Mayor Carney, Wilmington 250 Committee Outline City’s Plans for America’s Semiquincentennial

WILMINGTON - Mayor Carney and members of the Wilmington 250 committee on Tuesday announced the City's plans for celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Events will include a citywide toast during Greater Wilmington Beer Week, dining events in partnership with Restaurant Week, public art activities, a Rumble in Rodney boxing match, and more. The City will also reimagine annual traditions like the July 4^th Riverfront celebration and the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival to incorporate recognition of the semi-quincentennial anniversary.

"We're honoring our history by celebrating everything that makes Wilmington strong - our arts and culture sector, our business community, the beauty of our neighborhoods, and the people who live here," said Mayor John Carney. "These events are designed to be inclusive, and we encourage all residents and visitors to join us as we mark this major milestone for our city, state, and nation."

In addition to community events, the City will sponsor visual arts contests including an America250 poster contest and a Clifford Brown Jazz Festival logo design contest.

The Wilmington250 Committee was convened in July 2025 by Mayor Carney. Committee members consist of City officials, local historians and educators, representatives from civic and cultural organizations, youth and community leaders, and representatives from Wilmington's business and faith communities. The committee is chaired by Director of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, Tina Betz.

More events can be found in Out & About Magazine and online at InWilmDE.com.

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