Newark’s Biggest Carnival Returns This Week

Rise and Shine, 302. You know it’s mid-July when the dog won’t walk, the air feels like soup—and somehow, the evenings still feel kind of perfect. Let’s make the most of it.

Your 302 Rundown:

• The Only Carnival in Newark Starts Wednesday

• National Study Names Delaware Safest for DUIs

• Major Construction Begins on Route 40 This Week

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🎡 Newark’s biggest carnival returns July 9

Holy Family’s beloved Summerfest is back next week, bringing five days of rides, live music, and classic carnival fare to East Chestnut Hill and Gender Road. Running July 9–13, it’s the only large-scale carnival in the Newark area—and a tradition 21 years strong.

Admission’s free, but ride passes start at $28 in advance ($35 at the gate). Want to go all in? A $64 mega pass covers all five days.

Now in its 21st year, this church fundraiser draws up to 20,000 people—and it’s easy to see why.

🚗 Delaware is #1—in avoiding DUIs

According to a new national survey, Delaware has the lowest DUI arrest rate in the country, with just 43 arrests per 100,000 drivers. That’s well below neighbors like Pennsylvania (351) and Maryland (318)—and miles from South Dakota’s 879.

One likely reason? Delaware requires ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of a DUI—even first-timers. The car won’t start if you’ve been drinking.

Whether it’s strong prevention policies or cautious First State drivers, we’ll happily take this win.

🚧 Big changes coming to Route 40

Heads up, Bear drivers: DelDOT kicks off a two-year project this week to widen a 1.4-mile stretch of U.S. 40 between Salem Church Road and Walther Road. The $16.8M project adds a third lane in each direction, a roundabout at Salem Church and Cornell Drive, and new shared-use paths for walkers and bikers.

Traffic signals at five intersections will also get upgrades to help ease congestion and improve safety.

Expect some growing pains, but once it wraps in winter 2027, your commute (and your brake pedal) should get a little relief.

🧘 UD helps keep Delaware seniors moving

Healthy aging is getting a boost thanks to a statewide program supported by UD researchers. With grants from the state, senior centers across Delaware have launched classes like chair yoga, cardio drumming, and chronic condition workshops—designed to support physical, social, and emotional well-being.

University of Delaware students and faculty evaluated the programs, helped train center leaders, and even offered resources to keep the momentum going after funding ends.

With Delaware’s 65+ population growing fast, it’s a meaningful way to support aging with strength, community, and a little fun.

🎳 Main Event closed for cleanup after rooftop fire

Main Event in Christiana had an early wake-up call Friday morning — a rooftop fire forced the entertainment center to temporarily close. Fire crews contained the blaze quickly, but there’s still smoke and water damage to sort out.

No one was hurt (huge relief), but if your weekend plans included bowling, arcade games, or birthday cake there, you’ll need a Plan B. Fireworks may have played a role, but the investigation’s still underway.

Here’s what we know about the Main Event closure.

IN BUSINESS

🎓 New college-credit program for restaurant workers

The Delaware Restaurant Association and Goldey-Beacom College just teamed up to launch a hospitality leadership program aimed at upskilling restaurant managers across the state. The four-course certificate includes training in leadership, finance, tech skills, and communication—plus 12 transferable college credits.

Participants also get access to career coaching, tutoring, and Goldey-Beacom’s library and services.

If you work in the hospitality world or know someone looking to level up, this could be a smart next step. Classes start August 25.

✈️ Avelo’s doing just fine at Wilmington Airport

Looks like Avelo’s gamble on Wilmington is paying off. Recent data shows nearly 80% of seats are filled on flights to places like Sarasota and San Juan — a solid stat in airline land. Even with two jets reassigned to ICE flights (yep, those), Avelo’s sticking to its ILG schedule.

Also new: a long-overdue baggage carousel upgrade is in the works and should be ready by the holidays. (No more watching bags get rolled in one by one like it’s 1995.)

If you’ve been airport-hopping to Philly or BWI, this might be your sign to give ILG another shot. Easy parking. Quick TSA. And now... real baggage belts.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

💊 Delaware steps up after Rite Aid closures

Rite Aid’s bankruptcy has left a big pharmacy gap across Delaware—but the state isn’t letting your meds fall through the cracks. Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro just rolled out emergency rules requiring insurers to cover refills—even if your doc’s not available—and speed up the transfer process.

Pharmacies taking on displaced patients must get fair pay, and no more pushing folks toward mail-order meds. This is all about keeping access local and hassle-free.

If you use Rite Aid, now’s the time to switch your prescriptions—don’t wait until the last pill.

🏘️ 13 new townhouses proposed for Church Street

A developer’s plan to add 13 student-focused townhouses on Church Street just cleared a key hurdle with Newark’s Planning Commission. The project would replace three existing homes and expand the Cleveland Station complex—where rent runs upwards of $4,000 per unit.

The plan still needs city council approval and seeks relief from several zoning codes, which raised some eyebrows among commissioners.

If it moves forward, expect more student housing near UD—and more debate over development in the historic School Hill neighborhood.

