Wilmington’s Witchiest Walk Returns Saturday

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Half of growing up is realizing no one really figured it out. Everyone’s just making the best guess they can with the information they have, and some days that’s enough. The trick is to keep showing up anyway.

Quick reminder: no Monday issue next week.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Witches’ Walk brings costumes and fun to Bellefonte

• Music fills the streets for Wilmington Porchfest

• Apothecary Brewing opens in Claymont this weekend

• Watch Navy ships on the Delaware this morning

Let’s get to it

SHOULD WE DO THIS?

🧺 Should we build a local marketplace?

You love a good farmers' market and a craft show. You’ve told us! But when it’s January and you’re craving lavender goat milk soap or a fresh batch of pepper jelly... wouldn’t it be nice to shop local online?

We’re toying with the idea of a virtual Above the Canal marketplace. A cozy little corner of the internet where local makers can set up shop, and you can browse handmade goods year-round.

Think Etsy, but for your favorite 302 vendors. Interested in selling or shopping? Drop your name on our interest list so we know whether to make it real. And if you know a vendor who’d love this, forward this their way!

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🧙‍♀️ Witches take Bellefonte by broom

Grab your hat, polish your broom, and join the coven. The Wilmington Witches Walk returns this Saturday for its third annual march through Bellefonte. The witchy procession gathers at 11:45 AM in Bellefonte Park before a noon jaunt up Bellefonte Avenue and down Brandywine Boulevard, ending at the Boo tique and Monster Market.

Expect costumes, cackles, food trucks, local vendors, and a spell or two. Pets and kids are welcome. Just keep it friendly and leave the politics (and the potion brewing) at home.

⚓ Navy ships sail past Battery Park today

Look to the river, Delaware. A fleet of Navy ships is gliding past Battery Park in Historic New Castle this morning. The Parade of Ships celebrates 250 years of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, with vessels including the USS Arlington, USS Billings, and the Coast Guard Cutter Lawrence Lawson.

They’ll start passing under the Delaware Memorial Bridge around 9 a.m., and the full procession should take about two and a half hours. Expect heavier traffic and early road closures since Delaware Street closed at 6 a.m., but the view is worth the hassle. Bring coffee, a folding chair, and maybe a little patriotic pride.

♻️ Clear out the clutter at Riverfront drop-off

Got old paint cans, dead laptops, or a box of papers you have been meaning to shred? The Delaware Solid Waste Authority is teaming up with Wilmington’s Beautiful City Campaign for its annual collection event on Saturday, October 11. From 8 am to 2 pm at the Riverfront near Frawley Stadium, residents can safely ditch hazardous household items, electronics, and up to two boxes of sensitive documents for shredding.

Think of it as fall cleaning in Wilmington. Everything from nail polish remover to TVs is fair game. Just do not bring prescription meds, fridges, or air conditioners since they will not be accepted.

Events like this keep our homes safer and our city cleaner, so it is a win for everyone.

IN BUSINESS

🍻 Apothecary Brewing opens this weekend in Claymont

A brand-new brewery is making its debut in Claymont. Apothecary Brewing Co. opens its doors this weekend with a three-day celebration featuring live music, food trucks, and plenty of local flavor.

Friday kicks off with Dark Star BBQ and The Chris Wolf Band at 7 p.m., followed by DonutNV’s late-night treats. Saturday brings more BBQ and Scott Mathews and the Good Folk, and Sunday wraps up with The Stand DE and The Walking Dead Band from 2 to 6.

It all happens at 2703 Philadelphia Pike. If you love beer, barbecue, and new local spots, this is your weekend.

🍺 Iron Hill Brewery files for bankruptcy

Iron Hill Brewery’s story has taken a final, sobering turn. The Delaware-born brewpub chain has officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, listing $20 million in debt and just $125,000 in its checking account.

