Wilmington Art Loop Returns Downtown

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☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. If the summer has not gone quite the way you pictured it in May, there is still enough August left to lower the bar and feel like you cleared it.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

Situated on a beautifully landscaped corner lot in sought-after Weldin Ridge, this exceptional residence offers more than 6,600 square feet designed for flexibility, comfort, and everyday living.

The renovated kitchen features custom cherry cabinetry, an oversized island, two pantries, and direct access to the Trex deck, creating an ideal setting for entertaining. A vaulted four-season sunroom, spacious family room with a gas fireplace, and elegant formal spaces provide room to gather or unwind.

The home's standout feature is a fully permitted accessory dwelling unit with its own gourmet kitchen, family room, bedroom, full bath, laundry, and private entrance, offering true independence for extended family, long-term guests, or a private home office.

Additional highlights include a finished walkout lower level, luxurious primary suite, covered patio, EV charger, epoxy-coated garage, and beautifully landscaped grounds, making this a rare opportunity in one of North Wilmington's most desirable neighborhoods.

Explore the full listing and see every detail.

Traffic on I-95 can feel endless during rush hour. This week's trivia puts an actual number on just how busy Delaware's busiest stretch really is.

Source: WDEL

A Newark angler could become a millionaire after a major catch at the White Marlin Open in Ocean City. Steve DeBrabander reeled in an 85-pound tuna on Tuesday during the second day of the fishing tournament.

The catch was initially in first place for the tuna division. While two larger tunas were weighed later in the day, DeBrabander still held a potential prize of just over $1.8 million due to various side divisions. He told tournament officials it took a 20-minute fight to get the fish onto his boat.

The tournament wraps up on Saturday. The prize pool could still shift if any qualifying white or blue marlins are caught before the event ends.

Source: WDEL

The Delaware Division of Public Health is tracking a growing measles outbreak in Kent County. Officials are now reporting 13 confirmed cases in the area, including four children.

The state originally declared an outbreak in July after confirming the first five cases. Before this summer, Delaware had not recorded a single case of the virus in more than ten years.

Public health officials are urging residents to check their vaccination status with a health care provider. They recommend a second dose of the MMR vaccine for anyone who is unvaccinated or unsure if they received both childhood shots.

Source: DNREC

State environmental officials report the first detection of West Nile virus in Delaware for 2026. The virus turned up in a sentinel chicken flock in eastern Kent County, prompting increased mosquito surveillance in the area.

While no human or equine cases have been reported so far this year, the state urges horse owners to vaccinate their animals against both West Nile and Eastern equine encephalitis. The mosquito control section is currently tracking local populations to determine if aerial or localized spraying is necessary.

Residents can help limit the spread by emptying standing water from buckets, birdbaths, and gutters around their properties. The risk of contracting mosquito-transmitted diseases continues until colder temperatures arrive in mid-October.

Sara Jo Renzulli, artist and owner, offers workshops ranging from painting and fiber art, to social and self-discovery themes to broaden our perspectives and foster connection. Overall, The Art House is a place to explore more about you, your creative path, and the resulting contributions to those around you.

If you would like to learn more and sign up for our workshop newsletter, please see our in-house workshop page.

Sarafina Art House is located at 1752 Appleton Rd in Elkton, MD.  We have close to 5,000 square feet of wares, creative workspace, and tools to aid in our creative endeavors.

Source: Cecil Whig

State Line Liquors changed hands after more than five decades under the ownership of the Murray family. The long-time border staple officially transitioned to a new ownership group during a Cecil County liquor board meeting.

The family sold both the land and the retail business. The incoming group purchased a turnkey operation and kept the store running without changes to its daily functions.

In other border business updates, the rebuilt UnWined on the Water in Elkton secured approval for a rooftop bar. Construction on the new waterfront building continued ahead of a September opening.

Source: Delaware Business Now

The Delaware Prosperity Partnership launched a $1.36 million statewide initiative on Monday to serve as a central hub for early-stage entrepreneurs. The program, called Innovate Delaware, marked a shift in state economic strategy under Governor Matt Meyer toward supporting startups rather than offering grants to large corporations.

