Celebrate USA250 & DE250 at Area Independence Day Events VOL. 31 NO. 6 - July 2026 30th Anniversary Issue COMPLIMENTARY Use your phone photo app to read this issue Bethany & Rehoboth Cottage Tours 107th Delaware State Fair Seaford 250th Celebration & Float-In Explorer Southern Delaware Attractions and Events Magazine Now Featuring Southern Delaware Real Estate Section Shopping H Antiques H Area Map H Events H Real Estate 30 th Year Highlighting Southern Delaware’s TreasuresPage 2SouthernDelawareExplorer.com July 2026 In July 1996 we published the first issue of the Southern Delaware Explorer magazine with the help of Mr. Jim Flood, Sr. and the Dover Post Co. Our first issue highlighted the Delaware State Fair, area Independence Day celebrations and area events and attractions. Thirty years later, with the support of a variety of area businesses and organizations and readers like you, we are once again highlighting the Delaware State Fair, area Independence Day celebrations and area events and attractions. Thanks to the many businesses and organizations who Celebrate USA250 & DE250 at Area Independence Day Events VOL. 31 NO. 6 - July 2026 30th Anniversary Issue COMPLIMENTARY Use your phone photo app to read this issue Bethany & Rehoboth Cottage Tours 107th Delaware State Fair Seaford 250th Celebration & Float-In Explorer Southern Delaware Attractions and Events Magazine Now Featuring Southern Delaware Real Estate Section Shopping H Antiques H Area Map H Events H Real Estate 30 th Year Highlighting Southern Delaware’s Treasures have supported us and help us whether many highs and lows over the past 30 years. A lot has changed in Southern Delaware over the past 30 years including the staff that has helped to publish each issue. The graphic arts staff of the Dover Post produced and printed each issue during our first year before we were welcomed by Carol and Bryant Richardson’s staff at the Seaford and Laurel Star who have been designing our pages ever since. Many thanks to Carol and Bryant, Rita Brex and Tina Reaser, Karen Cherrix and now Brittany Passon and Mike McClure at the Seaford & Laurel Star for their professional, indispensible support of our publications. We are also thankful for our current printer, Engle Printing for their support and professionalism. Thank you to Ron MacArthur, Lynn Parks and David Smith as well as the many chambers of commerce and area organizations who have contributed stories and articles over the past 30 years and to my wife and co-owner Michelle Klinedinst, who has shared her recipes in our monthly cooking column. Thanks to Joe Jackson, who passed away 10 years ago, but who diligently delivered our publications for 20 years. I think of him every time I deliver the monthly issues of the Explorer. Thank you for the support of my family, my wife, Michelle, and daughters, Darcy and Shelby, who have supported the magazine in various ways over the years and to my uncle, Milton “Mitch” Mitchell, who helped with ideas for our fledgling company 30 years ago. Finally, thank you for your continued support as you follow each issue and follow us on Facebook and online at SouthernDelawareExplorer.com as we continue to highlight Southern Delaware’s treasures. Sincerely, Jim Klinedinst Publisher Southern Delaware Explorer Thank You for the past 30 Years! Follow the Explorer On facebook at www.facebook.com/SouthernDelawareExplorerMagazine/ and Online at SouthernDelawareExplorer.com Thank You! 1996July 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 3 Time to Celebrate Summer and our Nation’s 250th! Vol. 31 No. 6 Southern Delaware ExplorerJuly 2026 Keep UpWith What’s Happening in Southern Delaware! Start your Subscription to the Southern Delaware Explorer today to receive12 MONTHLY printed issues and 3 Seasonal Vacation Planners for ONLY $ 24. Name ___________________________________________ Address__________________________________________ City, State, Zip______________________________________ Email:___________________________________________ With the Independence Day Holiday soon upon us area com- munities and organizations are preparing extra special events to celebrate our nations 250th birthday, The Independence Day holiday always offers a variety of celebrations and this year as we prepare to celebrate our nations birth, many will be conclud- ing their events with fireworks. Fireworks displays can be seen on June 27th in Millsboro, on the 4th in Bethany Beach, Dewey, Dover, Georgetown, Laurel and Smyrna/Clayton, on the 5th in Rehoboth Beach and during the Delaware State Fair. Look for more information on Independence Day celebrations throughout this issue and in our calendar