Clifford Brown Jazz Festival All Week Long

TOGETHER WITH

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Somewhere today, someone is about to have the best day they've had in years. There's no rule saying it can't be you.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

Savor the stories behind the flavors. Hear the rich agricultural stories behind the foods and drinks we enjoy and explore how soil, climate, and place shape their character. Sample thoughtfully sourced honey, chocolate, and hard cider, each chosen to showcase distinct landscapes. Register today for a single tasting or bundle multiple sessions.  

August 8 - Discover the Magic of Honey
August 15 - Experience the Flavors of Chocolate
August 22 - Explore the Craft of Hard Cider

Reserve your ticket today!

Every decade has its legends, unforgettable songs, and diehard fans. But if you could only pick one era to listen to forever, which would it be? Cast your vote.

Source: DNREC

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced the winners of its 2026 photo contest during Governor's Day at the Delaware State Fair last week. Governor Matt Meyer and agency officials recognized five photographers for their images of the state.

The second-annual competition featured five categories, including wildlife, watersheds, hunting, youth entries, and people enjoying nature. A judging panel evaluated the submissions based on visual effectiveness, originality, universal appeal, and theme. Each winner received a $500 gift card, daily state park passes, and a gift bag.

The winning photographs and honorable mentions are now available to view through the agency's online magazine.

Source: DNREC

The state environmental department opened the application window for its Community Environmental Project Fund on August 1. Community groups and nonprofits across Delaware can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

The program uses money collected from environmental penalties to pay for local improvements. Eligible projects include pollution mitigation, habitat enhancement, and outdoor recreation upgrades. State officials give preference to proposals located within two miles of where a previous violation occurred.

Applications remain open through the end of August. Selected groups will receive notification in early October, and approved projects will run throughout 2027.

Source: Delaware Business Times

The Delaware Division of the Arts handed out just over $5 million in first-round FY2027 grants last week, spreading funding across 127 arts and community organizations in all three counties. The awards covered several grant types, including General Operating Support, Project Support, Arts Stabilization, and Arts Access.

Three organizations joined the Division's StartUp program this cycle: the Nanticoke Indian Association, Imperial Dynasty Arts Program, and Resolution Steel Orchestra. StartUp provides financial support, board training, and technical assistance to newer nonprofits working toward eligibility in larger grant categories.

All applications went through peer review panels made up of Delaware community members, with oversight from the Delaware State Arts Council.

Source: Delaware Business Now

On July 30, Delaware NeuroRehab announced the purchase of the historic Tilton Building at Fort DuPont in Delaware City. The healthcare provider plans to convert the 57,000-square-foot property into a 28-bed inpatient neurological rehabilitation center.

The new facility will treat patients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological conditions. Company officials noted the expansion will allow more patients to receive specialized care locally instead of traveling out of state. The project also preserves a 1909 structure that originally served as Army barracks.

Renovations on the property are expected to begin soon. The new rehabilitation center is scheduled to open its doors in 2027.

Source: Delaware Business Now

West End Neighborhood House launched a new business loan program on August 1 for local entrepreneurs. The initiative opened access to loans of up to $10,000 at a 2% interest rate for graduates of the organization's Launcher Entrepreneurship Program.

The program made up to $450,000 available across 45 loans. Instead of relying strictly on traditional credit scores, the lending model evaluates applicants based on their business readiness and performance during their training. Borrowers can use the funds to purchase equipment, expand marketing, or move into commercial storefronts.

The initiative received backing from the Delaware Community Investment Venture Fund, Stepping Stones Community Federal Credit Union, and Capital One. Loan recipients also receive ongoing financial coaching.

Source: Delaware Online 🔒 PAYWALLED

PrimoHoagies announced plans for its newest Delaware location to open in Stanton on August 4. The South Philadelphia sandwich chain is offering a year of free hoagies to the first 50 customers in line.

The Stanton storefront marks the fourth Delaware spot for the company. It follows a Middletown location that opened a week earlier.

PrimoHoagies also operates restaurants in Claymont and Wilmington, bringing its total footprint to more than 130 locations.

Source: Delaware Public Media

Last week, state officials and banking leaders announced a new round of financial support for local entrepreneurs. The Delaware Community Investment Venture Fund awarded $469,000 to Stepping Stones Federal Credit Union to provide accessible lines of credit to small businesses and community groups.

The funding supports loans of up to $10,000 for graduates of the Launcher program at West End Neighborhood House. Instead of relying strictly on traditional credit scores, the lending approach evaluates applicants based on their program performance and business readiness.

Borrowers receive monthly business coaching alongside the capital. The funds are designated for purchasing equipment, expanding operations, or moving businesses into retail storefronts.

Source: Newark Post

Boom Down Towing on Elkton Road officially expanded its operations to include retail vehicle sales. City council signed off on a special use permit, allowing the local business to buy and sell cars directly to the public.

Under the approved rules, the lot was capped at eight vehicles at any given time. Cars can be stored on the property for a maximum of thirty days, though the owner noted most transactions would actually take place at offsite auction houses.

This marked the third permit expansion for the business in two years. The site was originally approved for basic towing storage in early 2025 before adding wholesale dealer operations later that fall.

The Newark Independent Film Festival returns August 13-15 with three days of films, filmmakers, and stories you won't find at the multiplex. From local voices to international talent, the festival brings independent cinema from around the world to Newark.

