Smoke from wildfires in Canada has filled the skies in the eastern United States, prompting organizations to cancel or move outdoor events in Delaware.
Aware of the poor air quality in the area, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environment Control advised event organizers to move outdoor activities inside.
“Right now, we need everyone to be safe, especially Delawareans with increased risk from this very unhealthy air,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We love to get outdoors, especially here in Delaware, but today is not the day. Delawareans should spend this time indoors as much as possible.”
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Three major festivals scheduled for this weekend, the Holy Trinity Greek Festival in Wilmington, St. Anthony’s Italian Festival in Wilmington and the Delaware Pride Festival in Dover, had not been canceled as of Thursday afternoon.
As for others, here is a list of Delaware events affected by poor air quality.
Torch run for Special Olympics ceremony
Thursday’s formal ceremony for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics was canceled.
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DMV operational changes
The Delaware Division of the Department of Motor Vehicles made operational changes for Thursday, including making cash booths at toll plazas unattended and canceling road testing in Wilmington, Delaware City and Dover.
Horse races at Delaware Park
Live horse races at the Delaware Park racetrack in Stanton were canceled on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Unveiling of Delaware’s first dual-language learning trail
The new trail, which was supposed to be unveiled Thursday in Wilmington, has signs offering interactive learning activities for children and their parents. Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki was supposed to attend.
Brandywine Zoo’s storytime
The weekly storytime in the Wildlife Amphitheater at the Brandywine Zoo that usually happens every Thursday was canceled.
Beer garden at Hamilton’s on Main
Hamilton’s on Main in Newark canceled the weekly beer garden “in an abundance of caution.”
YMCA programs and activities
The YMCA of Delaware canceled all outdoor activities and programs on Thursday. Its child care programs were keeping all children inside.