beginning on page 5. Georgetown Speedway will host the first annual Old Fash- ioned Sussex County 4th of July Celebration featuring a carnival, tractor pull, vendors, motocross stunts, fireworks and more. See page 8. Two annual cottage tours offer a glimpse into beautiful “cot- tages” in the Rehoboth and Bethany areas. The 76th annual Rehoboth Art League Cottage Tour of Art will be held on July 7th and 8th. The 2026 Beach and Bay Cottage Tour will be held on July 22nd and 23rd. Look for more details on page 13 and 15. Bethel UMC in Lewes will host a variety of dealers offering antiques and home decor from throughout the area at their 66th Lewes antique show & home décor show & sale on July 10th and 11th. See page 10 for details. Downtown Seaford will be hosting a Star Spangled 250th Celebration on July 18th featuring a float-in on the Nanticoke and much more. See page 16. The 107th edition of the Delaware State Fair at the fair- The SouthernDelawareExplorer.com is published monthly by Southern Delaware Publishing Inc. P.O. Box 990, Ocean View, DE19970 302-745-3029 E-Mail: delawareexplorer@gmail.com grounds in Harrington will run from the opening night on July 23rd through the closing festivities on August 1st. The fair stage will feature nationally known entertainers throughout the week and a large variety of free ground attractions. Look for more details in the article featured on page 20. This edition marks our 30th anniversary of our first issue on July 1996. We are thankful for the support of the many busi- nesses, organizations, and chambers of commerce who have entrusted us with their precious advertising dollars, event and attraction information throughout our 30 years. Thanks especially to you and the thousands of other readers like you who we publish each issue for and who eagerly await each issue and support the many area businesses, organizations and events. As always, you will find information on additional July events, a variety of unique shops and places to visit throughout this issue. Thanks in advance for mentioning that you read about them in this issue. Look for our August issue at area newsstands and free online at southerndelawareexplorer.com the week of July 20th. You can sign up for a free digital subscription by emailing us at delawareexplorer@gmail.com to receive an email when our free monthly issues are posted online. Like or follow the Explorer on Facebook to see our daily updates at Facebook.com/SouthernDelawareExplorerMagazine. Until then, have a safe 250th Independence Day Celebration and have fun Exploring Southern Delaware! Rescheduled Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival, June 28th 4 Southern Delaware Calendar of Events.....................................5 Millsboro Stars & Stripes Festival, June 27th...........................6 Sussex County 4th of July Celebration, July 3rd-5th................8 Rehoboth Beach Fireworks, July 5th.........................................9 66th Annual Lewes Antique Show, July 10th & 11th.............10 Bethany Beach July 3 & 4 Independence Day Events............12 34th Annual Beach and Bay Cottage Tour..............................13 Dover Celebrates USA 250, July 4th.......................................14 76th Rehoboth Art League Cottage Tour, July 7th & 8th.......15 Seaford Star Spangled Celebration, July 18th.........................16 107th Delaware State Fair, July 23rd-Aug. 1st.......................20 Southern Delaware Cooking ...................................................22 Antiquing in Southern DelawareAtrractions Locator Map.....24 Southern Delaware Real Estate Section.............................27-32 JULY 2026 I ndex Jim Klinedinst Michelle Klinedinst Publisher/President Vice President Publisher of www.SouthernDelawareVacationPlanner.com www.SouthernDelawareExplorer.com www.CentralDelawareVisitorsGuide.com Composed by Morning Star Publications Mail Your Payment of $24.00 For Each Subscription to: Southern Delaware Publishing P.O.Box 990 Ocean View, DE 19970Page 4SouthernDelawareExplorer.comJuly 2026 Join the Milton Chamber of Commerce for the rescheduled 22nd Annual award-winningHorseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival, on Sunday, June 28th Always FREE for all that attend, this year’s festival will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Milton Memorial Park. The Chamber invites residents and visitors to Milton for a day of fun, shopping, learning, entertainment, and dining. Expect to see educational booths from Prime Hook NWR, the Delaware Center for Inland Bays and the DuPont Nature Cen- ter, over 60 local vendors, food trucks, entertainment, kayaking, and a