DOVER DAYS 2019 DOVER DAYS 2019 3 Dover Days Dover Gets Ready to Party

2 DOVER DAYS 2019 DOVER DAYS 2019 3 Dover Days Dover gets ready to party

A popular balloon ride will be returning in 2019 as well as Jim Lee...... Editor some new elements as Dover residents celebrate the 86th an- (302) 346-5418 nual Dover Days. [email protected] This year will see a series of events that not only will take place at traditional venues in downtown Dover, but will en- Craig O’Donnell...... Content Producer compass an observance of the 75th anniversary of D-Day in (302) 346-5441 World War II and three NASCAR races. [email protected] “Every year we try to bring new elements to Dover Days to Brian Shane...... Graphic Designer keep the festival fresh and exciting,” John Doerfler, sales and events manager for Kent County Tourism, said. DOVER DAYS “We’ve also lined up some new entertainment, including is created by GateHouse Media, LLC. some pirate shows, magic shows and reenactment groups.” Reproduction in whole or in part without The hot-air balloon ride, which was first featured at Dover prior written permission is strictly pro- Days in 2000, will take visitors up into the sky above the city, hibited. Opinions expressed in the publi- giving them a unique angle from which to view the center of town. A fee is charged, and the ride is subject to changes in cation are those of the authors and do the weather. not necessarily represent those of the Although the annual celebration of Dover’s history began management of the publication. Monday with walking tours of The Green and other sites, things really kick into gear – literally - as practice for the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series begins at 2:05 p.m. A GATEHOUSE MEDIA, LLC COMPANY Thursday at the Dover International Speedway. The balloon ride offers an outstanding view of Legislative ALL RIGHTS RESERVED SEE EVENTS, PAGE 4 Mall. JEFF BROWN PHOTO 4 DOVER DAYS 2019

EVENTS FROM PAGE 3

The race itself will begin at 5 p.m. Friday and will be followed on Saturday with the Allied Steel Build- ings 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash Race. Sunday, the track will host the Gander RV 400 Mon- ster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. Fans must have tickets for all NASCAR races, although some events, such as activities at the Speed- way’s Fan Zone on Saturday, are free. For aviation fans and military buffs, the Air Mobil- ity Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base will of downtown Dover organizations and the city itself imum of seven seats on the board, which can expand feature an observance of the 75th anniversary of the to produce, raise funds and manage the annual festi- to as many as 17. D-Day invasion, scheduled for Saturday, May 5. A re- val. The committee is looking for additional members stored C-47 Skytrain, nicknamed “That’s All Brother” “We started a more collaborative Dover Days plan- to fill those seats. will be on public display at the museum. This aircraft ning process that created numerous positive changes “The board needs some passionate members who be- was the first of more than 800 that dropped U.S. Army to the festival over the years,” Doerfler said. “Merchants, lieve in Dover and the Dover Days tradition,” Mayor paratroopers into France on June 6, 1944. individuals, and organizations have taken notice and Robin R. Christiansen said. “I know I certainly do, and have become more involved with Dover Days meetings, am excited to be a part of this.” Big changes coming in 2020 input and volunteering. Doerfler said anybody who gets involved with the The 87th Dover Days celebration in 2020 will see “The Dover Days Committee organically morphed Dover Days Committee is going to be a community new leadership take over in the form of the nonprof- into what was already happening with the planning leader. it Dover Days Committee Inc. of the Dover Days Festival.” “We have some extraordinary individuals with The festival dates to 1933, with the Dover Garden Kent County Tourism, the Friends of Old Dover, the some known and hidden talents when it comes to com- Club featuring tours of homes and gardens through- city of Dover, Downtown Dover Partnership, First State munity organizing and with events,” he said. out the city. It was managed for years by the Friends Heritage Park, Destination Downtown Dover and To learn more about the new Dover Days commit- of Old Dover and, since 1995, by Kent County Tourism Dover’s mayor all have permanent seats on the com- tee, contact Doerfler at jdoerfler@visitdelawarevil- The Dover Days Committee will be a collaboration mittee’s board of directors, he said. There are a min- lages.com or call 302-734-4888. DOVER DAYS 2019 5 86th Annual Dover Days Festival Schedule

