Press Release -  4.6.2001

Port of Wilmington Opens its Doors to the Community at
Delaware Port Days

This Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-27, the Port of Wilmington will be hosting a FREE festival of ships and waterfront entertainment at Delaware Port Days!  “Delaware Port Days, at the Port of Wilmington, will be an unforgettable experience for all those who attend.  All Delawareans can take pride in Delaware’s great maritime heritage and success”, said Adam McBride, Executive Director of the Diamond State Port Corporation. 
Docked at the Port will be the navy destroyer U.S.S. Caron, Delaware's own tall ship, the Kalmar Nyckel, the schooner A. J. Meerwald, Christina River Boat Company's Water Taxis, and Wilmington Tug's tugboats.  There will also be an exhibition of Drag Boat racers, a display of cargo handling equipment, as well as displays of the Volkswagens, Fords and General Motors vehicles that are exported and imported through the Port.

(L-R):In the photo (l-r): Master of the A.J. Meerwald, Captain Mitchell Brodkin, Delaware Pageant girls, and Captain Bob Glover, Executive Director of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation will participate in Delaware Port Days.

Delaware Port Days will also host performances by local music and dance artists including the Brandywine Center for Dance, Black Image Drill Team, Chorus of the Brandywine, African Drummers and Dancers, Delaware Pageant Girls, Blues by Blues Territory, Maritime Music by Charlie Zahm and an exciting Saturday Night Dance Party.

Festivalgoers will enjoy Delaware’s local cuisine prepared by some of the best food vendors in the region.  Dole Fresh Fruit, Chiquita Fresh and David Oppenheimer Group, three of the Port’s leading fruit importers, will exhibit and promote healthy consumption of fruit, supported by an exhibit of the Five-A-Day fruit organization. 

Governor Ruth Ann Minner and dignitaries will greet the vessels and their crew on a welcoming ceremony on Friday, May 25th, at Wilmington’s dock.  Delaware Port Days will be open to the public on Saturday, May 26: 10:00am - 9:30pm, and Sunday, May 27: 10:00am - 5:00pm. 

Delaware Port Days thanks the following for their funding and support of the festival: the State of Delaware, Discover Card, Verizon, Heineken, and the Port of Wilmington.

Bring your family and friends to this unforgettable Memorial Day Celebration!  Experience the ships, the Port, the food, the exhibits, and lots, lots more at Delaware Port Days.  For more information, to volunteer, or to help us host the festival, visit: www.PortofWilmingotonDE.com or call (302) 472-7802/7819.

Founded in 1923, the Port of Wilmington is an important asset for the local and regional economy, generating more than 5,800 jobs and contributing over $22 million in annual tax revenues to State and local government.  The Port is owned and operated by the Diamond State Port Corporation, a corporation of the State of Delaware.  For further information, digital photos, free tours of the Port and free speakers contact:  Vered Nohi-Becker, Marketing Services Manager at the Port of Wilmington @ (302) 472-7819, e-mail: vnbecker@port.state.de.us