DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, and Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), invite the public to #OptOutside this Black Friday by visiting Delaware State Parks. This year, visitors can enjoy free entry to state parks on Black Friday, Nov. 29. The Brandywine Zoo is joining in on the outdoor fun and will also be waiving admission all day.

“The ‘Opt Outside’ event is now a tradition at DNREC’s Delaware state parks, and the numbers of visitors are increasing each year,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Between the Brandywine Zoo and our parks across the state, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Those willing to forego shopping and opt instead for a day of hiking, biking, and adventuring will find more than 150 miles of trails to explore throughout Delaware, spectacular locations for bird and wildlife watching, scenic beaches, and much more.”

The Opt Outside movement, started by REI in 2015, encourages families and friends across the nation to ditch the retail madness and get outdoors on Black Friday. The 16 million-member outdoor co-op sets an example by shutting its doors, and giving its 12,000 employees a paid day off.

This is the fifth year that DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will be participating in the event, joining more than 700 organizations and seven million people nationwide.

All Delaware state parks’ gates will open at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, with the exception of Fort Delaware State Park, which is closed for the season. All park offices will remain closed. The Brandywine Zoo will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public can use the hashtag #OptOutside on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to show support and invite family and friends to join the movement.

Visit www.destateparks.com for park locations and more fun ideas on how to get outside on Black Friday.

Media Contact: Abby Shepard, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, 302-739-9220

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today that the sale of 2020 annual passes and surf fishing permits will begin on Friday Dec. 6.

Revenue generated from park entrance fees is used to manage 17 state parks and more than 26,000 acres of state park lands. Delaware’s state parks are primarily self-funded, with 65 percent of revenue to operate and maintain the parks generated by park users. The revenue is used for trail maintenance, environmental and recreational programs, visitor amenities, guarded beaches, management of campgrounds, cabins, and more.

Annual passes are a convenient way to access the parks for the entire fee season. A Delaware resident annual pass costs $35, and Delaware residents 62 and older will receive a discounted rate of $18. A $65 lifetime pass is available for Delawareans 65 and older. Reduced rates are also offered to Delawareans who receive public assistance, or who are active duty military or veterans. Active duty military personnel with an out-of-state license plate can purchase an annual pass at the in-state rate.

The purchase of a surf fishing permit enables individuals to drive onto the beach for fishing. The permit provides a license plate and a decal. The decal also enables the vehicle to gain entrance into the other state parks charging a daily entrance fee. An annual surf fishing permit fee for Delaware residents is $90, while out-of-state residents is $180. Delaware residents 62 and older will receive a discounted rate of $80.

In 2019 the Delaware’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Council, an 11-member board appointed by the Governor that advises DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, voted to limit the number of permits issued annually to no more than 17,000. Surf fishing permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. The cap on the number of permits issued is the most equitable way to serve all beach users, to manage a limited resource, and to protect against overcrowding of parks beaches. The Division also has found that limiting the number of permits enables more efficient management of the state’s surf-fishing program. This plan also aligns with DNREC’s priority to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to Delaware’s award-winning state parks system.

In addition, the Division offers a corporate and group pass program to businesses, nonprofits and other groups for discounted annual passes for their employees.

Annual passes and surf fishing permits may be purchased online, at park offices, at DNREC’s main office in the Richardson & Robbins building at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and at five retail sales locations.

For more information or to make an online purchase, visit www.destateparks.com/Know/PassesTagsFees.

Media Contact: Greg Abbott or Jennifer Pase, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, 302-739-9220

Dover — The 18th Century Market Fair at DNREC’s First State Heritage Park allows visitors to leave the 21st century behind for a few hours on Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on The Green.

The Dover Green, part of the First State National Historical Park, was the center of life in Dover in the 1700’s and the site of annual autumn market fairs.

“For the tenth year for the Market Fair on The Green in Dover we are going to make it extra special,” said Heritage Park Superintendent Sarah Zimmerman, “and each year more and more people have attended as word has spread of what a fun, free event this is for all ages.”

In past years, almost 5,000 visitors chatted with living history characters, watched traditional artisans at work, and enjoyed comical interactive performances—all with an 18th-century twist. “One important part of Market Fair, besides pure entertainment, is a chance to watch traditional craftspeople at work,” said Zimmerman. “Many people, especially children, have never had an opportunity to experience this.”

Returning this year will be Signora Bella – the Great Italian Equilibrist – who brings to life the tradition of the travelling performer of the 1700s as she juggles knives and flaming torches, while balancing on a rope and a giant ball. Back by popular demand will be Dr. Balthazar and his Marvelous Miracle Medicine Show. Dr. Balthasar offers audiences a “magical miracle medicine that cures everything from a common cold to death of two weeks’ standing” as he engages audience members in his performance.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary, the Market Fair will include an historical theater reenactment of “Black Munday Insurrection” where opinions clashed in Dover over the idea of independence. Join in the action to find out how the people of Dover reacted to the stirrings of Revolution. Some of the characters include Colonel John Haslet and Thomas Rodney, Caesar Rodney’s younger brother. One of the loyalists will be thrown into the pillory, and so much more.

Children can enjoy the many hands-on activities, engage in a military muster with the 1st Delaware Regiment, or visit the free photo booth where visitors can have their picture taken with fun props from the colonial era to create their Market Fair Memories. Children will also have the opportunity to make cornhusk dolls and earn their Junior Ranger badge with the National Park Service.

Modern day photographers have the opportunity to win a 2020 Delaware State Parks Pass as well as the chance to be featured in promotional material for next year’s Market Fair. Join the Instagram contest by using #FSHPMarketFair in photos.

