🎈 Hot Air Balloons Are Back in Kennett Square This Weekend

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302–The balloons are back, and just like that, summer feels official. Let’s see what else is floating around this week.

Your 302 Rundown:

• New Smoothie & Juice Bar Coming to Greenville

• Wilmington Keeps Chiquita Banana Operations

• Chester County Balloon Festival Returns June 13–15

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Fest Returns to Kennett Square

The Chester County Balloon Festival is back June 13–15, and it’s the ultimate sky-high celebration. Held at Willowdale, the fest features sunrise and sunset balloon launches, tethered rides, and the glowing magic of lit-up balloons after dark.

Add in food trucks, live music, a beer and wine garden, and a packed Kid Zone, and you’ve got weekend plans wrapped in whimsy. Gates open at 4 PM Thursday and Friday, and 2 PM Saturday — just be sure to arrive during launch windows to catch the action.

Perfect excuse for a Father’s Day outing (or just an epic girls’ night with wine and floating photo ops).

🏈 NFL stars hit the field in Wilmington

Three NFL pros with serious Delaware roots are back in town this Friday, June 13, for the annual Titus Free Community Football Clinic. Starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chase Fieldhouse, the clinic is open to kids ages 8–16 and totally free.

Expect hands-on drills, pep talks, and pro tips from Brian O’Neill (Salesianum alum), Troy Reeder (Hockessin native), and Darnell Savage (straight outta Newark). It’s not every day you get coached by a Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champ, and a first-round draft pick.

Even if your kid isn’t dreaming of the NFL, this is a confidence-building, energy-burning morning you don’t want to miss.

🌳 Tree grant alert: Grow green, get green!

Got a patch of land and a passion for trees? The state’s Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI) is now accepting grant applications for Spring 2026 planting projects. Nonprofits, schools, towns, and even businesses can apply for $10K–$40K to plant native trees and restore local habitats.

Mt. Cuba Center used their grant to reforest part of Red Clay Creek—1,484 trees worth! Shade, wildlife habitat, cleaner air... all good stuff.

Applications are due July 21, so don’t leaf it to the last minute.

🎉 Reinventing Delaware turns 10!

The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation just celebrated a decade of big ideas with $22K in awards to two Delaware powerhouses. Delaware Health Empowerment Coalition took home $15K to expand its community-based, culturally competent healthcare model. And WilmInvest scored $7K to grow its mission of turning vacant homes into havens for families in need.

It’s all part of the Foundation’s Reinventing Delaware event, where vision meets action — and you’re invited to dream big, too. Got an idea to improve your community? Submissions for next year are open now. Read the full story.

🍹 THC drinks could move to the liquor aisle

A new Delaware bill could shake up where you buy your infused goodies. If passed, THC-infused drinks would only be sold in liquor stores—no more gas stations, bars, or hemp shops.

Liquor store owners are thrilled (new revenue!), but small CBD retailers say this could wipe them out. The law also caps THC at 10mg per drink and adds a per-can tax.

This isn’t about banning the buzz—it’s about regulation, says Rep. Debra Heffernan. But for local hemp shops that built the market? It feels like getting iced out.

IN BUSINESS

🍓 Greenville’s Got a New Juice Spot

Say hello to your new smoothie stop — The Juice Pod just landed in Delaware, opening this Saturday at 8 AM in Greenville. They’re slinging everything from cold-pressed juices to acai bowls, wraps, and wellness shots. Bonus: the first 50 folks in line snag a free bowl and a branded tote bag.

It’s the Hamill brothers’ 21st location, and they’re all about making healthy food easy and delish. This spot’s sure to be a hit for post-yoga fuel or a quick grab-and-go lunch.

🍌 Wilmington keeps its top banana

Wilmington just locked in another win—Chiquita’s largest U.S. port operation is staying right here. The banana giant renewed its deal with the Port of Wilmington, which means over 270,000 tons of bananas will continue breezing through Delaware every year.

This partnership goes way back to 1988, and it’s a big deal for local jobs and our spot on the global trade map. Enstructure (the port’s operator) says this move means more investment, more jobs, and better service.

In short? Delaware’s still the top banana—and that’s something to cheer about.

💰 Big boost for small biz

The Delaware Division of Small Business just handed out another $2.4M to entrepreneurs across the state—part of a $14M goal for 2025. This cash comes from the Small State Business Credit Initiative and is fueling loans and seed funding for startups and small ventures, especially in underserved communities.

Think: help for businesses with big ideas but thin credit files or limited collateral. And they’re still looking for more lenders to join the effort.

Got a small biz dream that needs a financial nudge? Now’s a good time to chat with DSB.

THE HAPPENINGS

St. Anthony’s Italian Festival wraps up its final weekend with more of the authentic food, lively music, and family fun that’s made it a Wilmington tradition. Now through Sunday, June 15 around St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington – don’t miss your last chance this year to join the celebration!

