First Delaware Fall Festival at Battery Park Delights Thousands





by Elliott Steele



Today, November 24th, the inaugural Delaware Fall Festival transformed Battery Park into a vibrant celebration of the season. From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, families, friends, and even four-legged companions gathered for this free, fun-filled event, creating a festive prelude to Thanksgiving. With planners estimating thousands of attendees, the festival marked an impressive debut, solidifying its place as one of the region's largest community events.


The festival boasted an array of attractions, from bustling vendor stalls to live music and engaging activities for children. Attendees strolled through the park, exploring offerings that included kettle corn, health and beauty products from Maniyah’s Blend, handcrafted paintings, unique metamorphic rocks and stones, and a variety of other artisanal goods.





Food enthusiasts enjoyed mouthwatering treats from popular vendors such as Marley’s Caribbean Cuisine, Newark’s Nutrition Station, Smoq-N-Meat, and Shirley’s Fried Ice Cream. The diverse selection of food trucks added to the day’s festive spirit, ensuring there was something for everyone to savor.

A family-friendly atmosphere was front and center, with pets welcomed to join in on the fun. The safety and comfort of attendees were prioritized, as township police and emergency workers were on-site and ready to assist if needed.


One of the most talked-about attractions was the petting fenced area, which brought smiles to visitors of all ages—especially children. For a small fee, attendees could step into the enclosure and feed an assortment of friendly animals, including a goat, alpacas, a miniature horse, a pony, a duck, a rabbit, and a quirky guinea pig. The guinea pig became a source of laughter as it persistently picked at the rabbit, adding an amusing twist to the animal interactions.



The Delaware River and beach provided a picturesque backdrop to the festivities, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event. Families paused to take in the beautiful scenery, capturing photos of the peaceful waters and sandy shoreline as they enjoyed the lively celebrations.


While the Delaware Fall Festival was a joyous occasion, it also had a deeper purpose: supporting the Outdoor New Castle Outdoor Recreation Coalition (ONCOR). Proceeds from the event will go toward Phase 2 of the Battery Park Playground Project. This next phase aims to build an inclusive, destination playground inspired by the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware’s famous Tall Ship. The design will ensure accessibility for children of all abilities, fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.


Phase 1 of the project has already brought new life to the park, with features like ziplines and other engaging play equipment. Phase 2 promises to expand on this foundation, making Battery Park a premier recreational space in the region.






The Delaware Fall Festival successfully blended community spirit with a worthy cause, leaving attendees eager for its return. As the festival wrapped up with smiling faces and satisfied hearts, it was clear that this event not only celebrated the season but also strengthened the bonds of the New Castle community.


For those who wish to contribute to ONCOR’s efforts and the Battery Park Playground Project, donations are welcome to help bring the vision of Phase 2 to fruition. Together, the community can continue building a brighter, more inclusive future for its children.