Shadfest Returns To Brandywine Park This Sunday

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. The breeze has that particular April quality where it's warm but it remembers being cold last week.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

There’s beauty around every turn at Winterthur! Nestled in the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley, Winterthur is a historic estate on par with some of the most famous in the country.

Discover two centuries of American craftsmanship on tours of the former du Pont family mansion and on view in exhibition galleries.

Explore the 60-acre naturalized “wild garden,” dubbed one of “the most beautiful gardens in America” by Forbes magazine. Paths lead from the garden—world-renowned for its striking succession of seasonal blooms—to open meadows, across waterways, and through woodland hiking trails on this 1,000-acre country estate.

Delight in the award-winning children’s garden, Enchanted Woods, featuring a Giant Bird’s Nest, Faerie Cottage, Upside-down Treehouse, and more.

For details on daily programs, tour offerings in the house and garden, special exhibitions, plus shopping, dining, and more, visit winterthur.org. 

Wilmington has been a baseball town longer than most people realize. Long before the Blue Rocks, there was another team representing the city. Let’s see if you know the name.

Source: DNREC

Delaware officials are warning residents about tick-borne illnesses following the state's first confirmed detection of the Powassan virus. The blacklegged tick, which is active year-round, is the primary carrier for the rare virus.

Unlike Lyme disease and other bacterial infections, Powassan is a virus that cannot be treated with antibiotics. The virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after a tick attaches to a host. Delaware recorded more than 350 cases of Lyme disease in 2025 and over 200 cases of alpha-gal syndrome since 2024.

Residents are encouraged to use repellents, wear long clothing in wooded areas, and perform routine tick checks.

Source: Delaware Business Now

Gas prices in Delaware climbed sharply this week, with regular averaging $4.146 a gallon according to AAA data. The price jumped roughly a quarter per gallon over the past week, including a nine-cent spike between Tuesday and Wednesday alone. Crude oil pushed back up to $104 a barrel, driven partly by dimming prospects for an end to the war in Iran.

The United Arab Emirates announced it is leaving OPEC, though that move is not expected to affect prices right away. Shoppers at membership clubs like Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's could still find regular at or below $3.90.

Source: Delaware Public Media

Rockwood Park and Museum in Wilmington is rolling out two new art exhibitions this May. The shows are tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and feature portraiture from both established Delaware artists and local students.

The first exhibit features five local artists who created new pieces inspired by the historic portrait collection at the museum. The second display showcases work from students at three New Castle County schools who were asked to blend historical figures with modern themes.

Visitors can also attend a series of upcoming events that pair artist talks with custom cocktails and mocktails. Both exhibitions open on May 1 and will remain on display through late September.

Source: Newark Post

Mariah Calagione, co-founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, will deliver the commencement address at the University of Delaware this spring. UD President Laura Carlson announced the selection, noting Calagione's background as a former UD Trustee and her role building the Rehoboth Beach brewpub into a nationally known company before its 2019 merger with Boston Beer Company.

Calagione currently serves on the board of the Delaware Community Foundation. The ceremony is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on May 23 at Delaware Stadium, with roughly 4,000 graduates and 16,000 guests expected.

Source: Delaware Public Media

After more than two decades of monitoring, Delaware has recorded its first case of chronic wasting disease in a white-tailed deer. State officials confirmed the positive test from a sample collected in Sussex County, with a second case currently awaiting final verification.

The fatal neurological condition causes holes in the brains of infected animals, leading to lethargy, weight loss, and a lack of awareness. While there is no known transmission to humans, federal health officials strongly advise against eating meat from infected deer and recommend testing harvests from the management zone.

State wildlife biologists are ramping up surveillance efforts to track the disease. Officials are asking residents to report any deer displaying unusually bold or disoriented behavior.

Set in Vilone Village, this classic brick colonial pairs timeless curb appeal with thoughtful updates and a layout that simply works.

Inside, newly refinished hardwoods and clean, neutral finishes create a bright, easy flow from the living room into a dining space accented with custom molding. Just beyond, a rare family room addition offers the extra square footage buyers are looking for, with windows on three sides and a relaxed, everyday feel.

The kitchen keeps things crisp and functional with white cabinetry, stainless appliances, and a subway tile backsplash, positioned perfectly between indoor living and the backyard.

Out back, a composite deck with awning overlooks a fully fenced yard, ready for summer evenings or low-key weekends at home.

Upstairs, three bedrooms and a refreshed bath keep the home simple and move-in ready, with key updates already in place.

See full details and photos.

