By Carol Kinsley
As our nation prepares to celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial, a local 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee is meeting monthly to plan and coordinate events for later this year. The group met on April 21 at the Nanticoke Senior Center in Seaford and will meet there again on May 19 at 1 p.m.
The Senior Center will hold a yard sale fundraiser on Saturday, May 2, from 8 until noon. Breakfast sandwiches and beverages will be offered for sale. T-shirts for the upcoming 250th celebration on June 25 in Seaford are available at the Center for $20.
Students in Seaford elementary schools have already been involved with an art project sponsored by the Seaford Historical Society and facilitated by art teachers. Each child decorated a small white card, which became part of a quilt, heart, banner or flag. These projects will soon be on display at businesses throughout the community.
As soon as the weather permits, Spade and Trowel Garden Club will plant red, white, and blue flowers on two bridges and in several containers in front of businesses in downtown Seaford.
The local kick-off celebration will be on Memorial Day at Kiwanis Park in Seaford. Flags provided by the American Legion and VFW will be handed out for display the rest of the year.
On June 13, the Georgetown Spirit of 1776 Artisan and Craft Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the intersection of South Race Street and East Pine Street in Georgetown.
Also on June 13 from 5 to 6 p.m., Seaford Historical Society will present “American Rhythms 250,” a free patriotic concert on the front lawn of the Ross Mansion featuring the Milford Community Band. Food trucks and beverages will be available.
The historical society will also offer a “Liber-Tea at the Gov. Ross Mansion” from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 14. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
The Seaford Senior Center will celebrate on June 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with “Happy Birthday America, The Sky’s the Limit.” Sky Brady will DJ; hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be sold, and there will be a dunk tank and other games for kids.
“The Old Fashioned Sussex County Fourth of July Celebration” will be held July 3 through 5 at Georgetown Speedway, featuring a carnival, tractor pulls, freestyle motorcross stunts, fireworks and more.
The city of Seaford is planning to open its time capsule early in July.
The Downtown Seaford Association is making major plans for “Stars and Stripes on the Nanticoke” to be held July 18. A patriotic pole decorating contest will begin soon in anticipation of the big day. The city of Seaford has given $4,500 to offset the cost of a band, “Mike Hines and the Look,” and a stage for the event downtown. The American Legion, which is celebrating its 100th year, will be sponsoring a fishing contest, which will utilize the River Walk. Gallery 107 will have a Sidewalk Show and Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A float-in setting out from First State Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at 10 a.m. is scheduled to end by 1 p.m., in time for a planned boat parade at 2 p.m. A cornhole tournament is scheduled from 2 to 6 p.m. on the grass lot by City Hall. Vendors are invited to set up on High Street (for a reduced fee) from noon to 9 p.m. Crafters, food trucks and others are invited to join a dunking booth, children’s activities, 50/50 and raffle tables. Contact Chris Reachard at ca*********@***il.com or message the committee on Facebook to get a registration form.
The town of Blades is set for its “USA 250th Anniversary” on July 25 from noon to 4 p.m. at Blades Park, 100 E. Sixth Street. Activities planned include a kids parade, doggy dress-up parade, several kinds of races, and entertainment, with DJ Sky Brady there all day.
Also on July 25, the Seaford Library will be having a 250th Celebration. The theme is “Looking Back to 1776.” They will be having games and activities related to 1776.
Finally, the Seaford Christmas Parade scheduled for Dec. 5 also will have a patriotic theme.
Many of the organizations above are seeking sponsors and donations to help pay for their events.
