Kennett Winterfest Returns Saturday With 50 Breweries

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. I’ve been gently, lovingly, maybe slightly persistently nudging you all to leave Google reviews these past couple of weeks, and I just want to say thank you. We’re now at 77 five-star reviews, and I’m so grateful for every single one.

Those reviews help the newsletter show up more when people are looking for what’s happening in the area. It makes us easier to find, which means more neighbors discovering the events, restaurants, and small businesses we talk about here.

If you took a minute to write something kind, I truly appreciate it. It makes a difference. And if you haven’t had a spare minute yet, I’d love your support when you do.

Also, can we talk about Saturday? 55º and sunny is finally on the calendar.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

If you are waking up in the middle of the night more than you would like, floating can help reset your system. You rest in warm water saturated with magnesium, a mineral that supports muscle relaxation and helps regulate sleep cycles. With your body fully supported and your senses dialed down, stress hormones decrease and your nervous system shifts into a calmer state.

That combination, relaxed muscles and a quieter mind, makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep later.

If you are ready to take a more natural approach to better rest, visit firststatefloats.com and schedule your float.

Long before online shopping carts and curbside pickup, Christiana Mall was the spot for new shoes, back-to-school shopping, and a soft pretzel break. It feels like it’s always been there… but when did it actually open?

I recently toured Faithful Friends, and if you have ever wondered what really goes on inside a local no-kill shelter, it is both heartwarming and eye-opening. They operate on a $4.5 million annual budget and help roughly 1,500 animals find homes each year.

On the cat side, there are free-roaming cottages, a senior condo, and a dedicated space for cats with Feline Leukemia. The dogs have their own wing with separate kennels, quiet areas for those who need time to decompress, plus staff who genuinely know each personality. Behind the scenes, there are nine contagious care rooms with independent air filtration and an on-site surgical suite.

They also run a low-cost public vet clinic, host drive-through vaccine days, and use a mobile RV to expand access to care. About 90% of their funding comes from donors, including a $400,000 matching challenge and events like their annual 5K, with help from partners like Easter Seals students.

Check out the video tour to see it up close, then visit their website to donate, volunteer, or learn more about how you can support their work.

If winter has you hibernating, here’s your excuse to rally the group chat. Kennett Winterfest is back on February 28 from 12:30 to 4 pm at 600 S. Broad Street in Kennett Square, and it’s bringing more than 50 local and regional breweries with it.

Now in its 14th year, this beer fest favorite features one-of-a-kind pours, live music, food trucks, and plenty of beer-loving vendors. There’s even a special “Def Conn” session for the true connoisseurs, complete with a paired lunch and last fall’s Brewfest winner.

It’s also one of the biggest fundraisers for Kennett Collaborative, so you can sip knowing you’re supporting a town that does community right.

Spring is on its way in Northern Delaware, bringing a host of events perfect for enjoying the warmer weather. From the 62nd Annual Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show in North Wilmington to the LEGO Shipbuilding Day at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the Shine a Light: 1986 concert at The Queen, where proceeds support music education.

The Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin hosts the Maple Sugar Festival with pancakes and live music, while Winterthur Museum celebrates early spring with garden-inspired activities. Wilmington's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Loop promises a festive Irish celebration downtown.

Looking ahead, the Wilmington Blue Rocks kick off their season at Frawley Stadium, and the Delaware Marathon Running Festival offers races for all ages. With events like Train Day at Auburn Heights and the Wilmington Flower Market, the season is packed with fun outings for families and individuals alike. Find these and more in this spring guide from Out & About.

Nemours Children’s Health recently reported a potential measles exposure in its Wilmington emergency room. The case involves an out-of-state visitor and marks a rare occurrence for Delaware, which hasn't seen a measles case in over a decade. The state health department is currently conducting contact tracing to inform those who might have been exposed.

According to Spotlight Delaware, there are no confirmed measles cases in the state yet, but the hospital is working closely with health departments in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to follow public health guidelines. Symptoms of measles can include fever, runny nose, and a rash, and the state recommends getting the MMR vaccine within three days of exposure.

Residents are advised to stay informed and consider vaccination options available at local pharmacies and clinics. The state offers a hotline for any concerns related to measles exposure.

Delaware State Parks are gearing up for a big celebration as they mark their 75th anniversary in 2026. Starting March 1, the parks will host special events and activities, many of which are free with park entry. An annual pass offers a cost-effective way to enjoy all 17 parks throughout the season, with fees remaining in effect until November 30.

For Delaware residents, the pass costs $50, while non-residents pay $100. Discounts are available for active-duty military, veterans, and other qualifying groups. Surf fishing permits are also available, with reservations required for certain beaches on weekends and holidays.

Revenue from park users plays a crucial role in maintaining the parks, supporting activities, and preserving natural resources. The anniversary celebration will honor the legacy of the parks and encourage visitors to explore and connect with Delaware's natural beauty.

After more than 77 years in business, the Williams Family Auto Mall in Elkton has officially become part of the i.g. Burton Auto Group. The Williams family, now in its second and third generations, decided to sell the business due to the changing landscape of vehicle sales. Tom and Barry Williams considered expansion too costly and risky, ultimately choosing to sell to i.g. Burton, which they felt was the best fit for the community.

