TOWNSEND – DNREC and the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) will showcase one of the most natural areas in Delaware – which includes autumn’s vibrant foliage within the lush landscape and pristine waters of the Blackbird Creek Reserve – when the 10th Annual Blackbird Creek Fall Festival is held Saturday, Oct. 21 on the Delaware Bayshore Byway. The festival will take place rain or shine, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Blackbird Creek Reserve, at 801 Blackbird Landing Road near Townsend.
The festival, along the banks of beautiful Blackbird Creek, will feature traditional crafts and demonstrations by a blacksmith, hands-on learning including canoeing, lively music and kids’ activities including crafts, free face painting, and colonial-era activities. Visitors may also browse the works of artisans and exhibitors, enjoy hay rides, go on a guided hike of the reserve led by a Delaware State Forester, and check out Native American demonstrations. Local food vendors will also be onsite to provide a variety of food and snacks for purchase.
The festival brings together local businesses, non-profits and government agencies in one place to celebrate the cultural and natural heritage of the Delaware Bay. On average, the festival brings between 800 – 1,500 visitors from the central Delaware community and beyond.
Among the highlights for the special anniversary this year will be the celebration of the opening of a new pavilion, parking lot, and a “mobi mat” at the reserve’s canoe launch, to enable full access.
For more information on the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival, contact Maggie Pletta, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, 302-739-6377 or visit http://de.gov/blackbirdfestival.
Vol. 47, No. 230
CONTACT: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902