The filing means liquidation rather than reorganization, and it dashes hopes that the beloved restaurant-brewpubs might reopen after their sudden closure last month. Iron Hill, founded in Newark 29 years ago, once had 20 locations across the Mid-Atlantic, including three in Delaware.

For longtime fans, it’s a tough last call for a local institution that helped define Delaware’s craft beer scene.

🏦 Del-One and Louviers credit unions make it official

Two of Delaware’s biggest credit unions are joining forces. Del-One Federal Credit Union has finalized its acquisition of Louviers Federal Credit Union, a deal that will boost Del-One’s local deposits to roughly $940 million and make it the state’s largest credit union.

All approvals are in place, and the merger wraps up Nov. 1. Louviers has four branches in Newark and Wilmington, and all 30 employees will stay on with improved benefits. Full system integration is expected by August 2026.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

💡 Newark budget plan could raise bills by $518 next year

Newark residents may soon pay more for city services. A new budget proposal would increase taxes and utility rates by enough to cost the average household an additional $518 in 2026.

The plan includes a 22% hike in electric rates, plus smaller increases for water, sewer, and property taxes. City officials say the changes are needed to cover rising costs, new federal water standards, and inflation.

A public hearing on the $127 million budget is set for Nov. 3. Without the increases, the city manager warned that cuts to services or staff could follow.

💻 Delaware launches help site for federal workers

If the federal shutdown has you or someone you know missing a paycheck, Delaware just rolled out a new resource page to help. The site, de.gov/federalshutdown, gathers links to food, healthcare, childcare, rent, and utility assistance, along with crisis and mental health support.

Governor Matt Meyer said the goal is simple: make it easier for Delaware families, especially federal employees and contractors, to find help quickly while Washington remains gridlocked. The page will keep updating as more programs become available.

🏘️ Four townhouses proposed for Center Street

Another pocket of Newark could see change soon. A developer has proposed demolishing a house at 50 Center Street to build four three-story townhouses, each with six bedrooms.

The plan from Nick Baldini would replace the aging home and garage on the 0.3-acre lot at Center and New streets, adding 12 parking spaces to meet code. It requires rezoning from single-family to garden apartments, plus several variances.

If approved, it would mark the first new construction on the east side of Center Street since Lang Development built a 23-unit complex in 2016.

THE HAPPENINGS

Multiple Days

Wilmington International Film Festival – Downtown Wilmington & Riverfront. Celebrate cinema, art, and community at this multi-venue festival featuring independent films, documentaries, live music, and local art exhibits. October 9–12, with screenings at Theatre N, The Screening Room at 1313, and The Delaware Contemporary, plus a lively festival hub at The Chancery Market, opening night festivities, and a Sunday awards brunch. VIP all-access passes available.

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.

Hauntings in History Tours – New Castle Historical Society. Step into the supernatural side of Old New Castle on this guided ghost tour through the eerie Amstel House and the town’s dimly lit streets, where you’ll hear chilling tales of hauntings, Victorian-era customs, and centuries-old crimes. Friday & Saturday, October 10–11, with tours at 7, 7:30, and 8:30 PM. Tickets are $25 ($22.50 for members) and must be purchased in advance.

Thursday

Homecoming 250 Parade of Ships – Battery Park. Watch as a fleet of Navy and Marine Corps vessels sails up the Delaware River in honor of their 250th anniversaries. Thursday, October 9 from 7–11 AM. Battery Park offers one of the best local views for this historic maritime parade.

Third Thursdays on State Street – Kennett Collaborative. Enjoy outdoor dining, live music, and a lively community atmosphere as Kennett Square’s favorite street transforms into an open-air block party. Thursday, October 16 from 5:30–10 PM. Free to attend, with street closures beginning at 5 PM and garage parking available on E. Linden Street.

Friday

Art in the Park Silent Auction – Blue Ball Barn. Celebrate Wilmington’s natural beauty at this art show and silent auction featuring works inspired by the city’s hidden park gems. Friday, October 10 from 5–8 PM. Free admission, with proceeds supporting Friends of Wilmington Parks.

