Newark Halloween Parade Returns To Main Street

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Everyone’s got something on their plate. Make sure yours includes breakfast.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Trick-or-treat and parade take over Main Street

• Cocktails and costumes at Brandywine Zoo

• Newark looks to loosen downtown entertainment rules

Let’s get to it

SPONSORED BY THE ROSAIO TEAM,
CROWN HOMES REAL ESTATE

Caitlin Cohen Presents: Light, Style, and Simplicity in Newark

Modern design meets easy living at 1705 Mel Lane in Chestnut Hill Preserve, Newark DE. Built in 2021, this 2,325-square-foot townhouse offers three bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a flexible layout ideal for today’s lifestyle.

The open main level welcomes you with wide-plank floors, designer lighting, and a chef-inspired kitchen with a large island and stainless steel appliances. Upstairs, the primary suite features a walk-in closet, double vanities, and a spa-like bath. Two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a convenient laundry room complete the upper level. The lower level provides flexible living space that can serve as a den, office, or guest suite with a full bath.

A private patio and manageable yard make outdoor living easy. Located near Newark Charter School and close to major routes, this home combines style, comfort, and convenience.

View the complete listing and photo gallery: 1705 Mel Lane, Newark.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Newark rethinks its “No Fun” reputation

City planners are considering loosening zoning rules to allow small entertainment venues downtown, including music halls, comedy clubs, and piano bars.

Planning Director Renee Bensley says the goal is to bring back live entertainment to Main Street and make it easier for restaurants to host performances. Right now, only a few long-established spots can have full bands, while most are limited to acoustic music.

Officials hope the changes will help fill vacant storefronts, attract a wider mix of residents, and keep more people in Newark after dinner.

🎣 Fresh catch in White Clay Creek

Anglers, get your gear ready. White Clay Creek just got a fall boost from the DNREC Fisheries team, which stocked about 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout from the Pennsylvania line down to Newark.

Each trout measures about a foot long, giving locals plenty of reason to keep fishing well into winter. The program runs on trout stamp sales and federal sport fish funds, so remember your Delaware fishing license and trout stamp if you plan to cast a line before Nov. 30.

Even if you’re not fishing, it’s a great time for a walk by the creek and a reminder that Delaware’s outdoors stay beautiful long after summer ends.

🚆 Amtrak offers two-for-one Roomette deal

Amtrak just launched its “Twice as Nice” sale, letting travelers bring a companion for free when booking a Roomette on select long-distance routes. The offer runs through Nov. 1 for trips between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31.

Roomettes include private seating, beds, meals, lounge access, and big window views of routes like the California Zephyr and Crescent. It’s a rare chance to split the cost of comfort, since you’ll only pay for one ticket instead of two.

For anyone planning a winter getaway, this is one of Amtrak’s better deals of the year.

IN BUSINESS

🏡 Delaware’s housing market stays busy, but not cheap

Home sales in Delaware are holding steady, even as prices and affordability remain a challenge. The Delaware Association of REALTORS® reports that the median listing price in September was just over $418,000, up 4% from last year, while the median sale price slipped slightly to $388,000.

Homes are taking longer to sell, with an average of 42 days on the market, but sales still rose 3% statewide. REALTORS® say limited inventory and slower turnover continue to keep prices high.

The bottom line: Delaware’s housing market is still strong, just not affordable for everyone.

⚡ State backs Delaware hydrogen start-up

Wilmington-based Aternium received a $1 million investment from Delaware’s Accelerator & Seed Capital Program to advance clean hydrogen production. The funding comes through a federal SSBCI grant aimed at supporting early-stage energy ventures.

Aternium is partnering with Siemens and Honeywell to design hydrogen systems that use less energy and create useful byproducts such as purified oxygen. The company plans to develop its first facility in Kent County, where aging industrial sites could be repurposed for the project.

Founder Andrew Cottone says the goal is to make Delaware a model for sustainable, distributed hydrogen production.

🚀 UD’s startup summer turns 10

The University of Delaware’s Summer Founders program just celebrated ten years of helping students turn bright ideas into real businesses. The 12-week mentorship program has launched 104 startups, and 63 percent of them are still going strong.

Past participants include Wilminvest, which now manages 33 Wilmington homes for families in need, and Alchemize Fightwear, whose founder will appear on Shark Tank this week. Students receive up to $10,000 along with daily guidance from mentors, investors, and UD’s entrepreneurial network.

It’s a reminder that Delaware innovation often begins with students who decide to take a chance.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Judge to decide next step in property tax fight

A Delaware Chancery Court judge is preparing to rule after hearing arguments on Monday in a lawsuit over New Castle County’s new property tax system. The decision could reshape how schools and homeowners share the tax burden.

The case challenges a law that lets northern Delaware school districts tax businesses at higher rates than homes. Commercial property owners say that violates the state constitution, while county and state attorneys argue it was a necessary fix after last summer’s spike in residential tax bills.

Vice Chancellor Lori Will is expected to issue her ruling by the end of October, giving the county just enough time to adjust bills before payments are due in November.

