Millsboro America 250 Committee Meeting - June 24, 2026

The Millsboro America 250 committee met on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to finalize preparations for the upcoming Stars and Stripes celebration, including a parade, downtown activities, and fireworks. Discussions focused on weather contingencies, sponsor updates, volunteer assignments, and logistics for multiple venues. The meeting was chaired by the committee lead, with attendance from town manager Bob McKee, committee members, and Jeremy Brown from the Chamber of Commerce.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda adopted unanimously.
• Minutes from the previous meeting approved by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

• Event Sponsorships: Total commitments reached $61,500, with $51,500 received. One outstanding check from Title Health ($10,000) was mailed on June 17 and expected to arrive imminently. Lenar's check had not yet been received.
• Volunteer Coordination: Five students from Sussex Academy will conduct children's book readings at the library for community service hours. Twelve community volunteers are available. The committee discussed placement logistics, including parade lineup and the Chamber building for silent auction. Volunteers will be directed based on weather conditions.
• Weather Contingency Planning: The Saturday forecast showed a 20% chance of rain from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with less than a quarter inch accumulation. Friday night had a 90% chance of thunderstorms. The committee decided to proceed rain-or-shine for downtown activities (parade, restaurants, Williams Center shows, museum, movie theater, silent auction) but will cancel the farmers market on Friday if weather is poor. The parade will be held even in light rain; entrants will be informed and can choose not to participate. Fireworks may be postponed to Sunday if necessary, with a decision by Friday or Saturday morning, dependent on the fire marshal's assessment. Wind restrictions are also a factor. The town will close Main Street and Washington Street regardless; if fireworks move to Sunday, a separate action plan will be drafted for that day with reduced traffic support from DelDOT.
• Parade Lineup: There are 37 parade entries, with some entries containing multiple vehicles (e.g., 10 vehicles from one entry), totaling approximately 60 vehicles/participants. The parade script will be finalized by Friday; LSVs (18–20 committed) will be grouped as one block. The committee will email entrants about the rain-or-shine approach.
• Downtown Attractions: A magician (retired Army major) will perform two free shows at the Williams Center (2–3 p.m. and 3–4 p.m.) for a reduced fee of $100 (normally $4,500). Face painting, caricature, and balloon artists will also be free and may be consolidated at the Williams Center if rain occurs. Touch-a-truck may be canceled due to muddy conditions; alternative vehicles could join the parade. The bridge will be decorated with patriotic bunting instead of washing/painting.
• Vendor and Parking Logistics: Farmers market vendors were offered the Nosa Casa lot for extended hours but only a few expressed interest; they may set up there at their own risk. The steakhouse parking lot will host the BB cancer screening RV and possibly a ladder truck from the fire department (pending availability). The town center lot will host a car club. Additional parking is available at the funeral home, two municipal lots, the field across from the Williams House, and the firehouse (if not used for events). The bowling alley and MNC Bank will serve as shuttle bus stops.
• Marketing and Advertising: Updates will be shared via social media, the town marquee, e-blasts, and local radio (Friday and Saturday). A text group will be created for day-of updates among committee members and key contacts (Shockley, Gary Mac, etc.). A banner plane was unavailable. Flyers will be updated with rain contingency details.
• Additional Items: Approximately 20 volunteers helped clean downtown on June 23, picking up trash, sweeping sidewalks, and pulling weeds. The town street sweeper is down, but DelDOT may sweep streets at noon on Saturday after road closures. The silent auction and bake sale will be held at the Chamber building from 2–4 p.m. on Saturday. Restaurants (Casey's, Nectar, Racy's, Rocky's, Steakhouse, Dairy Queen) will offer samples or operate normally.

Key Outcomes

• Sponsorship total: $61,500 committed, $51,500 received. Staff will follow up with Title Health.
• Parade: Will proceed regardless of light rain; entrants will be notified and can opt out. Final lineup and script will be completed by Friday.
• Fireworks: Decision by Friday/Saturday morning based on fire marshal; if canceled, fireworks may move to Sunday with a separate plan and reduced traffic support.
• Farmers Market: Canceled if rain is forecast; vendors may use the Nosa Casa lot at their own risk.
• Touch-a-truck: Likely canceled due to mud; vehicles may join the parade.
• Children's activities: Consolidated at the Williams Center in case of rain; all free to the public.
• Bridge decoration: Patriotic bunting will be used in place of washing/painting.
• Street sweeping: DelDOT may provide a sweeper at noon Saturday pending confirmation.
• Communication: Email group for updates until Friday; text group for day-of updates. A revised flyer will be created for rain scenarios.
• Motion to adjourn: Approved unanimously.