The new hub targeted emerging companies in financial technology, clean energy, and biopharma manufacturing. Funding for the effort came from the Delaware Strategic Fund and was allocated to cover personnel, technology, and marketing over a two-year period.

The initiative kicked off with the Delaware Rural Health Challenge, an accelerator program designed to find technology solutions for medically underserved areas.

Source: Delaware Business Times

The JCPenney department store at the Christiana Mall quietly changed hands earlier this summer. Two commercial real estate investors purchased the large retail space for $13.5 million.

Operating under the name V&V Christiana LLC, business partners Srini Chavali and Vasu Garlapati acquired the property. The transaction included the 150,700-square-foot building that anchors one end of the popular shopping center.

Both buyers have a track record of investing in commercial real estate across Delaware and Virginia. Property records confirmed the sale finalized just before the start of August.

Source: Newark Post

The fast-casual chain Currito opens its doors today at The Grove at Newark. This is the first Delaware location for the brand, which specializes in customizable grain bowls, salads, and smoothies.

Local franchisee Piyush Patel owns the new restaurant and plans to open three additional sites across the area. The eatery sits near Del Pez Mexican Gastropub in the central plaza of the redeveloped shopping center formerly known as College Square. As part of today's launch, the first 50 customers receive a coupon for a year of free meals.

The developer continues looking for more restaurant tenants to fill out the center. StretchZone is the next business scheduled to open in the complex.

Source: State of Delaware News

The Delaware Division of Small Business updated its flagship EDGE funding program ahead of the upcoming application window. State officials announced the changes on Tuesday, outlining a new format for the grant competition that distributes money to local startups and early-stage companies.

This year, the state has set aside just over $1 million in total funding, split between general entrepreneur and STEM tracks. The program will now culminate in a single-day pitch and award event in November. That gathering will also feature networking sessions and opportunities for business owners to meet directly with venture capital firms.

Applications for the latest round of funding open on August 11 and close on September 11. Eligible businesses must have 15 or fewer employees.

Source: Delaware Business Times

The City of Wilmington opened applications for its $8.4 million Affordable Housing Development Subsidy Program. The initiative is designed to support the construction and preservation of affordable housing units across local neighborhoods.

Qualified developers and community partners can apply for a share of the funding through a competitive process. City officials are seeking projects that increase the local housing supply and maintain existing affordable units.

A virtual pre-application meeting is scheduled for August 11 to review requirements and answer questions. Complete funding proposals are due by the morning of August 31.

Source: Spotlight Delaware

A review of candidate filings revealed that more than half of Delaware statehouse and statewide races lacked general election challengers. This left 60% of the 55 races this year to be decided during the September primary elections or completely uncontested.

For the first time in at least a decade, Republicans did not field candidates for statewide offices like attorney general and state auditor. In the state legislature, 25 of the 41 House races had no general election opposition, including nearly half of the Democratic caucus.

The lack of November competition gave Democrats a clearer path toward securing a two-thirds supermajority in the statehouse. The primary elections are scheduled for September 15.

Source: WDEL

A Maryland state lawmaker pitched a secession plan on Tuesday that would have included parts of Delaware. Delegate Thomas Hutchinson proposed a non-binding amendment asking nine Eastern Shore counties if they wanted to break away and form a new state.

The proposal came in response to a new redistricting map that could eliminate Maryland's only Republican congressional seat. During the debate, Hutchinson suggested naming the new state Mardelva, adding that he hoped to convince Lower Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Virginia to join the breakaway region.

The secession amendment failed in a voice vote. Maryland voters will decide whether to accept the new congressional map during the November election.

39th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Fest | Rodney Square. A week-long outdoor music series celebrating Wilmington jazz legend Clifford Brown, featuring Grammy winners, local favorites, and emerging artists spanning jazz, R&B, funk, and gospel. Free. Thursday, and Friday 5:15 PM, Saturday 2 PM.