The Dover Century Club will be transformed into the Market Fair Inn, offering delicious pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, beef hot dogs, home-style soups, vegetarian chili, autumn sweet treats, and beverages for purchase. All proceeds benefiting the club’s youth scholarship and building funds.

Admission to Market Fair is free for all ages, with handcrafted items available for purchase. The event is rain or shine, but will be moved to indoor locations around The Green in the event of inclement weather. Information about all the demonstrators and entertainers appearing at Market Fair can be found at www.destateparks.com/marketfair

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries,” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies under the leadership of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

LEWES – Joined by DNREC Deputy Secretary Lisa Borin-Ogden, Division of Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens, DNREC staff and volunteers, the 65 members of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) were honored for their service over the past eight weeks. Participants have each completed over 200 hours of conservation and environmentally focused work since June. In addition to practical job skills, YCC members build self-confidence, learn the importance of team work, and become engaged with their communities.

More than 200 applications were received for the 2019 Delaware State Parks Youth Conservation Corps, which provides high quality summer employment and environmental opportunities for young people between 14-21, and 20-26 for group leaders.

“Thank you for choosing DNREC in your pursuit of civic engagement and to gain practical job experiences and learning opportunities,” said DNREC Deputy Secretary Lisa Borin-Ogden. “I encourage you to take your new skills and positive attitudes with you as you move forward with your education and career.”

Individuals with an interest in participating in the 2020 program should visit destateparks.com/Volunteer/YCC. More information will become available this winter.

Media Contact: Jayme Gravell, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, 302-739-9112 or jayme.gravell@delaware.gov

Dover – DNREC’s First State Heritage Park’s 18th Century Market Fair recreates the sights and sounds of eagerly anticipated events, and allows visitors to leave the 21st century behind for a few hours free of charge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, on The Green. In the 1700s, The Green was the center of life in Dover, and the site of annual autumn market fairs. In past years at the fair, nearly 5,000 visitors chatted with living history characters, watched traditional artisans at work, and enjoyed comical interactive performances – all with an 18th-century twist.

Signora Bella – the Great Italian Equilibrist – brings to life the tradition of the travelling performer in the 1700s, as she juggles knives and flaming torches, while balancing on a rope and a giant ball. Back by popular demand will be “Dr. Balthazar and his Marvelous Miracle Medicine Show.” Dr. Balthazar offers audiences a “magical miracle medicine that cures everything from a common cold to death of two weeks’ standing,” as he engages audience members in his performance. Rick Shuman, will demonstrate how to use a spring pole lathe to young and old, as well as offering his wares for sale. Basket weaving, spinning, and silhouette making are also among the trades visitors can see.

Returning this year will be Professor Horn’s Punch and Judy Puppet Show, performing on the second floor of the Dover Century Club. This fun-filled show captures the wonder and pure imagination of childhood. Professor Horn’s celebrated show is known to incite gales of laughter from audiences of all ages. Children adore the amazing feats, slapstick comedy, and variety entertainments, and parents enjoy the nostalgic excitement this quintessential puppet show conjures from their own childhoods.

A recognized expert in early American glassblowing and a purist, Knightengale’s Rest presents Gilson’s glassblowing as a trade, as well as other sundry items. Learn about the tricks and techniques for making reproduction 17th and 18th century glassware, and perhaps purchase some of his wares. In addition, the Lewes Historical Society will be back again this year. The group has done extensive research, and will present everyone’s favorite treat – chocolate. Visitors can view a demonstration of the 18th century chocolate-making process and literally “taste the past.”

Children can enjoy the many hands-on activities, engage in a military muster with the 1st Delaware Regiment or visit the free photo booth, where visitors can have their picture taken with fun props from the colonial era to create their Market Fair memories. Children will also have the opportunity to make slate buttons as was done in the 18th century.

To add to the historic atmosphere, fiddler Rick Hudson will be wandering The Green as the Market Fair Minstrel, playing his merry tunes. The Dover English Country Dancers will be both demonstrating and encouraging people to participate.

Modern day photographers can join in the competition to capture the best pictures in the Market Fair Instagram Photo contest. Winners will receive a 2019 Delaware State Parks Pass and the chance to be used in promotional material for Market Fair 2019.

The Dover Century Club will be transformed into the Market Fair Inn, offering delicious pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, beef hot dogs, home-style soups, vegetarian chili, autumn sweet treats, and beverages for purchase. In addition, the club’s garden study group will sell beautiful, handmade wreathes and table décor, with all proceeds benefiting the club’s youth scholarship and building funds. Old World Breads from Lewes will be offering sweet treats for sale, including their famous shortbread and molasses cookies for the first time this year.

Admission to Market Fair is free. The event is rain or shine and will move to indoor locations around The Green in the event of inclement weather. Information about all the demonstrators and entertainers appearing at Market Fair can be found at www.destateparks.com/history/firststateheritage.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, three other local events will be held. From 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., the Biggs Museum of American Art will be hosting “Happy Birthday, Biggs Museum!” Visit www.biggsmuseum.org for more information. In addition, the city of Dover will host a special Veteran’s Parade through downtown. The Delaware General Assembly, the Delaware Commission of Veteran’s Affairs, and the Delaware Heritage Commission will host a dedication for a new monument on the grounds of Legislative Hall honoring Delaware Women in the Military. The event will be held at noon following the parade.

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries,” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies under the leadership of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Media Contact: Sarah Zimmerman, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 or sarah.zimmerman@delaware.gov.