Screenings take place at Chapel Street Players' state-of-the-art theatre, creating an intimate setting where audiences can experience fresh perspectives and creative storytelling. It's one of the few opportunities in Delaware to see this kind of work on the big screen.

Save the dates, grab your tickets, and see what independent filmmakers are creating beyond Hollywood.

Source: Spotlight Delaware

Five of Delaware's top corporate law firms pooled nearly $950,000 into a political action committee this summer, funding a wave of mailers and digital ads backing Democratic incumbents ahead of the state's primary election. The campaign runs through two interconnected groups, the First State Future PAC and the Alliance to Protect Delaware's Future, and targets several contested legislative districts across the state.

Most of the ads focus on housing, education, and opposition to federal policy, with no mention of Senate Bill 21, the corporate liability law those same firms lobbied to pass last year. Two progressive challengers, Wilmington City Councilwoman Shané Darby and physician Rob Bahnsen, are directly opposed in separate ads paid for by the PAC.

The PAC filed a new campaign finance report last Thursday showing additional ad spending, suggesting the campaign will continue through August primary season.

Don't let the word "senior" fool you. This 10-year-old brown mixed-breed boy is out here galloping around yards, riding shotgun on day trips, and charming every single person he meets. Earl did a stint in BVSPCA's Shelter Skip Day program and passed with flying colors. He was friendly and social from start to finish. Back at his foster home, he's been a model houseguest, listening well, ignoring the resident chinchillas entirely, and winding down the day with a good bone and some well-earned butt scratches.

He does best with calm dogs, and his adoption fee is fully sponsored by his fan club (yes, Earl already has admirers).

Head to Brandywine Valley SPCA at 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle to meet Earl before this gentleman finds his people.

39th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Fest Day 2 | Rodney Square. A week-long outdoor music series celebrating Wilmington jazz legend Clifford Brown, featuring Grammy winners, local favorites, and emerging artists spanning jazz, R&B, funk, and gospel. Free. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 5:15 PM, Saturday 2 PM.

Summer Concert Series: Seven Rings | Rockford Park. An outdoor performance by Seven Rings where attendees can bring a picnic or purchase meals from a food truck. The adjacent historic Rockford Tower is open during the show. Monday at 6:30 PM.

Music in the Plaza: Bang Bang Blues Gang | Brandywine Mills Plaza. A live outdoor concert featuring the Bang Bang Blues Gang, alongside food trucks and local vendors selling handmade goods and fresh produce. Tuesday 5-8 PM.

National Night Out 2026 | North East Community Park. A family-friendly evening with local law enforcement featuring K-9 and drone demonstrations, emergency vehicle displays, vendors, and food. Free. Tuesday 5-8 PM.

Delaware City National Night Out | Delaware City Battery Park. A community event supporting local first responders with kids' activities, Fire Company demonstrations, an outdoor concert by The Dig, and a harbor cruise aboard the M/V DELAFORT. Free. Tuesday 6-8 PM.

New Castle County National Night Out | Delcastle Recreational Park. A community evening featuring police demonstrations, giveaways, and meet-and-greets with the K9 and Mounted units, SWAT and EOD teams, and facility dog Wombat. Tuesday 6-8 PM.

Newark National Night Out | Main Street Newark. Newark PD's annual community event features K9 demonstrations, equipment displays from more than a dozen agencies including Delaware State Police and the National Guard, games and activities for children, and complimentary food from Mission BBQ while supplies last. Tuesday 6-8 PM.

Summer Nights | Hagley Museum and Library. A dog-friendly evening stroll along the Brandywine featuring local food trucks, Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream, and Dogfish Head craft beer. Tickets are $5, and free for members and children under six. Wednesday 5-8 PM.

Sounds of Summer Free Concert Series: Local Honey | Anson B Nixon Park. A live outdoor concert featuring Local Honey, with food and beverage vendors serving hot meals, cold drinks, and sweet treats starting at 6 PM. Free. Wednesday 6:30-8:30 PM.

The Kennett Squares - Blues and Classic Rock | Historic New Castle. A live performance by The Kennett Squares playing a set of blues and classic rock. Free, though donations are welcomed. Wednesday 6:30-8 PM.

Summer Concert Series: Bleech | White Clay Creek State Park. An outdoor concert at the Carpenter Recreation Area band stage with a food truck and a beer garden. Attendees can bring a picnic supper and lawn chairs. Free with paid park admission. Wednesday at 6:30 PM.

More happenings we couldn’t fit in the newsletter.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

Monday

85 🌡️ 66 | ⛈️ Showers And Thunderstorms | 83% | 💨 SW 5 to 10 mph

Tuesday

85 🌡️ 68 | ⛅ Partly Sunny | 7% | 💨 NE 5 mph

Wednesday

86 🌡️ 71 | ⛈️ Showers And Thunderstorms | 49% | 💨 SE 0 to 5 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 75ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

The full events calendar includes live music, festivals, classes, markets, family activities, community gatherings, and dozens more happenings across Northern Delaware.

Submit an event →

We’ve been getting a lot of love lately (thank you!). But here’s a little behind-the-scenes truth: when you click on things in this newsletter—links, polls, even the little “Read more” button—it tells the internet powers-that-be that Above the Canal is something people care about.

So if you like what you’re reading, tap below and let us know. It’s a small gesture that helps this whole local thing keep growing.

Thanks for reading. Send this to the friend who's convinced they can carry all the groceries in one trip, no matter the consequences.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up
If Above the Canal adds value to your day, consider supporting it.
Let’s make it official—follow us on Facebook and Instagram.