Relax and support local this 4th of July

Public 4th of July events were cancelled last summer, but the summer holiday’s big comeback this year is rightfully looking like it’s going to be pretty laid back. Despite vaccinations and a rollback on distancing restrictions, Delaware is still under a COVID-19 State of Emergency until at least July 13, and the rise of the Delta Plus variant means we shouldn’t completely let our guards down.

That said, 4th of July events are back. From the Tubman-Garrett Park in Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach, get ready for local musicians, small businesses and a few fireworks (Delaware legal fireworks — sparklers, spinners, ground fountains and smoke bombs — are on sale now for July 4, one of three holidays when their use is legal, along with New Year’s Eve and the third day of Diwali).

The big, annual events, including the fireworks festivals in Wilmington, Hockessin and the Lewes, are returning, with some scaling back (there’s no parade in Hockessin and the Lewes event will not have its usual children’s games, for example). If you prefer something smaller, but want to do more than grill at home, there are a few more under-the-radar events on Saturday where you can support local businesses, from breweries to wineries to local music and merchants.

• Independence Day at Maker’s Alley — Barbecue with an all-day happy hour and live music by Bruce & Sam
• Red White & Blues at Blue Earl — The Smyrna brewery will host The James Dean Band and Lower Case Blues
• Michael Waskey Solo at Crooked Hammock —Live afternoon music at the Middletown brewery
• Jazz Brunch at Pizza by Elizabeth’s — Do brunch in Greenville with the E.W.O Jazz Band
• Shake Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos at Salted Vines — The Frankford winery will also have food trucks and acoustic music by Strummin’ Sunday
• Falling Forward at Constitution Yards — The Riverfront beer garden will likely be crowded on the 4th, but if you like free live music and local brews, you might want to check out the early evening Falling Forward show.