13-05-2025
Popular festival in Wilmington canceled days ahead of event. Organizers cite safety concerns
The 5th annual Brandywine River ShadFest, scheduled for May 18 in Brandywine Park, has been canceled due to ongoing construction under the I-95 bridge, organizers announced.
The Delaware Department of Transportation began the project in October 2024 to repair and paint the underside of the bridge spanning Brandywine Park. With work expected to continue through fall 2025, organizers cited safety concerns and disruption to the event experience as reasons for the cancellation.
While alternative locations were considered, organizers decided that maintaining the event's traditional venue in Brandywine Park was important for community accessibility and programming, particularly the popular fishing lessons.
According to organizers, ShadFest is Delaware's largest environmental festival drawing more than 2,000 attendees, including over 1,000 children. The free event raises funds for the Brandywine River Restoration Trust, which works to restore shad migration to the river and provide environmental education to underserved youth in Wilmington. Activities have included fish seining demonstrations, fish printing, a shad obstacle course and hands-on environmental exhibits.
The event was founded in partnership with the Brandywine Conservancy, Hagley and the University of Delaware Water Resources Center. Past festivals have featured more than 25 participating organizations, including the Delaware Nature Society and the Sierra Club.
Organizers say ShadFest will return in 2026.
You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Popular Wilmington festival ShadFest cancelled for 2025 season
