The 102nd annual Wilmington Flower Market will take place this Thursday through Saturday in Rockford Park with carnival rides, retail and food vendors and a visit from a certain phanatical mascot over the weekend.
A Delaware staple
A portion of all sales of flowers, merchandise and food will go toward funds to be distributed to dozens of nonprofit organizations supporting children in Delaware.
Wilmington’s Flower Market has been a staple since its inception in 1921 and has been held at Rockwood Park since the early 1950s. To date, over $4 million has been donated to various nonprofits around the state focused on the well-being of children.
What are the hours?
The event will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Rain or shine?
The event will take place rain or shine. Pre-market events like a fashion show, art show and wine tastings will be taking place in case outdoor events need to be postponed. The Flower Market had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Last year, inclement weather forced the final day of the event to be canceled as well.
Luckily, this year the weather is supposed to be warm and clear this weekend, with just a slight chance of rain Saturday morning.
Food, drink and things to buy
Local merchants will be attending this event offering everything from handmade jewelry to leather home furnishings. Food vendors will be selling a wide variety − from tapas to Asian-fusion to barbeque − over the weekend alongside a beer garden stationed near the entertainment stage.
The full list of retail and food vendors can be found here.
Entertainment
Each day will be filled with entertainers from open to close including cover bands, magicians and storytelling for children.
Some of the highlights of the entertainment stage will be a visit from the Phillie Phanatic and former Phillies general manager Charlie Manuel on Friday, May 12, from noon until 1:30 p.m, with an included Q&A, autograph and photo opportunity.
Singer-songwriter and “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips will be performing an acoustic set in Saturday’s closing hour, from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with another autograph and photo opportunity available.
A full schedule of the performances can be found on the homepage of the Wilmington Flower Market’s website.
Contact Molly McVety at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.