Folklore Friday: The Bombardment of Lewes – Greenbank Mill & Phillips Farm. Gather around the bonfire as local historian Kim Fritsch shares gripping tales and firsthand accounts of Delaware’s resistance during the British bombardment of Lewes. Friday, October 10 from 7–9 PM. Admission required; members receive a discount.

Saturday

13th Annual River Towns Ride & Festival – Greater Wilmington. Pedal your way through the historic riverfronts of New Castle, Delaware City, Wilmington, and Chesapeake City, earning medals based on your distance. Saturday, October 11 starting at 9 AM, followed by a post-ride celebration at Dolly Spanker’s in Delaware City, where the first beer is free for riders 21 and over. Registration required and helmets mandatory.

Wilmington Porchfest – Trolley Square & Cool Spring. Stroll through the neighborhoods and enjoy dozens of local musicians performing free sets from porches, stoops, and steps in this community-driven DIY music festival. Music runs Saturday, October 11 from 12–4 PM in Cool Spring and 12–8 PM in Trolley Square, followed by an after-party at Logan House at 8 PM.

3rd Annual Wilmington Witches Walk – The Shops of Bellefonte. Grab your broomsticks and join the coven for a spirited stroll through Bellefonte filled with shopping, laughter, and plenty of witchy charm. Saturday, October 11 at 12 PM. Free to join, with costumes, hats, and a little hocus pocus highly encouraged.

Boo-tique & Monster Market – The Shops of Bellefonte. Get into the Halloween spirit with over 30 spooky vendor booths, face painting, DJ Smooth K, food trucks, and all sorts of eerie autumn fun. Saturday, October 11 from 11 AM–4 PM. Free admission, with costumes encouraged and plenty of family-friendly frights.

Centreville Harvest Festival – Centreville Historic District. Enjoy a full day of fall fun with food trucks, live music, local vendors, farmers market finds, and family activities throughout historic Centreville. Saturday, October 11 from 11 AM–4 PM (rain date Sunday, October 12). Free to attend, with plenty to eat, shop, and explore.

Folk Park Community Celebration – Folk Memorial Park. Celebrate the recent improvements at Folk Memorial Park with guided tours, family activities, food, and refreshments. Saturday, October 11 from 11 AM–1 PM. Free and open to the community.

Sunday

M.O.T. Fall Fair – Middletown. Enjoy a day of family fun supporting the M.O.T. Youth Football and Cheerleading League, with games, vendors, performances, food, and community spirit on full display. Sunday, October 12 from 10 AM–4 PM(rain date October 19). Tickets available online.

3rd Annual Paint & Grill – The City Garden. Help beautify Wilmington’s City Garden while enjoying grilled food, fresh salads, games, and live music at this free family-friendly event. Sunday, October 12 from 3–6 PM at 501 N. Madison Street. Bring your creativity and appetite for an afternoon of community fun.

Wild Game Over the Flame – Mount Cuba Center. Enjoy a hands-on evening of ecology and outdoor dining with a build-your-own taco night featuring locally sourced wild game and fresh veggies grilled over an open flame. Sunday, October 12 from 5–7 PM. Garden admission included; cash bar available.

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

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Thursday

65 🌡️ 42 | ☀️ Sunny | 3% | 💨 NNE 13 mph

Friday

67 🌡️ 52 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 1% | 💨 ESE 9 mph

Saturday

71 🌡️ 59 | ☁️ Cloudy | 19% | 💨 E 11 mph

Sunday

63 🌡️ 54 | 🌧️ Rain | 83% | 💨 NE 18 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 71ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

THE NOT SO SHORTLISTS

• 🥳 Casual Plans

• 🌽 Farmers Markets

• 🧒 For the Kids

• 🧘 Health & Wellness

• 🎶 Live Music

• 🎭 Theatre/Arts 

• 🎨 Workshops & Classes

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