WEDNESDAY – MAY 1 recording industry and the achieve- Guided Tours ments of E. R. Johnson, founder of the 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Victor Talking Machine Company. The Old State House, 25 The Green Tour this 1791 building that served as Self-Guided Tours the state capitol from 1791 to 1933. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Guided Tours Federal Street 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Permanent collection of American Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. fine and decorative arts and changing ex- New Street hibitions throughout the year. Current- Early phonographs and recordings ly featuring, “Spirit Revealed: New chronicle the development of the sound Works by Aaron Paskins.” General Ad- recording industry and the achieve- mission: $10 ments of E. R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Guided Tours 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Self-Guided Tours Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Visit the building that has been home Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 to the Delaware General Assembly since Federal Street 1933. Permanent collection of American fine and decorative arts and changing ex- Stories of The Green Walking Tour hibitions throughout the year. Cur- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. rently featuring, “Spirit Revealed: New John Bell House. 43 The Green Works by Aaron Paskins.” General Ad- The Green reveals many tales from mission: $10 Dover’s history.

Guided Tours Grandstand Gate 3 Open 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2 p.m. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave. Dover International Speedway Visit the building that has been home to the Delaware General Assembly since NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck 1933. Series Practice 2:05 p.m. Stories of The Green Walking Tour Dover International Speedway 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. John Bell House. 43 The Green NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck The Green reveals many tales from Series Final Practice Dover’s history. 4:05 p.m. Dover International Speedway THURSDAY– MAY 2 FRIDAY — MAY 3 Guided Tours 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Air Mobility Command Museum The Old State House, 25 The Green Opens Tour this 1791 building that served as 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. the state capitol from 1791 to 1933. Commemoration of the 75th An- niversary of D-Day Guided Tours Air Mobility Command Museum 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. 19902 New Street Early phonographs and recordings Guided Tours chronicle the development of the sound 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. SEE SCHEDULE, PAGE 6 6 DOVER DAYS 2019

Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Speedway SCHEDULE Air Mobility Command Museum FROM PAGE 5 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902 NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice 12:05 a.m. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street Grandstand Gates 3, 4, 11, 19 Open Dover International Speedway Early phonographs and recordings chronicle the de- 10 a.m. velopment of the sound recording industry and the Dover International Speedway NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Qualifying achievements of E. R. Johnson, founder of the Victor 1:10 p.m. Talking Machine Company. FanZone Dover International Speedway 10 a.m. Self-Guided Tours The FanZone, outside of Turn 4 near the Monster NASCAR Xfinity Series Final Practice 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monument at Victory Plaza, is free to all fans. Inter- 2:30 p.m. Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street active displays will be set up, featuring games, free sam- Dover International Speedway Permanent collection of American fine and deco- pling, live music and more rative arts and changing exhibitions throughout the Dover International Speedway Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying year. Currently featuring, “Spirit Revealed: New 3:40 p.m. Works by Aaron Paskins.” General Admission: $10 Visit Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ Mobile Visitor Cen- Dover International Speedway ter, The Villager sponsored by Chesapeake Utilities at Guided Tours the FanZone at Dover International Speedway NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Driver In- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. troductions Legislative Hall Dover International Speedway 4:30 p.m. Visit the building that has been home to the Dover International Speedway Delaware General Assembly since 1933. NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Free Au- tograph Session Start of the “JEGS 200” NASCAR Gander Outdoors Stories of The Green Walking Tour 11 a.m. Truck Series Race 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dover International Speedway 5 p.m. John Bell House. 43 The Green Dover International Speedway The Green reveals many tales from Dover’s history. Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Practice 11:05 a.m. First Fridays in Downtown Dover C-47 “That’s All Brother” open to public Dover International 10 a.m. SEE SCHEDULE, PAGE 7 DOVER DAYS 2019 7

free sampling, live music and more. SCHEDULE Dover International Speedway FROM PAGE 6 Visit Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ Mo- 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. bile Visitor Center, The Villager spon- Fun for the whole family with enter- sored by Chesapeake Utilities at the Fan- tainment and artists throughout the Zone at Dover International Speedway shops and restaurants in downtown 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Historic Dover. Dover International Speedway

