Fireworks show at Dover Days Festival in 2017

Celebrating 300 Years: Dover Days 2017

With an attendance of 15,000-20,000 people over the weekend, The 84th Annual Dover Days celebration officially kicked off Dover’s 300th birthday.

The festival showcased Delaware’s history and heritage, including a grand parade, traditional Maypole Dancing, vintage automobile rides, games, moon bounce village, craft and food vendors, music, colonial artisans’ village and historic re-enactment groups for the Revolutionary War, WW II and the Civil War. There was truly something for everyone.

Police motorcycle leading the Dover Days Festival parade

Children running around the maypole dancing pole at the Dover Days Festival

Pink vintage car showcased at the Dover Days Festival

Homemade food and pastries on display at Dover Days Festival

Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen, a lifelong Dover resident, said “There is a lot to celebrate. Dover is a very special place. Thirty people came to Dover to ratify the Constitution and for 10 days, we were the United States of America. It all started right here in Dover.”

Governor John Carney waving American flag at Dover Days Festival

Even under the threat of rain, thousands gathered for the The Dover Day parade, which featured over 100 floats, bands and marching groups. Gov. John Carney was one of many distinguished guests and served as the grand marshal of the parade.

Boy waving flag at Dover Days Festival parade

Military soldiers playing trumpets at the Dover Days Festival in 2017

Girl waving flag at Dover Days Festival parade

Said Wendie Vestfall, executive director of Kent County Tourism Corporation, “Dover Days is one of the great events not to miss in Delaware's Quaint Villages. Check out our other top events and we hope to see you next year for the 85th Dover Days on May 4th and 5th, 2018!"

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