Smyrna native and country music sensation Chuck Wicks is coming home for the Delaware State Fair July 23-August 1—and he’s bringing his famous girlfriend Julianne Hough of “Dancing With the Stars” with him. See the dancing dynamos rock the Wilmington Trust Grandstand July 29. Other fair performers include ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, singer Demi Lovato and “American Idol” star Kelly Clarkson. Expect about 300,000 folks in Harrington for livestock contests, Midway amusements, local bands, art exhibits and baked chicken in the Grange hall. The fair may fly with the times, as evidenced by its Facebook and MySpace pages, but one thing holds true: It’s still a tribute to the agricultural wonders of Delaware. For more, call 398-3269, or visit delawarestatefair.com. —Maria Hess
Page 2: Welcome to Camelot
Welcome to Camelot
There are few outdoor stages as grand as the Longwood Gardens Open Air Theatre and few musicals grander than “Camelot.” Stage and show come together for The Brandywiners’ annual production July 23-August 1. “Camelot” is the setting of the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, a place of peace and brotherhood. The conflict? King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot are only human. If they’re not careful, this picture of tranquility could become a den of iniquity. Hockessin’s Jim Smith performed in the show years ago as Lancelot, then again as King Arthur. Now he’s stage director. “The show is a natural for Longwood,” says Smith. “We’ll have an open courtyard of castles, lots of banners and incredible costumes.” The masterful C. Lawler Rogers handles the music. Over more than 75 years, The Brandywiners have donated nearly $700,000 from ticket sales to local cultural organizations. This year, “Times are tough,” says spokesman Gene Stecca. “Despite the economy, we still hope there will be profit to pass on.” For more, call 478-3355 or visit brandywiners.org.
Page 3: All Aboard
All Aboard
Hide your valuables. Bart and his gang are planning to seize the Wilmington & Western Railroad during the Wild West Robbery July 26. Stay on the train during the shootout and no one gets hurt. It’s only a show, of course. “The gang gets the bad guys,” says Wilmington & Western’s Carole Wells. “The good guys always win.” For more, call 998-1930, or visit wwrr.com.
Page 4: Pack the Earplugs
Pack the Earplugs
This year’s July Fourth firework events should boom. You and 80,000 others can head to the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach for live music at 8 p.m., fireworks at 9:15, then a Funsters concert at the bandstand pavilion. Upstate, hang at Tubman-Garrett Park in Wilmington from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m for concerts by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Delaware Valley Chorale. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Don’t forget the baby contest and ice skating. Yup, ice skating. “The rink has a Teflon-like surface,” says the city of Wilmington’s Tina Betz. “When treated with a special liquid, the surface becomes slippery. Skaters are able to use real ice skates.” Huh. For more, visit ci.wilmington.de.us. Don’t forget celebrations in Newark, Dover and elsewhere.
