Wilmington festival canceled before event due to safety concerns.
The annual Brandywine River ShadFest in Delaware, a popular environmental festival, has been canceled just days before the scheduled event on May 18. This decision comes as a result of ongoing construction activities under the I-95 bridge in Brandywine Park, initiated by the Delaware Department of Transportation in October 2024 to carry out necessary repairs and maintenance work on the bridge’s underside. The construction work, expected to last until the fall of 2025, has raised safety concerns among organizers and threatens to disrupt the overall event experience, prompting the unfortunate cancellation.
While alternative venues were explored, event organizers ultimately deemed it essential to maintain the festival’s traditional location at Brandywine Park for community accessibility and program continuity, especially highlighting popular activities like fishing lessons. The festival, which draws more than 2,000 attendees annually, with over 1,000 of them being children, serves as a significant fundraising platform for the Brandywine River Restoration Trust. This trust is dedicated to reviving shad migration within the river and offering environmental education to underprivileged youth in Wilmington.
Throughout the years, ShadFest has showcased a range of activities, including fish seining demonstrations, fish printing, a shad obstacle course, and interactive environmental exhibits. Founded in collaboration with the Brandywine Conservancy, Hagley, and the University of Delaware Water Resources Center, the festival has seen participation from over 25 organizations in the past, such as the Delaware Nature Society and the Sierra Club, all contributing to its success.
Despite the cancellation this year, organizers have assured the public that ShadFest will make a comeback in 2026, promising a vibrant celebration of the environment and community engagement once again. In the meantime, individuals seeking more information or updates are encouraged to reach out to staff reporter Anitra Johnson via email at [email protected].
In light of the cancellation decision due to construction activities, the unfortunate news reminds us of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees while upholding the festival’s mission of promoting environmental awareness and education. As organizers work towards a successful return in 2026, the community eagerly awaits the revival of Brandywine River ShadFest, looking forward to another year of impactful environmental engagement and conservation efforts.