In Harmony Concert Series The 86th Annual Dover Days Festival 6:30 p.m. sponsored by WSFS Bank The Dover Public Library will be 9 a.m. hosting the Del Tones, an a cappella The 86th Annual Dover Days Festival group, for their “In Harmony Concert officially begins at 9 a.m. with vendors, Series.” food, and activities! Dover Public Library Dover through the Decades LANTERN TOUR: Dover, The Green 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. 8 p.m. John Bell House on The Green Hear true tales of tragedy and infamy Follow along as we travel through from Dover’s history. Join our guides Dover’s history and highlight some of the through historic Dover and its ceme- historic events that happened here over teries by lantern light this spring. Space the years. is limited; call (302) 739-9194 for reser- 86th Annual Dover Days Festival vations. Lantern tours canceled due to inclement weather will not be resched- First Saturday – May 4: Favorite Pas- uled. $10 per person. times Colonial Artisans Faire Opens spon- SATURDAY– MAY 4 sored by American Spirit Credit Union Wesley United Annual Pancake Break- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. fast The Green, Old State House, Biggs 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Museum of American Art’s lawn areas Wesley United Methodist Church Come see colonial lace making, wood 86th Annual Dover Days Festival working, basket weaving, quilting, and more demonstrated in our Colonial Ar- Air Mobility Command Museum tisans Faire area. Opens 86th Annual Dover Days Festival 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Commemoration of the 75th An- A Capitol Experience niversary of D-Day 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Air Mobility Command Museum Legislative Hall 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE Tour Delaware’s State Capitol build- 19902 ing, and experience Delaware history. 86th Annual Dover Days Festival Re-enactors camp on display 9 a.m. Colonial Trapping sponsored by PNC Commemoration of the 75th An- Bank niversary of D-Day 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Air Mobility Command Museum Outside of the Biggs Museum of 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE American Art 19902 86th Annual Dover Days Festival

Grandstand Gates 3, 4, 11, 19 Open The Sounds of War: Patriotic Music 9 a.m. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Dover International Speedway Johnson Victrola Museum Guided tours will examine music’s in- FanZone fluence on America’s wars. Hear patri- 9 a.m. otic music that was recorded by Victor The FanZone, outside of Turn 4 near Talking Machine Company on authen- the Monster Monument at Victory tic Victor Talking Machines. Plaza, is free to all fans. Interactive 86th Annual Dover Days Festival displays will be set up, featuring games, SEE SCHEDULE, PAGE 8 8 DOVER DAYS 2019

SCHEDULE FROM PAGE 7

1st Delaware Regiment Reenactment Camp sponsored by PNC Bank 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Green 86th Annual Dover Days Festival

Colonial Market Showcase 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Outside the Biggs Museum of American Art 86th Annual Dover Days Festival

Community Tent sponsored by Del-One 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Green Come see local organizations making a difference in the community. 86th Annual Dover Days Festival

Biggs Kids: Paper Dolls 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Biggs Museum of American Art Love the colonial clothes in the paintings at the Big- gs? Make your own colonial paper doll inspired by the collection. Biggs Museum of American Art. 86th Annual Dover Days Festival

Guided Tours 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Old State House Come tour the historic Capitol building and celebrate Old Dover Days. Visitors gather to enjoy a day of fun during the 2018 Dover Days activities. JEFF BROWN PHOTO 86th Annual Dover Days Festival State Street & Loockerman Street 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Breakfast with the American Association of Uni- 86th Annual Dover Days Festival The Moon Bounce Village opens (weather permit- versity Women (Fee) ting) 9 a.m. -11 a.m. World War II Paratroopers Drop Zone Normandy The Legislative Mall Corner of Kings Hwy & State Street Mission Briefs 86th Annual Dover Days Festival 86th Annual Dover Days Festival 10 a.m. Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Hot Air Balloon Rides (Fee) Dover Days Festival Car Show Hangar 1301, Air Mobility Command Museum 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902 The Legislative Mall (weather permitting) The Legislative Mall, M.L.K. North Blvd 86th Annual Dover Days Festival 86th Annual Dover Days Festival Early 20th Century Exhibit of Vintage Clothing sponsored by the Friends of Old Dover and the Dover Grinchspeare the Plausible sponsored by Comcast Sand Castle Exhibit sponsored by Shored United Century Club 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bank 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. State St. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 40 The Green in downtown Dover 86th Annual Dover Days Festival The Legislative Mall, Martin Luther King Jr Blvd 86th Annual Dover Days Festival North Stories of The Green Walking Tour 86th Annual Dover Days Festival Cascading Carlos, The Juggler sponsored by Com- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. cast John Bell House Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Practice 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Green reveals many tales from Dover’s history. 9:05 a.m. The Cascading Carlos show begins at Constitution 86th Annual Dover Days Festival Dover International Speedway Park, the corner of State and North St. 86th Annual Dover Days Festival Tours of the Governor’s House 86th Annual Dover Days Parade sponsored by the 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Delaware Lottery The Moon Bounce Village sponsored by High- Woodburn – The Governor’s House 9:30 a.m. Kickoff mark SEE SCHEDULE, PAGE 9 DOVER DAYS 2019 9