💻 Wilmington upgrades to new billing system July 7

Wilmington is saying goodbye to its old payment portal and launching a new online billing system called Enquesta starting July 7. The system covers everything from water bills to property taxes, with added perks like autopay, text alerts, and the ability to dispute charges online.

Bonus: residents who register or update their accounts will get a $5 credit on their next utility bill.

Just a heads-up—online payments will be down until the launch. If you usually pay through the portal, you’ll need to reset your password and set up a new login.

🚨 Big win for anyone who’s ever been towed

Say goodbye to shady tow truck surprises. AAA is giving a big thumbs-up to HB 67, a newly passed bill that cracks down on predatory towing in Delaware. It sets a $250 cap on tow fees, bans those sneaky “spotters” who patrol lots for a payout, and requires photo proof before your car gets hauled away.

It also guarantees your right to grab personal items (for free!) and makes sure rates are posted and payment is easy — yes, that means credit cards.

If you’ve ever left a lot for five minutes and come back to a vanishing act, this law’s got your back.

THE HAPPENINGS

Monday

Nic Snow at Rockford Park brings smooth blends of hip-hop, R&B, and soul to the stage in his hometown of Wilmington. The free concert starts Monday, July 7 at 6:30 PM in Rockford Park, Wilmington—a great way to ease into the week with good vibes and live music.

Wednesday

Lunchtime Concert Series at the Riverfront: J.L. & the Honeymooners serves up classic hits from the '50s through the '80s during your midday break. Bring your lunch and enjoy the tunes Wednesday, July 9 from 12:15–1:15 PM at the Hare Overlook Pavilion, Riverfront Wilmington.

Summer Nights at Hagley invites you to unwind with a scenic stroll, local food trucks, Dogfish Head beer, and Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream. Stop by Wednesday, July 9 from 5–8 PM at Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilmington—admission is $5, and dogs are welcome.

Holy Family’s Summerfest Carnival is back for five fun-filled days of rides, games, food, and nightly live music. Don’t miss Newark’s biggest carnival running Wednesday, July 9 through Sunday, July 13, open 5:30–10 PM (1–10 PM on Sat & Sun) at Holy Family Catholic Church, East Chestnut Hill Rd. & Gender Rd.

Flatland Drive at White Clay Creek brings high-energy bluegrass with tight harmonies and serious picking to this week’s Summer Concert Series. Catch them Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 PM in the Carpenter Recreation Area, White Clay Creek State Park—a perfect setting for toe-tapping tunes under the trees.

Wednesday Night Summer Concert at Battery Park: Olivia Reynolds offers a laid-back night of live music along the river in historic New Castle. Catch her performance Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 PM in Battery Park, New Castle—admission is free, and lawn chairs or blankets are welcome.

Summer in the Parks: Club Phred at Tilton Park brings free music, community fun, and Bernie's Water Ice to Wilmington parks all summer long. Catch local favorites Club Phred rocking the stage on Wednesday, July 9 from 6:00–7:30 PM at Tilton Park (Corner of North Franklin & 7th Street).

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Monday

83 🌡️ 74 | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 SSE 7 mph

Tuesday

92 🌡️ 72 | 🌤️ | 24% | 💨 W 9 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 76.5ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Monday, July 7

• Spread Good Karma Foundation | Self Care Book Club | 6–7:30 PM

Tuesday, July 8

• Chancery Market | Mindfulness w/ Mandy | 11 AM-1 PM

• Kelly's Logan House | Trolley Run Club | 6:30-8:30 PM

• Rockwood Park & Museum | Tuesday AM Flow Yoga | 9–10 AM

THEATRE/ARTS

Coming Soon!

WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

Monday, July 7

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | Free NL Texas Holdem | 5:30-10 PM

• Grain KSQ | Trivia w/ Riley | 7-9 PM

• Grain on Main | Classic Bingo w/ Rylie | 6-8 PM

Tuesday, July 8

• Bar XIII | Dirty Sexy Bingo | 9 PM

• Cork & Barrel | Music Bingo | 8-11 PM

• Finnegan's Pub | Movie Night | 6:30 PM

• Grain Exchange | Jeopardy Bar League | 6-8 PM

• Grain H2O | Trivia w/ Matt | 7-9 PM

• Grain on Main | Trivia w/ Rylie | 6-8 PM

• Patriots Glen Golf Club | Quizzo | 6-8 PM

• Tom Foolerys | Music Video Bingo | 8-10 PM

• Trolley Tap House | Music Video Bingo | 7-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC

Monday, July 7

• Argilla Brewing Co | The Sin City Band | 6-9 PM

• Bar XIII | Karaoke | 9 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Emily Moses McNatt | 6-9 PM

• Christiana Pub | Open Mic Night | 6-11:45 PM

• Rockford Park Concert Stage | Summer Concert Series: Nic Snow | 6:30 PM

Tuesday, July 8

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | Music Bingo B1 | 7-9 PM

• Chancery Market | Karaoke - DJ Ski | 6-8 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Howsmyhat | 6-9 PM

• Christiana Hilton | Flat Moon Society Trio | 6-9 PM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Roger Girke & the Country Store Allstars | 6-9 PM

• Twisted Irons Craft Brewing | Open Mic Night | 6 PM

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