Source: Newark Post

Gianmarco Martuscelli, the mind behind Klondike Kate’s and La Casa Pasta, is bringing a new steakhouse to Newark's Main Street. Rockwell’s on Main is set to open in late summer at the former Iron Hill Brewery site. The restaurant will feature a "high-quality, approachable menu" led by chef Brandon Gentry, previously of Prime 225 in Chesapeake City.

Rockwell’s will offer a variety of steak options, pastas, and a weekend brunch menu. The space will include a private dining area and acoustic music on weekends. Martuscelli plans to address parking concerns by working on a valet service with other local businesses. Aiming for a mid-August opening, the team is focused on creating a memorable dining experience.

Source: Newark Post

Newark utility customers who pay by credit card, debit card, or mobile services like Apple Pay will see a 2.85% service fee added to their bills starting June 1. City spokeswoman Jayme Gravell said the change reflects rising transaction processing costs, which topped $1 million in 2024.

Customers can sidestep the fee by switching to e-Check or ACH transfer, which pulls payment directly from a checking account. Similar fees were rolled out for parks and recreation programs, tax payments, and permit fees in 2024.

The state legislature also banned the University of Delaware from paying its city utility bills by credit card that same year, saving Newark close to $375,000 annually.

Source: Newark Post

One year after a fatal crash on Main Street, Newark officials say recent traffic changes are successfully slowing down drivers. The city rolled out a series of upgrades last summer, including new stop signs, rumble strips, and reduced lane widths.

Public works data shows average speeds through the downtown corridor have dropped by about two miles per hour. Officials noted that adding stop signs at Main and Haines streets created intentional congestion, which prevents vehicles from building up speed in heavy pedestrian areas.

The city is now evaluating a second phase of street modifications. Council members will review options like protective bollards, speed enforcement cameras, and grant funding opportunities during the upcoming fall budget process.

May Market at Arasapha Garden Club. Shoppers will find a massive selection of native plants, herbs, and unique home goods alongside free gardening advice from University of Delaware Master Gardeners. The annual sale also features vintage treasures, jewelry, and garden accessories to support New Castle's historic museum gardens. Friday 10 AM-5 PM, Saturday 9 AM-1 PM.

Genesis Z Art & Music Exhibition: Short Film Premier at The Queen Wilmington. This all-ages evening pairs live performances from Genesis Z & The Animus and Cosmic Debris with an original art exhibition by Christine Hronec, plus a short film premiere. Doors open at Thursday at 7 PM.

The Grand Presents Aries Spears at Copeland Hall. Catch New York native Aries Spears as he brings his quick wit and aggressive comedy style to the stage. Known for his time on Mad TV and roles in films like Jerry Maguire, Aries offers a night of laughs you won't want to miss. Friday at 8 PM.

Comedy Brunch w/ Lucas Connolly, Sharief Johnson & Chanel Ali at The Queen Wilmington. Three stand-up comedians take the stage at The Crown for an all-ages midday show that pairs laughs with brunch hours. Doors open at 10:30 AM, with the show starting Saturday at 11:30 AM.

Pong For A Cure at Hockessin PAL. Dive into a day of fun and philanthropy with beer pong, live music from Original Junction, and a silent auction. Proceeds support the American Heart Association and Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Saturday at 2-8 PM.

Early Ones Only (21+) at The Queen Wilmington. This early-evening dance party caters to those who love to hit the dancefloor but prefer to be in bed before midnight. Expect a nostalgic mix of pop bangers, indie disco, and blog-era anthems that wrap up well before nine o'clock. Saturday at 5:30 PM.

The Grand Presents Eaglemania - The World's Greatest Eagles Tribute Band at Copeland Hall. EagleMania brings the iconic sound of The Eagles to life with stunning harmony and guitar work. Enjoy hits from The Eagles, along with solo pieces from Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh. Saturday at 8 PM.

Shadfest at Brandywine Park. Celebrate the Brandywine River and the return of the American Shad with a day of fun and environmental advocacy. Enjoy food, drinks, arts, crafts, music, and activities for all ages. Sunday 11 AM-4 PM.

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

Thursday

66 🌡️ 44 | ⛅ Partly Sunny | 3% | 💨 NW 5 to 10 mph

Friday

64 🌡️ 46 | 🌧️ Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers | 18% | 💨 NW 5 to 10 mph

Saturday

60 🌡️ 42 | 🌧️ Chance Rain Showers | 28% | 💨 NW 0 to 5 mph

Sunday

61 🌡️ 45 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 7% | 💨 NW 5 to 15 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 53ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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