Loockerman Plaza the Monster Monument at Victory SCHEDULE Wesley Preschool Choir Plaza, is free to all fans. Interactive dis- FROM PAGE 8 12:00 p.m. The Green 50th Anniversary Bash at the Xfinity plays will be set up, featuring games, free Preschool Children’s choir performing Stage in Victory Plaza featuring by John sampling, live music and more Enjoy guided tours of the official res- Colonial Songs in their colonial outfits. Rich and Sam Grow with appearances idence of Delaware’s Governor since 86th Annual Dover Days Festival by NASCAR Champions Richard Petty, Visit Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ Mo- 1965. Bobby Allison, and longtime executive bile Visitor Center, The Villager spon- 86th Annual Dover Days Festival Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Mike Helton sored by Chesapeake Utilities at the Fan- Final Practice 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Zone at Dover International Speedway Pirates of Fortunes Folly Show 12:00 p.m. Dover International Speedway 8 a.m.- 2p.m. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dover International Speedway Dover International Speedway The Green D-Day Celebration Swing Dance 86th Annual Dover Days Dover English Country Dancers spon- 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. All Grandstand Gates Open sored by PNC Bank Commemoration of the 75th An- 10 a.m. Aircraft Fly-bys including C-47 “TAB”, 1 p.m. niversary of D-Day Dover International Speedway C-130, C17, C-5 Front of the Old State House Air Mobility Command Museum 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. English Country Dancers 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE Charlie Daniels Band concert with an Commemoration of the 75th An- 86th Annual Dover Days Festival 19902 appearance by John Rich niversary of D-Day 11 a.m. Air Mobility Command Museum Vintage Base Ball Match Fireworks sponsored by Delaware’s Dover International Speedway 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 1 p.m. Quaint Villages 19902 The Field behind Woodburn, the Gov- 9 p.m. Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ernor’s Mansion Dover International Speedway in R.V. Driver Introductions Magic by Charlie sponsored by Com- Diamond State Base Ball Club and the lots 1:20 p.m. cast Lewes Base Ball Club square off in a vin- Dover International Speedway 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. tage Base Ball Match SUNDAY — MAY 6 The Green 86th Annual Dover Days Festival FanZone Start of “Gander RV 400” Monster Engaging street magic for the whole 8 a.m. Energy NASCAR Cup Series race family! NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Intro- Dover International Speedway 2 p.m. 86th Annual Dover Days Festival ductions The FanZone, outside of Turn 4 near Dover International Speedway 1 p.m. First Annual Rising Scholars in Amer- Dover International Speedway ican Art Lecture: 2019 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Start of “Allied Steel Buildings 200” The Biggs Museum of American Art NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash University of Delaware Senior, Race Annabelle Fichtner, will guide partici- 1:30 p.m. pants in a traditional Lenape net-type Dover International Speedway process. 86th Annual Dover Days Festival “Behind the Scenes” Tour 1:30 p.m. Maypole dancing on The Green spon- Delaware Public Archives sored by Today Media See how the Archives preserves and 11:30 a.m. protects important records. The Green 86th Annual Dover Days Festival 86th Annual Dover Days Festival The Once and Future Courthouse Pirates of Approaching Storm Show 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. 11:45 a.m.– 3 p.m. Kent County Courthouse, 38 The The Green 86th Annual Dover Days Green From the 1690s to the present, learn NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying how this building went from a court- 10:10 a.m. house to a hotel and back again. Dover International Speedway 86th Annual Dover Days Festival

C-47 “That’s All Brother” open to Dover English Country Dancers spon- public sored by PNC Bank 12:00 p.m. 2 p.m. Commemoration of the 75th An- Front of the Old State House niversary of D-Day English Country Dancers Air Mobility Command Museum 86th Annual Dover Days Festival 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE History, Heritage & Hops 19902 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

10 DOVER DAYS 2019 Highlights from past years of “Dover Days”

The Maypole dancers always have been a popular event at Dover Days. There are plenty of festivities for everyone at Dover Days JEFF BROWN PHOTOS SUBMITTED PHOTO DOVER DAYS 2019 11 12 DOVER DAYS 2019