The Elkton location now becomes the 15th dealership for i.g. Burton, a company based in Milford, Delaware, with a history dating back to 1908. i.g. Burton plans to retain the current Williams employees, ensuring familiar faces remain for local customers. The acquisition aligns with i.g. Burton's strategy of growing its business while maintaining strong relationships with both employees and customers.

Buccini Pollin Group (BPG) is gearing up to build Delaware's first major indoor track facility since 2013. The proposed Delaware Indoor Track will be located next to BPG's Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington. This development comes after a $6 million grant from the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund and years of advocacy to bring indoor track back to the state.

The Wilmington Planning Commission is set to discuss the annexation of 4.1 acres of land next week, a crucial step for the project. If successful, BPG hopes to start construction this summer. The new facility would provide a much-needed home for indoor track athletes, who have been without a dedicated arena in Delaware for over a decade. BPG Sports has expanded its operations recently, but this would be their first venture into indoor track.

New Castle County Council members are proposing changes to how residents are notified about new development projects. Spotlight Delaware reports Councilmembers Brandon Toole, Dave Tackett, and Dee Durham plan to introduce an ordinance that would expand the notification radius from 300 feet to 1,000 feet. This move aims to give residents more advance notice about potential developments near their homes.

The proposal comes after backlash from residents regarding large-scale projects, including a data center near Delaware City. The ordinance would also require developers to update notice signs with hearing dates if project plans change. The council will introduce the ordinance on Tuesday, but discussions are expected to begin the following week.

This isn't the first time such a measure has been proposed. A similar ordinance was introduced three years ago but was not passed due to cost concerns. However, Tackett believes the current proposal won't face the same financial hurdles.

Starwood Digital Ventures is challenging the denial of a permit for its proposed 1.2-gigawatt data center, Project Washington, in Delaware City. The Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) denied the permit under the Coastal Zone Act, citing potential high emissions from the project's diesel fuel generators.

The appeal, filed by attorney Jeffrey Moyer, claims DNREC mischaracterized the project, arguing it manages and stores data rather than engages in heavy industrial use. Starwood contends the emissions estimates were based on a hypothetical scenario rather than the project's actual operations.

The appeal will be heard by the Coastal Zone Industrial Control Board, though a hearing date has yet to be set. The board is required to announce the hearing at least 20 days in advance. Meanwhile, county and state discussions continue over data center regulations.

The Super 70's Rock Show feat Super Trans AM at Elkton Music Hall transports you back to the era of bell-bottoms and rock anthems. Prepare for a night filled with electrifying performances and nostalgic hits. Friday at 8 PM.

Keb' Mo at The Playhouse highlights his legendary blues sound in Wilmington, showcasing a career that spans nearly 50 years and includes five GRAMMYs. Enjoy Keb' Mo's modern take on classic blues, a style that has captivated audiences from Carnegie Hall to The White House. Friday at 8 PM.

Crown of Smoke X Gretchen Emery Band at The Queen Wilmington presents a night of electrifying performances with original rock from Crown of Smoke and the soul-powered sounds of the Gretchen Emery Band. Expect world-class vocals and dynamic energy that blend the familiar with the fresh. Friday at 8 PM.

[Sold Out] Angry Young Band: Billy Joel Tribute at Kennett Flash Experience the magic of Billy Joel's music with the Angry Young Band tribute at the Kennett Flash. This all-ages show promises an unforgettable night filled with classic hits. Friday at 8 PM.

Kennett Winterfest at 600 South Broad Street. The 14th annual winter beer festival brings together more than 50 local and regional breweries for an afternoon of craft pours, live music, food trucks, and beer-centric vendors, all benefiting Kennett Collaborative. Saturday from 12:30–4 PM. Tickets required; 21+ event.

Lower Wolves [REM] + Bright Paper Werewolves [GBV] at Elkton Music Hall. Celebrate Ric’s Birthday Bash with a double dose of alt-rock nostalgia as Lower Wolves channel early R.E.M. and Bright Paper Werewolves tap into the lo-fi energy of Guided by Voices. Saturday at 8 PM. 21+; tickets start at $20, with doors opening at 7 PM.

Riot Act: A Tribute to Pearl Jam at The Kennett Flash. This high-energy homage to the grunge legends features a special two-set night with a full acoustic set followed by a full electric set, delivering deep cuts and crowd favorites alike. Saturday at 8 PM. All ages; $25 to $28 in advance, $30 day-of, plus $5 BYOB.

Heated Rivalry Dance Party at The Queen. This viral pop-fueled party lands in the Main Hall with high-energy edits, throwback bangers, queer anthems, a photobooth, and giveaways to keep the dance floor packed. Saturday at 8:30 PM. 18+ with valid ID.

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

45 🌡️ 27 | ☁️ Cloudy | 24% | 💨 NNW 7 mph

49 🌡️ 30 | ☀️ Mostly Sunny | 6% | 💨 SSW 7 mph

55 🌡️ 36 | ☀️ Mostly Sunny | 9% | 💨 SW 8 mph

47 🌡️ 23 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 24% | 💨 NNW 13 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 34ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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