Three can’t-miss festivals happening this weekend

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. If September had a mood, it’d be that first sip of hot coffee with the windows open. Labor Day's in the rearview and the fall buzz is real. Let’s soak it up.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Top story #1

• Delaware’s Ozempic bill could top $134 million

• Recreational weed sales hit $7.3M in 30 days

Let’s get to it.

SPONSORED BY THE ROSAIO TEAM,
CROWN HOMES REAL ESTATE

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A light-filled living room with a picture window opens to a gracious foyer and dining room, while hardwood floors carry throughout much of the main level. The eat-in kitchen connects seamlessly to a cozy family room with pellet stove. French doors lead to a composite deck and wide, fenced backyard that creates easy indoor and outdoor living.

The primary suite is a private retreat, complete with a window seat overlooking the lawn and a refreshed ensuite bath. Two additional bedrooms share an updated hall bath, while a powder room, main-floor laundry, two-car garage, and full basement keep life simple. Recent improvements include a new roof (2020).

See everything this home has to offer.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

A tale of three festivals this weekend

If your calendar’s looking a little too open this weekend, we’ve got the fix. The Brandywine Festival of the Arts returns to Brandywine Park with 200+ artists, food trucks, and even free flu and COVID shots. Just across the PA line, the Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square is serving up cooking demos, a baby photo contest, and enough mushroom-themed merch to fill a tote bag.

And if beer is more your style, Odessa Brewfest is pouring it up on Saturday. Expect local brews, live music, and a charming small-town vibe. It all supports the Historic Odessa Foundation.

Art, mushrooms, or beer? Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Or go full Delaware and try all three.

🚄 New high-speed trains now stopping in Wilmington and Newark

Amtrak just rolled out five shiny new NextGen Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor, and they’re making daily stops in both Wilmington and Newark. These trains hit speeds up to 160 mph and carry nearly 30% more passengers than the older models.

By 2027, there’ll be 28 of them zipping between DC, New York, Boston, and all the big stops in between. Each one comes with free WiFi, outlets, and sleeker seats, making the ride a lot more appealing whether you’re commuting or heading out for fun.

If you’re NYC-bound, your trip just got faster and comfier — and no parking garage required.

IN BUSINESS

🏥 Rehab bed shortage sparks big plans in New Castle County

Two new inpatient rehab hospitals are in the works for New Castle County. New Spring Rehabilitation wants to open a 33-bed facility in Newark, and Encompass Health has its sights set on Bear. Both say demand is sky-high, especially north of the C&D Canal where most seniors live but rehab beds are scarce.

New Spring pegs the project at $51 million. Encompass says they’ve already turned away more than 1,000 patients this year. The state’s Health Resources Board hasn’t approved either plan yet, but it’s clear that more rehab beds are badly needed.

If you’ve ever had to travel far for post-op care, you know this could be a game-changer.

💸 DuPont sells Kevlar and Nomex in billion-dollar shakeup

Big moves from a local legend. DuPont just sold its Kevlar and Nomex business to Arclin for $1.8 billion, continuing its pivot toward a leaner, more focused “new DuPont.” The deal brings in $1.2 billion in cash, plus a minority stake in the new Arclin.

Kevlar and Nomex aren’t disappearing. They’ll now be part of Arclin’s growing portfolio, with uses in everything from race suits to EV motors. At the same time, DuPont is shifting focus to health care, medical packaging, and water tech.

It may be the end of an era for these iconic fibers, but could be a smart play if DuPont wants to bet big on high-growth markets.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

🌿 High times for Delaware’s new dispensaries

Recreational cannabis is officially booming. In just one month, Delaware pulled in over $7.3 million in sales, mostly from flower, vapes, and edibles. That could mean $1 million+ in tax revenue already.

So far, it’s been smooth sailing with no shortages reported. There are three active licenses and 79 conditional ones in the pipeline. Plus, the state is rolling out grants to help social equity licensees get off the ground.

Whether you're for it or not, the green wave is here and it’s bringing dollars with it.

💊 Ozempic costs could reshape Delaware’s budget

According to a recent report by Spotlight Delaware, Delaware is on track to spend over $134 million next year on weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for state employees, which is more than double this year's bill. With usage booming, the State Employees Benefits Committee is quietly wondering if it's time to rethink coverage.

Employees pay just a small percentage out of pocket. The rest comes from taxpayer dollars, raising questions about long-term affordability and tradeoffs in the state budget. Some leaders say the health benefits may be worth it, but even they admit the landscape is shifting fast.

If the trend continues, these drugs might not just trim waistlines. They could reshape state spending too.

🧠 Delaware modernizes mental health care for new parents

Language matters, especially in health care. Delaware just updated its laws and policies to use the term “Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder” instead of “maternal depression.” It’s a more accurate, inclusive way to describe the emotional challenges up to 20% of pregnant and postpartum people face.

The change isn’t just cosmetic. It updates how providers screen and treat patients during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and it makes sure support is accessible to all kinds of families, not just moms.