City Sounds Block Party brings the energy to Market Street with live music from Full Carbon Get Up. Thursday, June 12, 5–8 PM on the 800 block of Market Street (outside The Grand) in Downtown Wilmington – admission is free, and good vibes are guaranteed.

Sculpture Garden Happy Hour: Teacher Appreciation Night – Toast to teachers and summer evenings with live soul and R&B from Darnell Miller, a cash bar, and tasty eats from Kapow and Chelsea Tavern. Thursday, June 12, 5–7:30 PM at the Delaware Art Museum's Sculpture Garden — free and open to all.

UWSCC Summer Music Festival – Enjoy performances by Jefe Ebbert, Max & Denise, and Garden Station at this lively evening of music, food, and celebration at The Creamery in Kennett Square. Thursday, June 12, 5:30–8:30 PM — general admission is $20, with VIP tickets ($80) offering lounge access, buffet, drink, and raffle entry, all in support of United Way of Southern Chester County.

Ants on a Log at Bellevue State Park – This high-energy kids' concert mixes music, humor, and eco-friendly messages into one joyful performance for all ages. Thursday, June 12 at 6:30 PM at the Bellevue Bandshell — pack a blanket and get ready to sing, laugh, and learn.

Parks on Draft returns to Handloff Park with food from Klondike Kate’s and live music by The Sheehan Brothers. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a laid-back evening of cold drinks, great eats, and local tunes. Friday, June 13, 5–9 PM at Handloff Park, Barksdale Road, Newark.

First Fridays at the Farm – Summer Fun at Coverdale Farm Preserve returns with an evening of live music from Eli Lev, food trucks, lawn games, and farm animals. Friday, June 13, 5–7:30 PM at Coverdale Farm Preserve in Greenville – bring a chair or blanket and enjoy food from Natalie’s Fine Foods, Tom’s Pizza Cones, and Kona Ice.

Friday Night Lights at Riverwalk Mini Golf is a glow-in-the-dark golf party featuring a live DJ, glowing golf balls, and fun accessories. Friday, June 13, 9–10:30 PM at Riverwalk Mini Golf in Wilmington – $15 gets you in, but advance registration is required for this luminous night out.

Delaware Official Silent Party brings a unique twist to the dance floor with three live DJs spinning Hip Hop and R&B classics while you choose your vibe via wireless headphones. Friday, June 13, 10 PM–2 AM at 960 Justison Street in Wilmington – grab your headset, pick your channel, and party your way through the night.

Juneteenth Freedom Parade & Festival celebrates Juneteenth with a vibrant parade down King Street and a community festival at Tubman-Garrett Park. Saturday, June 15, starting at 11 AM in Wilmington – enjoy performances, vendors, food, rides, and a powerful celebration of freedom and heritage.

Barn-Fest at The Candlelight Theatre is a free summer celebration featuring live music, food, games, raffles, and 20+ local vendors. Saturday, June 14, 2–8 PM at The Candlelight Theatre in Wilmington – enjoy the fun and support this cherished local arts venue.

Art in the Garden – Stroll through the lush Historic Amstel House Garden and discover works by local artists, live music, poetry, wine, and small bites. Saturday, June 14, 3–6 PM in New Castle — a portion of ticket sales benefits the New Castle Historical Society.

Rockwood Pride is back for a fabulous celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride and creativity at Rockwood Park & Museum. Enjoy drag-led museum tours, vendor showcases, lip-sync performances, and a live courtyard concert by Sug Daniels. Saturday, June 14, 4–8 PM at Rockwood Park & Museum, 4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington.

Brews at the Battlefield pairs local craft beer with Revolutionary War history for a unique evening of tastings, tunes, and food. Saturday, June 14, 5–8 PM at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chadds Ford – bring a lawn chair and enjoy brews from Victory, Bellefonte, Evil Genius, and more (21+ only, rain or shine).

Miss Delaware 2025 Competition crowns the 84th Miss Delaware and 20th Miss Delaware’s Teen in a dazzling evening of talent and poise. Saturday, June 14, 6 PM at The Independence School in Newark – reserve your seats online and cheer on your favorite contestants.

Kid Davis and the Bullets. Enjoy an evening of high-energy Americana, roots, and rockabilly as this Delaware Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band takes the stage. 6:30 PM Sunday at the Bellevue Bandshell, Bellevue State Park.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Thursday

90 🌡️ 68 | 🌤️ | 4% | 💨 W 8 mph

Friday

84 🌡️ 65 | ⛈️ | 35% | 💨 E 8 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 67.5 °F
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

LIVE MUSIC & WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

🎶 Live Music Listings & 🥳 Weekly Social Events – Now on Separate Pages!

Heads up!
Our live music and social event lists are getting so packed each week that Gmail may clip the message. To make sure you don’t miss anything, we’ve moved the full lists to their own pages:

• 🎶 Live Music Listings

• 🥳 Weekly Social Events

Just click through to get the full listings!

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