Rubber Duckies in the Broadkill, a New Botanic Gardens and a Killer Shark This Weekend in the Coastal Region

The popular trend this summer has definitely been to cancel or indefinitely postpone many of the great annual events that usually highlight the warm weather season in Delaware and Maryland’s coastal regions.

But this week, we’re happy to say that there are a few events bucking this trend and going on with their gatherings in accordance with existing health and safety protocols.

From Milton to Ocean City and a couple of spots in between, we have some fun local events to tell you about this week in the latest edition of the Oldfather Group’s “Weekender Blog.”

So let’s jump right into it so you can get busy planning a safe, fun-filled weekend at the Delaware and Maryland beaches. We begin in Milton and what is always a popular late summer event on the shores of the Broadkill River.

Bargains on the Broadkill/Great Duck Race (August 22). Scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, August 22, the good folks in Milton are proud to host this year’s Bargains on the Broadkill and Great Duck Race events during what is certainly a challenging time in 2020.

The highlights of this year’s event are the dozens of vendors who will be set up in Milton Memorial Park, as well as the 21st annual Broadkill 10 Mile Canoe and Kayak Race and, of course, the always popular Great Duck Race on the Broadkill River.

As you might expect during the current environment, there will be additional health-related guidelines in place this year that are designed to allow the festival to go forward in a safe and healthy manner.

A full rundown of the safety plan for the 2020 Bargains on the Broadkill can be found here.

Organizers have also announced that there will be no children’s activities this year due to the current state mandated restrictions, but that more of these kinds of activities are being planned for future years.

Visit www.historicmilton.com for more information on this year’s Bargains on the Broadkill and Great Duck Race events.

Delaware Botanic Gardens Opening (August 20-23). After years of planning, building and beautifying acres of land near Pepper Creek in southeastern Delaware, the Delaware Botanic Gardens is now open for members of the public Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning on Thursday, August 20.

The cost of entry is $12 per person for anyone 16 years of age or older, with visitors below that age being admitted for free. Tickets must be purchased online, however, at www.delawaregardens.org due to Delaware’s current coronavirus related health restrictions.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens has a host of activities and interactive programs for visitors, including walking tours, educational classes, children’s activities, several different gardens and displays and much more. The space is divided between plateau, woodlands and more than 1,000 feet of tidal waterfront on Pepper Creek.

On-site gardens include the Meadow Gardens, the Woodland Gardens, the Freshwater Pond and Gardens, the Great Lawn and several more.

Learn more about the Delaware Botanic Gardens online at www.delawaregardens.org or call 302-321-9061.

Jawsfest at Hudson Fields (August 20). Show your support for the frontline workers at Beebe Healthcare this Thursday, August 20, by heading out to Hudson Fields in Milton for the 2020 “Jawsfest” festival and celebration.

A benefit for Beebe that will feature food trucks, a Jaws-themed beer release from Revelation Brewing, live music, local vendors and a special showing at dusk of Steven Speilberg’s 1970s masterpiece about a killer white shark, this event is free and open to the public. But as it is a fundraiser for Beebe, donations are very much appreciated.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to Beebe’s frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a free event, but seating is limited due to social distancing rules that are currently in place in Delaware. Face coverings will also be required while on the grounds.

Jawsfest 2020 begins at 6 p.m., at Hudson Fields. More information on this event is available at www.revivalhousetheater.com.

Find out what else is happening this weekend by clicking here