After one year on hiatus, 4th of July celebration returns to Wilmington

Wilmington will have a 4th of July celebration this year, thanks in part to corporate support.

The city was unable to have the traditional Independence Day celebration in 2011 due to budget constraints.  In March, Mayor James Baker said the city would like to restore the patriotic celebration, but would need the private sector to contribute. 

The “Red, White and Blue July 4th Celebration” will be held at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park and along the riverwalk, according to Mayor Baker and Wilmington Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz.  While the full schedule has not been announced, it’s been confirmed that the Delaware Symphony Orchestra – which recently suspended its 2012-13 season due to funding problems of its own – will perform a 75-minute grand finale concert of patriotic and seasonal musical selections. 

Events begin at 4:00 p.m. with family activities, games, and food available for purchase.  Special programs will be offered by the Delaware Children’s Museum and the DuPont Environmental Education Center.  Fireworks are scheduled for about 9:45 p.m.

“We are thankful to our partners and sponsors who have made it possible to restore this annual tradition,” Baker said.  “I wish to especially thank M&T Bank, the Riverfront Development Corporation, Gerret and Tatiana Copeland, and several of the restaurants along the riverfront for their support in bringing the July 4th celebration back to Wilmington.” 

If it rains on July 4th, activities would be rescheduled for Thursday July 5th.