9th Annual Blackbird Creek Fall Festival
The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) and DNREC 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 – with the 9th Annual Blackbird Creek Fall Festival to be held Saturday, Oct. 15 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.
“The Blackbird Creek Fall Festival is free and offers something for the entire family, and that’s a winning combination for the festival having become a fall tradition over the last decade,” said Maggie Pletta, DNERR education coordinator. “We encourage people to come and explore this scenic area – by foot, hayride or canoe – and enjoy the musical talents of Crabmeat Thompson, East of the Mason-Dixon Line, Mark Degz and Co., and the Smyrna High School drumline. New this year we will have opportunities for people to try out recreational canoeing. Bring a blanket or some chairs and join us for the day.”
Families also can participate in the “Thank You, Delaware Bay Adventure” and earn a prize by visiting all the participating stations throughout the festival, learning about the natural resources and heritage of the Delaware Bay through games, demonstrations, and challenges. Local food vendors will also be onsite to provide a variety of food and snacks for purchase.
For more information on the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival, please contact Maggie Pletta, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, 302-739-6377 or visit http://de.gov/blackbirdfestival.
