News Release -- February 9, 2007

MOT COMMUNITY INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN 2007 PEACH FESTIVAL

The Middletown Historical Society recently held the organizational meeting for the 2007 "Olde Tyme Peach Festival". Much discussion centered on changing the emphasis of the festival to highlight the strength of the town and surrounding MOT region. As part of this effort, the committee wants local merchants, organizations, businessmen, non-profit groups and individuals to secure an early placeholder booths (no sales), merchandise, crafts or special activities. Please e-mail the co-chairmen of this years' festival, Helen Alford or David Matsen at mhistoricalsociety@verizon.net or write a note addresed to the Middletown Historical Society, P.O. Box 567, Middletown, DE 19709. The note should express possible involvement, ideas you would like to see incorporated into the festival, or to volunteer help. Be sure to include your contact information.

The showcasing of community strengths would include historical, architectural, cultural, commercial and agricultural elements. Ms. Alford and Mr. Matsen stressed that a key element of planning for the 2007 festival to be held August 18 will be to return the focus of events to West Main Street. The Historical Society has requested permission from Mayor and Council to continue planning for this outcome based on coordination with the town, Volunteer Hose Company and DelDOT to ensure safety and orderly traffic flow.

Alford and Matsen said the return is important for two reasons. First, it will showcase the completion of the first section of the Main Street redevelopment project. The "new" Main Street will include underground utility cables, brick sidewalks, Victorian style street lamps, and attractive plantings and design features. Secondly, it will place the festival in the center of the historic district that gives the community much of its special identity.

Historical activities will include collections and artifacts on exhibition at the Academy Building; display and demonstration of colonial and Victorial trades and crafts by artisans who have mastered their specialties; a Civil War enactment group and encampment; and possible walking tours or historic house tours in the historic district.

Agricultural activities might include a farmers' market featuring local produce, and a petting zoo with farm animals. Cultural activities will include performances at the Everett Theatre and displays in the Gibby Center and annex.

One idea under consideration is to draw the bulk of food court vendors from the local community, allowing service organizations, churches, and clubs to provide most offerings. The committee would supplement these with selected ouside vendors to provide a broad selection of food items.

The next meeting of the committee will be at 7 p.m. in the Academy Building (old town hall) on Tuesday, February 27.

David Matsen