This small shift in wording could make a big difference in how care is delivered and who gets it.

SPONSORED BY SENTMAN DISTRIBUTORS AND THE 12^th ANNUAL CRAB CRAWL

Crab Crawl 2025: A strolling feast for a good cause

The Crab Crawl returns to downtown North East on Saturday, September 13. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., stroll between local restaurants and sample crab-inspired small plates. VIP tickets include an extra tasting at Casa Mezcal, and all ticket holders get a buy-one-get-one drink special at the North East River Yacht Club, valid on event day or any Friday or Saturday in September.

Enter the Super Mega Jumbo Lump Crab Raffle for a chance to win one of ten prizes. Proceeds benefit youth literacy programs through the Friends Foundation. Learn more and get tickets at crabcrawl.org.

THE HAPPENINGS

Multiple Days

Every Brilliant Thing at the University of Delaware’s REP Theatre is a heartwarming one-person show that finds light in life’s smallest joys, from ice cream to water fights. Told with humor and heart, this interactive play explores love, mental health, and resilience. Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, September 8 at 2 PM.

40th Annual Mushroom Festival at Kennett Collaborative brings two full days of fungi fun to the streets of Kennett Square with food vendors, mushroom-themed crafts, educational exhibits, and family entertainment. Now a nationally-recognized event, this community celebration honors the town’s deep mushroom-growing roots. 10 AM–6 PM on Saturday, September 6 and 9 AM–4 PM on Sunday, September 7

Brandywine Festival of the Arts at Brandywine Park returns for its 63rd year with 200+ artists from around the country, live music, food vendors, and a family-friendly vibe. This beloved Wilmington tradition is the largest arts festival in the state. 10 AM–6 PM on Saturday, September 6 and 10 AM–4 PM on Sunday, September 7

Thursday

City Sounds Block Party at The Lofts at 2nd & LOMA keeps the summer energy going with free live music, vendors, and DJ karaoke right in the heart of Wilmington. Two stages, great eats from Serena’s Soulfood and food trucks, and plenty of outdoor seating make this an al fresco evening you won’t want to miss. 4–9 PM on Thursday, September 4

Sculpture Garden Happy Hours: Hispanic Heritage Night at the Delaware Art Museum celebrates the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with vibrant music, salsa and merengue dance lessons, and a performance by Antonio y Joel con Labranza. Thursday, September 4 from 5–7:30 PM. Free admission, cash bar, and delicious eats from Dominican Cafe.

"Mushroom Parade at Kennett Collaborative" kicks off the 40th Annual Mushroom Festival with a colorful celebration of community spirit and fungi flair. Expect whimsical floats, creative costumes, and lively local performances winding through the heart of town. 6–8 PM on Thursday, September 4.

Summer Concert Series at Glasgow Park wraps up the season with a performance by JD Webb, offering a lively evening of free, all-ages entertainment. Come early to grab dinner at the farmers market before settling in for the show. 6:30–8 PM on Thursday, September 4.

Friday

Dead Fest at Brandywine Red Clay Alliance brings together Grateful Dead fans for a lively night of music performed by 35 local musicians. With food trucks, VW buses, and family-friendly vibes, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Friday, September 5. Gates open at 5 PM, music starts at 6 PM.

Saturday

Live! Music Brunch featuring Jahiti at the Delaware Art Museum brings reggae, soul, and folk to the gallery space in a soulful “Back to School Brunch” celebration. Saturday, September 6 from 11 AM–1 PM. Free for members, included with museum admission for non-members; brunch buffet and cocktails available for purchase.

Community Block Party at Brandywine Hundred Library promises a fun-filled day for all ages with music, games, prizes, and more. No registration needed. Just show up and enjoy the festivities. Saturday, September 6 at 11 AM.

Odessa Brewfest at Historic Odessa returns for its 12th year with 50+ craft breweries, food vendors, live music, and small-town charm, all in support of the Historic Odessa Foundation. Sip, stroll, and sample your way through Delaware’s premier beer festival. 1–5 PM on Saturday, September 6.

Art Battle Wilmington at The Queen is a high-energy night of live competitive painting where artists race the clock to create masterpieces in just 20 minutes. Vote for your favorites, bid in the silent auction, and soak up the creativity. 6–10 PM on Saturday, September 6.

Sunday

See the multiple-day events above.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Thursday

83 🌡️ 63 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 24% | 💨 S 14 mph

Friday

86 🌡️ 69 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 15% | 💨 SSW 11 mph

Saturday

85 🌡️ 60 | ⛈️ PM Thunderstorms | 93% | 💨 SW 10 mph

Sunday

73 🌡️ 55 | 🌥️ AM Clouds/PM Sun | 24% | 💨 NNW 7 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 73ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

THE NOT SO SHORTLIST

Now on Their Own Pages

• 🧘 Health & Wellness

• 🎭 Theatre/Arts 

• 🥳 Casual Plans 

• 🎶 Live Music

• 🌽 Farmers Markets

• 🧒 For the Kids (coming soon)

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