvania, that celebrates the beloved food. Thrillist reports that the event has been named one of the top five bacon fests.

During the festival, attendees will find live entertainment, a bacon-eating contest (complete with a big trophy), a bacon and craft beer pairing, a hog calling contest, a mascot dash for bacon and bacon-related costumes and pig and wiener dog races. Plenty of bacon-themed food will be in store, too.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys’tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

Source link

Click to comment

Delaware

From blueprint to breakthrough: Tackling affordable housing in Wilmington

Published

4 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

From blueprint to breakthrough: Tackling affordable housing in Wilmington

Pennrose and JPMorganChase help neighborhoods – and residents – thrive.

Finding an affordable place to live continues to be a challenge for many as widespread housing shortages persist across the U.S. Rising home prices and high interest rates have made homeownership inaccessible for a large portion of the population. Meanwhile, as rental demand increases, the number of renters facing affordability challenges is also on the rise.

The State of the Nation’s Housing 2025 by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies reveals that cost burdens for renters reached another record high in 2023. Similarly, the JPMorganChase Institute reports that renter affordability is declining and forcing people to devote more of their take-home pay to housing costs. There is a growing need for affordable housing across the U.S., and that rings true here in Wilmington.

To close that gap, it’s essential that all Wilmington residents share in its growth with housing options that accommodate a range of needs and budgets. For the Pennrose real estate firm, this meant delivering a concrete solution to the local community, resulting in housing for individuals and families who otherwise might not have been able to live in the area.

Reinvesting in Wilmington’s Riverside

In Wilmington, the Riverside redevelopment initiative is focused on neighborhood stability at a scale that can be felt across generations – bringing housing, education and community resources together so families can remain rooted and move forward. Imani Village, developed by Pennrose in partnership with the Wilmington Housing Authority and nonprofit community organization REACH Riverside and constructed with support from JPMorganChase, is part of this broader effort, which is expected to create more than 600 high-quality, mixed-income homes while also enhancing and expanding EastSide Charter School and Kingswood Community Center to help establish a “cradle to college/career readiness education pipeline.”

By tying new housing to strengthened local institutions, the redevelopment aims to reduce the pressure that forces families to relocate and instead keep children closer to school, neighbors closer to one another and residents connected to the services that help them thrive. In practical terms, Imani Village represents not just additional homes, but a commitment to building a neighborhood where opportunity is easier to access and easier to keep.

“We’re proud of the far-reaching impact this project will have. It reflects Pennrose’s mission to uplift our communities and expand the supply of high-quality, affordable homes,” said Brett Macleod, Community Development Banking, J.P. Morgan. “Every additional housing unit matters – and increasing the number that are affordable is critical.”

A broader commitment to Wilmington’s future

While Imani Village is foundational, the vibrancy of a community depends on much more. In Delaware, the firm provides banking services to 215,000 customers and works across sectors to expand economic opportunity. Over the last five years, JPMorganChase has invested more than $25 million in local nonprofit organizations, supported 25,000 small business clients and delivered financial health education to thousands of residents to broaden access to banking, financial health resources, homeownership and other wealth-building tools.

“As we work with local stakeholders to expand housing options, JPMorganChase’s goal is to create inclusive economic opportunity for all,” said Don Mell, Location Management, Americas East Region Lead and member of the Delaware & Philadelphia Market Leadership Team at JPMorganChase. “When our communities thrive, we all thrive.”

Learn more about affordable housing and community development at jpmorgan.com/commercial-real-estate.