ICCD Irish Weekend | Chase Center on the Riverfront. The 46th annual festival featuring a traditional feis, live music, Irish vendors, food, and refreshments. Friday 6-9 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM - 7 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Sculpture Garden Happy Hours in Partnership w/ the People's Festival Tribute to Bob Marley | Delaware Art Museum. An outdoor reggae concert featuring live sets from Spokey Speaky and DJ JB, alongside traditional Jamaican food vendors and a cash bar. The evening includes an exhibition preview of The People's Gallery, lawn games, and art activities for children and families. Thursday at 4 PM.

Best of Delaware | Chase Center on the Riverfront. A tasting event and showcase featuring samples from nearly 100 local exhibitors, live music by the Jellyroll band, and a silent auction benefiting Easterseals. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $90 for VIP entry. Thursday 6-9 PM.

Summer Concert Series: The Brandywine Riders | Bellevue State Park. An outdoor performance by The Brandywine Riders at the Bellevue Bandshell. Attendees can bring a picnic or purchase meals from local food trucks. Thursday at 6:30 PM.

A.J. Croce Presents Croce Plays Croce | Longwood Gardens. A concert in the Open Air Theatre featuring A.J. Croce performing his own original music alongside his father Jim Croce’s classic songs. Tickets are $64-$114 and include all-day garden admission. Thursday at 7:30 PM.

Nektar: Mo's Farewell Tour w/ the Twenty Committee | Elkton Music Hall. A progressive rock concert featuring Nektar's synchronized visual production and a tribute to King Crimson, with Philadelphia five-piece the Twenty Committee opening the show. 21+. Thursday at 8 PM.

Wilmington Art Loop | Downtown Wilmington. A first-Friday gallery hop featuring opening receptions across the city. Exhibitions include botanical paintings, music photography, realism portraits, and clay sculptures, with several venues hosting live DJs and cash bars. Friday at 5 PM.

Dining on Delaware Avenue | Delaware Avenue, Wilmington. An open-air dining night where the street closes to traffic and local restaurants set up tables outside. The evening includes local vendors and live music at both ends of the avenue. Friday 5-9 PM.

Twilight on the Terrace | Mt. Cuba Center. An evening of live funk and R&B from the nine-piece band Ndichu, featuring after-hours garden access and free tours. Attendees can bring a picnic or purchase food truck fare, beer, and wine on the terrace. Friday 5-8 PM.

Folk Art Friday | Blue Ball Barn. A family-friendly evening of art, games, and food, featuring an exhibit by Kelsey Holveck and live music by Paige Melton. Friday 5:30-8 PM.

Concerts in the Courtyard: Wicked Sycamore | Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. An outdoor concert by Wicked Sycamore, a contemporary folk trio playing guitar, mandolin, and cello. Food and drinks from the Millstone Cafe are available for purchase. Friday at 7 PM.

Summer Concert Series: The X Band Experience | Bellevue State Park. A live performance by The X Band Experience at the Bellevue Bandshell, where attendees can bring a picnic or purchase meals from local food trucks. Sunday at 6:30 PM.

Toadies: The Charmer Tour | The Queen Wilmington. A live set of Southern-tinged grunge from the Texas rock band, touring behind their eighth studio album. Guitar-heavy rock duo Local H and Olive Vox open the show, with doors at 7 PM. Sunday at 8 PM.

Art Battle | The Queen Wilmington. A live competitive painting event where artists face off on stage. Tickets are $25 general admission, $30 day-of-show. Saturday at 3 PM.

More happenings we couldn’t fit in the newsletter.

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

Thursday

90 🌡️ 74 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 10% | 💨 S 5 to 10 mph

Friday

90 🌡️ 72 | ⛈️ Showers And Thunderstorms | 41% | 💨 SW 0 to 5 mph

Saturday

89 🌡️ 72 | ⛈️ Showers And Thunderstorms | 34% | 💨 SW 0 to 10 mph

Sunday

89 🌡️ 71 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 6% | 💨 W 5 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 75ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

The full events calendar includes live music, festivals, classes, markets, family activities, community gatherings, and dozens more happenings across Northern Delaware.

Submit an event →

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