What are your plans for Saturday, August 23? If you happen to be in or around Harrington, Delaware, then you may want to consider attending the town’s highly heralded Harrington Heritage Day.
The 2025 season marks the festival’s 47th year as a community mainstay, held every summer on the fourth Saturday in August. Created by the Harrington Historical Society and Public Library, the festival is first and foremost a celebration honoring the rich agricultural heritage and history of this small, rural community.
Over the years, though, it’s emerged to become so much more than that. It’s now a cherished and time-honored community gathering that folks look forward to every year—a time to get out and enjoy family, friends, and fellowship, while taking part in free-for-all fun follies.
The festival opens at 9 a.m., with daylong activities getting underway immediately. Just be sure to head for the Norman Barlow Pavilion by 9:30 a.m. to attend the Official Opening Ceremonies, which will include singing the National Anthem and remarks by Mayor Frank Tolson.
Check-in for the highly anticipated Wing Cook Off will also begin at this time, at the Harrington Public Library.
All the various vendor booths will remain in full swing through the 3 p.m. hour. The Craft and Informational Vendors will set up on Fleming Street, Mechanic Street, and in the parking lot of the Harrington Senior Center. Food items will be on sale in the WSFS parking lot.
In addition to all the versatile vendor setups, the day promises ongoing entertainment and other exciting endeavors. Harrington Public Library, for instance, will be buzzing with activity. In addition to the aforementioned Wing Cook Off taking place here, there will be a Brownie Bake Off at 1 p.m.
Check out the Southern Delaware Street Rod Assoc. Car Show on Commerce Street, or First State Model Railroad Display at the Price Center. The Delmarva Antique Tractor and Antique Farming Equipment displays will be located on Dorman Street throughout the festival.
Among the beloved kid-friendly delights will be a petting zoo, pony rides, and train rides all taking place on Commerce Street. The dunking booth and official Kids Zone with inflatables will be at the M&T Bank parking lot.
Various locations throughout Harrington will also be presenting Open House events and guided tours. These include the Greater Harrington Historical Society and Museum, the Harrington Railroad Tower, and Trinity United Methodist Church. The latter will also be featuring a Scrapple Sandwiches and Chicken Salad Sale.
Ongoing entertainment via live music will keep the festival lively throughout the day. The Spirit & Truth Gospel Group will kick it off at 9:30 a.m., performing at Commerce Street in the Entertainment Tent. The Sweetwater Band will follow with performances at the Harrington Senior Center starting at 10 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., Southbound of DE will be at Commerce Street in the Entertainment Tent with Ty Sherwood and the Brackish Water Boys concurrently performing at the Harrington Senior Center. Clarence “Smitti” Smith will follow at 1 p.m., also at the Harrington Senior Center.
Before the day is up, although it will be long after the official end of the festival, take note of a special drive-in movie at 8 p.m. Disney-Pixar’s Cars will be the featured film.
Attending Harrington Heritage Day is free for all, as is parking. Some parking sites even offer complimentary ongoing shuttle services throughout the event. Click here for those locations or to download the map.
Whether you’ve been to all previous installments of Harrington Heritage Day or this is your first time, you won’t want to miss it! Discover more on the website at www.heritagedayde.com.