Delaware

DNREC opens new Delaware Environmental Laboratory

Published

14 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

DNREC opens new Delaware Environmental Laboratory

DNREC opened the new Delaware Environmental Laboratory near Smyrna today with a ceremonial ribbon cutting for a state-of-the-art facility that features scientific analysis of emerging contaminants such as PFAS, water quality testing and early detection in Delaware of human and animal diseases. DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson led the cutting. Celebrants, left to right, were: DNREC Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb, former DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, Sec. Patterson, Delaware Environmental Lab Director Ashley Kunder, former DNREC Secretary Christophe Tulou, former DNREC Secretary David Small, State Senator Stephanie Hansen, US EPA Region 3 Deputy Administrator Catherine Libertz, State Sen. Kyra Hoffner, Kate Rohrer representing US Senator Chris Coons, and John Gentile, representing Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester. /Delaware DNREC photo

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Delaware Environmental Laboratory has opened near Smyrna, providing a state-of-the-art facility to test water quality, chemical contaminants including per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and conduct molecular and microbiology. DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson was joined today for a ceremonial ribbon cutting by representatives of the state’s congressional delegation, state legislators, former DNREC cabinet secretaries and organizations that depend on the environmental lab for scientific analysis.

The new lab replaces a facility that has operated since 1983 in a converted 19th-century cannery that serves as DNREC’s headquarters building in Dover. The spacious new lab building will house up to 24 scientific, technical and support staff. With its strategic location adjacent the state Department of Health and Social Services Public Health lab, the Delaware Environmental Laboratory will perform testing in support of environmental and public health programs focused on detection of human and animal diseases, as well as environmental emergency response, education and training. The new facility is the third environmental lab in the state’s history.

Construction of the Delaware Environmental Laboratory was supported by a combined $29.7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act – funded by President Joe Biden and Congress – and state funds.

“DNREC’s lab has done amazing work in the last 40 years but did so in spaces that looked like a middle school science classroom, so it definitely needed an upgrade,” DNREC Secretary Patterson said. “The new modern, environmental lab will provide optimum conditions for the skilled and dedicated staff DNREC depends on to help protect the health and safety of Delawareans and our environment, with greater capabilities for addressing environmental and public health challenges of today and into the future.”

Beyond the lab’s expanded capabilities for analytical testing and applying scientific expertise, the proximity between the new DNREC laboratory and the Division of Public Health lab will enable the state to benefit from support between technical experts, materials and supplies when critical situations arise, such as preventing disease outbreaks on coastal beaches or helping mitigate accidental industrial releases of toxic substances or the impacts of pollutants – with both labs focused on underserved or at-risk communities throughout the state.

DNREC expects the new facility to encourage continuing innovation from the various specialized sections of the lab in meeting global environmental and public health challenges of the times, with PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern among the priorities. The new Delaware Environmental Laboratory continues to increase DNREC’s analytical testing capability. The lab has established new testing capabilities for PFAS, emerging contaminants and other specialized testing, such as environmental DNA. Beyond meeting DNREC’s analysis needs, the Delaware Environmental Lab also serves organizations such as the Center for the Inland Bays, the Delaware River Basin Commission, the U.S. Geological Survey, Delaware Geological Survey and the University of Delaware.

“The opening of our new environmental laboratory represents a significant investment by the state,” said Delaware Environmental Laboratory Director Ashley Kunder. “This strengthens our ability to provide high-quality scientific data that state agencies and policymakers rely upon to make informed decisions and protect our natural resources. Most importantly, this laboratory reflects our commitment to the citizens of Delaware. This new facility supports our talented group of scientists and technical professionals, thus strengthens our ability to deliver timely, accurate, and defensible data. We are excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to meeting our mission of protecting public health and the environment.”

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

###

Source link

Delaware

Delaware Lottery Powerball, Play 3 Day winning numbers for June 17, 2026

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

Delaware Lottery Powerball, Play 3 Day winning numbers for June 17, 2026

The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Wednesday, June 17, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from June 17 drawing

03-26-49-53-61, Powerball: 12, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 3 numbers from June 17 drawing

Day: 2-1-0

Night: 8-6-5

Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 4 numbers from June 17 drawing

Day: 6-3-6-4

Night: 9-8-0-9

Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from June 17 drawing

05-07-13-15-19-29

Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from June 17 drawing

11-16-18-33-51, Star Ball: 09, ASB: 05

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 5 numbers from June 17 drawing

Day: 4-0-1-1-1

Night: 9-5-9-2-5

Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.

Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?

Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.

How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.

When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link