petting zoo to entertain the children. Rescheduled Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Fest, June 28th Local’s favorite, the Milton Lions Club will be running the ever-popular Milton Clipper Express train in Memorial Park once again The festival is sponsored by the Milton Chamber of Com- merce, Southern Delaware Tourism, Dogfish Head, Irish Eyes Restaurant and Pub, The Nitan Soni Group, Saltwater Roots Events, NV Homes, Ryan Homes, and the Milton Theatre. For more information, follow The Greater Milton Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MiltonDelawareChamber at miltonchamberde.org or by emailing info@miltoncham- berde.org. 25th Annual Milton Garden Tour Tickets: $20 in advance or $25 the day of the tour. Pre-Tour tickets available at: Pepper’s Greenhouse, The Mercantile at Milton, Lewes Gourmet & Puzzles, and Bella Terra Landscape & Garden Center. On the day of the tour, at the ticket booth at the Milton Historical Society at 210 Union Street Milton DE www.themiltongardenclub.org Saturday, June 27 9 am - 2 pm 6 private gardens and 1 public community garden RESCHEDULED TO Sunday, June 28th NATURE •FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES• PETTING ZOO 60 LOCAL VENDORS• FOOD TRUCKS INFORMATIONAL BOOTHS INCLUDING PRIME HOOK REFUGE, DUPONT NATURE CENTER AND MUCH MORE! Visit MiltonChamberde.org ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Southern Delaware Tourism, Irish Eyes Restaurant & Pub, The Nitan Soni Group, Saltwater Roots Events, NV & Ryan Homes, Dogfish Head, Milton Theatre Hosted by August 22nd: Broadkill Bash & Great Duck Race Antiques Artisans Gifts A unique shop located in the heart of historic downtown Milton, DE. 55 dealers who are stocked with wonderful antiques, gifts, jewelry, vintage items, art, beach décor, and so much more! 109 Union Street Milton, DE 19968 (302) 664-1840 OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK 11 AM TO 5 PM www.facebook.com/irishrosegiftshop Tues.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. 10-4; Closed Sun. & Mon. “The only Irish shop in Delaware”July 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 5 The Town of Ocean View’s FOR MORE INFO VISIT www.OceanViewDE.Gov FREE Community Concerts In Beautiful John West Park - 32 West Ave Friday, June 19th Love Seed Mama Jump (Scout Troop 281 Food Sales) Thursday, June 25th The Castaway Band (Taco Reho Food Truck) Thursday, July 9th Pistol Whipped (Scout Troop 281 Food Sales) Thursday, July 23rd Funsters (Scout Troop 281 Food Sales) Thursday, August 13th West of One (Damm Good Fish and Chips) Thursday, August 27th Charlie & the Cool Tones (Luv Thai Food Truck) Thursday, September 3rd Hot Sauce (Scout Troop 281 Food Sales) CONCERTS IN THE PARK - 6-8PM Bring Your Lawn Chairs or Blankets! Bonkey’s Ice Cream Cart at every concert! SeeJULY CALENDAR - page 17 112 Market St. BRIDGEVILLE 302 956-6984 18208 Sussex Hwy. BRIDGEVILLE 02 337-3137 20,000 sq. ft. shopping mall extravaganza on Route 13.Easy access and plenty of Free parking. 6,000 sq. ft. store located in downtown Bridgeville filled with unique flair and plenty of Free Parking! www.antiquealleyde.com BOTH LOCATIONS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! TWO UNIQUE STORES IN ONE SMALL TOWN - BRIDGEVILLE, DELAWARE Celebrate Summer Our shops are filled with Summer Decor and Gift Ideas Christmas in July at both shops Shop early for the Holidays and enter to win a Huge Christmas Basket Southern Delaware Calendar of Events We suggest visiting the listed websites or calling to verify the most up-to-date information before visiting. June 25 – Town of Ocean View Concerts in the Park, 6:00 p.m-8 p.m. at John West Park, Ocean View. June 25-The Castaway Band. For info call 302-539-9797 or visit www.oceanviewde.gov/Eventsin- thePark. June 25- Greenwood CHEER Cruise In. 4:30-7:30. Free to participate and sightsee. Bring your car! Model car show in activity center. Jumbo hot dog, baked beans, chips & drink $5. Greenwood CHEER 41 Schulze Rd., Greenwood. For info call 302-515-0001 or visit cheerde.com/cruise-in June 25-The Sky’s the Limit USA 250 Celebration at the Nanti- coke Senior Center. Music by Sky Brady, hamburgers and hot dogs for sale, snow cones, cotton candy and other activities from 6-8 p.m. Visit nanticokeseniorcenter.com or call 302-629-4939. June 26-28 – 11th annual Kids Catch-All Fishing tournament. This is a premier kids fishing event at the Indian River Marina near Rehoboth Beach, one of the best fishing areas located on the East Coast. Great fishing...an all-you-can-eat dinner event for the whole family each night, free event t-shirt, door prizes, custom-made tro- phies at