THE HAPPENINGS

Multiple Days

Hayrides, Corn Maze, & Autumn Activities at Ramsey’s Farm – Spend the day picking pumpkins, wandering the corn maze, and enjoying family activities, then stick around for Bonfire Nights with hayrides, a flashlight maze, and s’mores under the stars. Open Fridays 1–5 PM and Saturdays & Sundays 10 AM–5 PM, with Bonfire Nights Fridays & Saturdays 6–9 PM.

Thursday

Taste of Terroir: A Wine & Cheese Experience – Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Explore how soil, climate, and landscape shape the distinct flavors of locally made wines and cheeses from Penns Woods Winery and nearby farms. Thursday from 3–4 PM. $65 per person, including three tastings and museum admission.

Halloween Party at the George Wilson Center – Newark Parks & Recreation Get ready for a ghostly good time at this family-friendly celebration featuring spooky storytelling, games, and a costume contest. Enjoy activities like Zombie Limbo, Ghost Bowling, and a haunted maze if you dare. Thursday from 5:30–7:30 PM; $5 at the door.

Movies on Tap: The Lost Boys (1987) & The ’Burbs (1989) – Penn Cinema Riverfront. Enjoy cult-classic horror and comedy flicks paired with craft brews from Broad Street Brewery, all while supporting Light of the Queen. Thursday from 6:30–7 PM. Every pour and popcorn bite benefits a local cause.

Friday

Halloween Movie Night – New Garden Park. Bring your blankets and chairs for a cozy outdoor screening under the stars as the community gathers for a family-friendly Halloween favorite. Friday at 5:30 PM. Free admission for all ages.

Spirits at the Zoo – Brandywine Zoo Celebrate Halloween with a wild twist at this 21+ evening of spooky cocktails, live music by Green Eggs and Jam, and a costume contest under the stars. Sip Dogfish Head brews, sample local bites, and enjoy a night of festive fun among the animals. Friday from 5:30–8 PM. Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members, with proceeds benefiting the Delaware Zoological Society.

Folklore Friday: 1793 Yellow Fever Epidemic – Greenbank Mill. Gather around the bonfire with local historian Tim Hayburn as he recounts eerie tales and true stories from Philadelphia’s 1793 Yellow Fever epidemic. Friday from 7–9 PM. A cozy night of history, folklore, and a few chills at Greenbank Mills & Philips Farm.

Hauntings in History – New Castle Historical Society. Step into the shadows of Old New Castle for an evening of eerie tales, ghostly legends, and a candlelit tour of the famously haunted Amstel House—home to the mysterious Lady in Blue. Friday with tours at 7, 7:30, and 8:30 PM. A chilling blend of history and hauntings that’s not to be missed.

Saturday

Tram Treat – Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Little ghosts and goblins can trick-or-treat through the gardens while enjoying crafts, games, and live music in a festive fall setting. Saturday from 10 AM–2 PM. Free for members; included with general admission.

Halloween at the Farm – Coverdale Farm Preserve. Enjoy a spook-tacular day of family fun with hayrides, animal encounters, fall games, crafts, and a festive Halloween parade at 11 AM and 2 PM. Saturday from 10 AM – 3 PM. Free for all families, with registration encouraged.

Fall Fun by the Fire – Mount Cuba Center. Watch the sunset over Mount Cuba’s scenic hills while enjoying hayrides, s’mores by the fire, lawn games, and local food and drinks in a cozy fall atmosphere. Saturday from 4:30–7:30 PM. Tickets include garden admission; food and beverages available for purchase.

The Final Act: A Hollywood Murder Mystery Dinner – Newark Country Club Step into the spotlight for an evening of intrigue and glamour at this upscale Hollywood-themed murder mystery dinner hosted by 4US Events. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal and open bar from 5:30–9:30 PM on Saturday, all while unraveling a thrilling whodunit filled with red-carpet drama and scandal. Dress as your favorite celebrity or movie character—costume prizes and high-stakes secrets await. $125 per person, 21+ only.

Sunday

KSQ Candy Trail – Kennett Collaborative. Dress up your little ghosts and goblins for an afternoon of trick-or-treating through downtown Kennett Square, with more than 30 shops and restaurants handing out goodies and special surprises. Sunday from 2–5 PM. A fun, family-friendly way to explore town and celebrate the season.

Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treat Main Street – Newark Parks & Recreation Marching bands, floats, and costumed characters fill downtown for Newark’s beloved Halloween Parade, followed by trick-or-treating along Main Street. Families are welcome to join the fun in costume or just enjoy the festive sights. Sunday from 3–5 PM. Free to attend.

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

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Thursday

61 🌡️ 41 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 4% | 💨 W 13 mph

Friday

59 🌡️ 40 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 7% | 💨 WNW 12 mph

Saturday

60 🌡️ 40 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 5% | 💨 NNW 7 mph

Sunday

58 🌡️ 41 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 4% | 💨 N 6 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 64ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

THE NOT SO SHORTLISTS

• 🥳 Casual Plans

• 🌽 Farmers Markets

• 🧘 Health & Wellness

• 🎶 Live Music

• 🎭 Theatre/Arts

• 🎨 Workshops & Classes

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