Brandywine Shad 2020 is hosting the Second Annual Brandywine River ShadFest to celebrate the return of the American Shad and raise awareness of environmental issues. The free family-friendly festival will be held on Sunday May 22, in Brandywine Park from 10:00am to 3:00pm with the 5k ShadRun at 9:00am.
The day will begin at 9:00am with the ShadRun 5k through the park. ShadFest will then open with a Land Acknowledgment ceremony and remarks from Dennis Coker, Principal Chief of the Lenape Tribe of Delaware. Over 20 environmental organizations will have fun, interactive exhibits designed to educate kids of all ages on how to protect the planet. Activities include a Shad Lifecycle Obstacle Course, fish print T- Shirt painting, fish seining demonstration, free fishing lessons and performances by The Chesapeake Mermaid.
City Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver who attended last year’s festival says, “ShadFest is a great way to introduce city kids to nature and our beautiful Brandywine River right here in downtown Wilmington. I loved seeing kids learn how to fish”
Several food trucks will be on site, along with a beer garden by Wilmington Brew Works and a Wine Bar by Franks Wine and Spirits. Music will be provided by the Sin City Band. Sustainable and nature-oriented vendors will have locally sourced goods for purchase.
About Brandywine Shad 2020
Brandywine Shad 2020 is a coalition of twenty local, regional, and national conservation minded organizations whose shared goal is to restore the region’s most historic fish, the American Shad, to the Brandywine River by returning the river to its free-flowing, pre-colonial state. For more information visit www.brandywineshad2020.org