the beautiful marina setting. To help raise money for Lyme Disease Assoc. of Delmarva. Call 302-227-3071 or visit www.kid- scatchall.com for info. June 26, July 10 & 24 - Revolutionary Lewes Walking Tour. Page 6SouthernDelawareExplorer.comJuly 2026 Millsboro Stars & Stripes Festival, June 27th On June 27th, the Town of Millsboro will celebrate our great nation and joyfully mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a momentous milestone known as the Semiquincentennial, or America250 with their annual Stars & Stripes Independence Day cel- ebration. This once-in-a-lifetime celebration invites every American, from coast to coast and right here in the heart of Sussex County, to come together in pride, gratitude, and excitement. New this year are activities in downtown Millsboro from 2 to 5 p.m. along Main Street. The activities include touch a truck, live music, caricature & balloon artists and a parade down Main Street. The festival moves to the Millsboro Little League at 262 W. State Street from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a kids zone featur- ing inflatables, face painting & games for a $10 wristband, food trucks, local vendors, a DJ, photo booth and Sussex County’s first Fireworks show at dusk! In the Town of Millsboro, they are proud to join com- munities across Delaware and the United States in honoring this historic occasion. As a welcoming hometown nestled near beautiful inland bays, rich farmlands, and the ancestral lands of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe, Millsboro embodies the diverse stories that have woven the fabric of our nation for two and a half centuries. From the early settlers and Native American heritage to the hardworking families, veterans, innovators, and neighbors who call Millsboro home today, the local history reflects the broader American journey of resilience, community, and opportunity. The road to 2026 is more than a count- down, it is a mean- ingful opportunity to pause and reflect on our shared past, cel- ebrate the extraordi- nary contributions of generations of Amer- icans from all walks of life, and inspire one another to build an even brighter future. Through educational programs, community events, historical reflections, and family-friendly gatherings, Mills- boro250 will highlight what makes Millsboro and our coun- try so special: freedom, unity, innovation, and the enduring spirit of “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one). Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a newcomer, or a visitor, you are invited to get involved! Explore upcoming events, share your family’s stories, volunteer, or simply join us in looking forward to a spectacular celebration that hon- ors where we’ve been and big dreams for where we’re going. Together, make Millsboro’s part in America250, a memo- rable chapter in our town’s story, and in the ongoing adven- ture of the United States of America. For info on sponsorship or vendor opportunities call the Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce at 302-934-6777 or visit their Facebook page or www.millsborochamber.comJuly 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 7 Downtown Activities 2:00-5:00pm Along Main Street - Additional Parking & Shuttles Available) Ballpark Activities 5:00-9:00pm Millsboro Little League - 262 W State St. For more information and sponsorship/vendor opportunities call the Millsboro Chamber at 302-934-6777 For more info visit www.millsborochamber.com or visit the Millsboro Facebook page • Touch a Truck • Caricature & Balloon Artists • Kids Zone featuring inflatables, facepainting & games $10 Wristband (Ages 12 and Under) • Food Trucks • Local Vendors • DJ • Photo Booth • Sussex County’s First Fireworks Display at Dusk! RAIN DATE: June 28 th , 2026 Saturday, June 27 th, 2026 Millsboro, Let’s Celebrate 250! Bring the Family and Join the Fun. S t a r s & S t r i p e s • Live Music • Parade down Main StreetPage 8SouthernDelawareExplorer.com July 2026 Visit Isaacs’ Farms & Market Isaacs’ Farms & Markets 20980 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE (Between Rt. 9 & 404) CALL FOR CURRENT HOURS 302.856.7245 NOW FEATURING FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE Choose From Our Large Selection of Bedding Plants Vegetable Plants Herbs Perennials Have an Enjoyable and Safe 4th of July! Check out our Local Farm Markets for fresh From Our Gardens Produce Sussex County 4th of July Celebration, July 3rd-5th The Old Fashioned Sussex County 4th of July Celebra- tion comes to Georgetown Speedway July 2nd-5th, for a massive four-day Independence Day weekend experience celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary. Packed with family entertainment, live music, carnival rides, motor- sports action, fireworks, food vendors, and community spirit, the event is quickly becoming Delmarva’s premier Fourth of July destination. Festivities begin Thursday, July 2nd, with a special soft opening featuring the full Reithoffer Shows carnival midway experience. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides, mid- way games, and classic carnival food as the celebration officially kicks off ahead of the holiday weekend. Founded in 1896, Reithoffer Shows is one of the nation’s premier traveling carnival companies, bringing a spectacular lineup of attractions and family entertainment to Georgetown Speedway throughout the weekend. The celebration officially kicks off Friday, July 3rd at 2 p.m., with the Atlantic Pro Pulling League Tractor Pull will be held at 5:30 p.m. presented by Farmers Bank of Wil- lards, alongside an Antique Tractor Show that will remain on display through Saturday. The vendor midway will also be in full operation, featuring an eclectic mix of vendors SeeSUSSEX COUNTY 4TH OF JULY- page 18 doors open at Noon 7/4 3 bands kicking off w/ The Funsters Los Amigos del Jefe Mike Hines & The Look Food & Craft Vendors FireworksJuly 2026SouthernDelawareExplorer.comPage 9 400B Tanger Outlets-Bayside Rehoboth Beach - 302-227-1407 www.ChristmasTreeHill.com SKU6730185 SKU6730277 $ 5 00 OFF $ 5 00 OFF $ 10 00 OFF $ 10 00 OFF any purchase of $ 35 or more in-store use only any purchase of $ 60 or more in-store use only Christmas Tree Hill Limit 1 per customer per day. Not valid on website purchases. In store use only. Not valid on gift cards, layaways or prior purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts taken at register. Excludes all collectibles, Dept. 56, Select Jewelry Brands, Ivory Ella, Simply Southern, Puppy Love and Spartina. Expires 7/18/26 Christmas Tree Hill Limit 1 per customer per day. Not valid on website purchases. In store use only. Not valid on gift cards, layaways or prior purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts taken at register. Excludes all collectibles, Dept. 56, Select Jewelry Brands, Ivory Ella, Simply Southern, Puppy Love and Spartina. Expires 7/18/26 Sale $ 6 99 NEW Simply Southern, Puppy Love & Southern Couture NEW Simply Southern, Puppy Love & Southern Couture SUMMER SALE Lit Canvas Art New Magnetic Butterflies Only $ 3 99 each or 3 for $ 10 They Glow in the Dark Swedish Dish Cloths INIS Ocean Inspired Fragrance Seaweed Enriched Body Care 2027 LANG CALENDARS NOW HERE Candle Fountains $ 34 99 with coupon Sale $21.99 Reg. $31.99 Many designs Beaches• Shopping• Nightlife• Work Frequent daily bus service from morning to late night. , ca ..+ m Download DART's FREE apps for D. --�• . . . . ,.,.,.�,.~.,, real-time bus information and quick & contactless mobile payment. DART Transit DART Pass DartFirstState.com 1-800-652-DART I t's easy to DART everywhere ! Rehoboth Beach Fireworks, July 5th The City of Rehoboth Beach is set to put the “ooh” and “ahh” into the 2026 Independence Day holiday with a fireworks display to launch around 9:30 pm Sunday, July 5th. The display is vis- ible along Rehoboth’s mile-plus beach and boardwalk. Festivities begin with a concert performance by The Funsters at the band- stand at 8 p.m. The City of Rehoboth Beach has approved an agreement with Zambelli Fireworks Manufacturing Company to provide an exhi- bition and display this year that is significant as it is USA’s 250th Birthday, so the show will be extra special. Road closures will be implemented to facilitate access and safety: The bandstand area will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 p.m.-midnight. Beginning at 7p.m., only bus traffic and resi- dents will be permitted on Henlopen and Surf avenues. Vehicles will not be able to cross Rehoboth Avenue at the circle begin- ning at 7:30 pm. Rehoboth Avenue eastbound and Church Street from State Route 1 will be closed to vehicular trafficbeginning at 8pm. At that point, all vehicles entering Rehoboth Beach will have to do so via State Road to Bayard Avenue. Sit back and relax and leave the driving to someone else. The city encourages visitors to utilize the DART Park & Ride Service to travel into downtown. Please note that the pickup location for all DART routes following the fireworks is at the Henlopen Hotel. Visit the DART websiteor call 302-226-2001 for more information. In addition, the Jolly Trolley will oper- ate its Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach shuttle services on a revisedschedule.For moreroute information, visitjollytrolley. comor call302-644-0400. Next >