What To Do: Devon Horse Show, Memorial Day Parade lead busy weekend

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times 

Memorial Day has arrived and many of the area’s traditional events for the holiday are back – including the Devon Horse Show and Kennett Square’s annual Memorial Day Parade

The Devon Horse Show (Lancaster Avenue, Devon, 610-688-2554, www.devonhorseshow.org) is one of the oldest events of any kind in the state.

No-one on earth right now is old enough to have attended every edition the Devon Horse. The 2022 show, which is running now through June 5, is the 126th Annual Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

The Devon Horse Show is and always has been special.

More than just another annual equestrian event, it is a family event that spans generations and traditionally marks the start of summer. It is a place where attendees go as much to see and be seen as to watch horses compete — a sporting event and a tradition-based social event.

The Devon Horse Show began in 1896 as a one-day show with 28 classes. By 1914, it had grown immensely and had become the largest outdoor horse show in the country — a distinction it still holds.

In 1919, it was decided that a “Country Fair” should be held in conjunction with the horse show and that the event should benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital.

In 2010, the Devon Horse Show became just the fourth American horse show to be honored with the designation as a USEF Heritage Competition.

This award is reserved for those competitions that have been in existence for more than a quarter century, promoted and grown the equestrian sport, and made a contribution to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.

More than 3,000 horses are entered in the Devon Horse Show in over 30 divisions and more than 200 classes with prize money totaling over a quarter of a million dollars. The equestrian competition reaches its peak the final few days with the Devon Grand Prix and the Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake.

The Country Fair offers concessions featuring lemon sticks, cotton candy and buckets of fudge. Other main attractions at the fair are the garden café, sales booths featuring antiques, toys, hand-crafted items, Devon Horse Show souvenirs and over 30 other shops with jewelry, art, clothes and equestrian-related items.

Another popular family attraction is the Midway with its huge ferris wheel, old-time carousel and wide array of amusement rides and games — plus kid-favorite goodies such as popcorn, cotton candy and funnel cake.

Admission is $20 for adults and $8 for children (under 12) and seniors (over 65).

One of the most popular traditional events is Kennett Square’s annual Memorial Day Parade (West State Street, Kennett Square,http://historickennettsquare.com). The parade, which honors the area’s veterans, is scheduled for May 30.

The parade, which is expected to feature more than 1,000 participants and twice as many spectators, will get underway at 10 a.m.

Participants in the parade will represent a wide array of interests with historic battle re-enactors, antique military vehicles, bagpipers, fife and drum units, color guard groups, high school bands, and local youth sports teams.– and the Ferko Mummers String Band.

The parade route for the Memorial Day Parade goes this way — Kennett High School to East South Street, South Union Street to East Cypress Street, South Broad Street to West State Street, to North Union Street to the Union Hill Cemetery on the left.

The parade ends at the Union Hill Cemetery with a Veterans Memorial Day Service featuring Kennett & Unionville High School Bands opening with the National Anthem, Civil War Reenactors and a 21-gun salute from Kennett American Legion Post 491.

A holiday weekend and a visit to the circus go together like peanut butter and jelly – an irresistible combination.

Now through May 30, the Garden Bros Nuclear Circus will visit the area for a 26-performance run at Philadelphia Mills (1455 Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia, www.gardenbroscircus.com).

The 2022 tour features an all-new Garden Bros Circus show, which is billed as “The World’s Largest Circus Under The Biggest Big Top On Earth.”

This year’s show has blasted into the next generation of showbiz with breathtaking special effects, concert style sound and lighting and three rings bursting with excitement, laughter and memories that families will always cherish.

The very best performers from over more than 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100-minute performance featuring the Crazy Cossacks Riderz, Human Slingshot, Wheel of Death, Human Cannonball, Motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, Showgirls Hanging from their Hair, Olympic Gymnasts, the Funniest Clowns, Back Flipping Dogs as seen on America’s Got Talent.

Ticket prices start at $14.50.

Warm weather provides an ideal environment for sipping wine while listening to live music in a pleasant outdoor setting. Not surprisingly, several area wineries put the two activities together for special events on Memorial Day Weekend.

The Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com) is hosting its Memorial Day Music Festival from May 28-30.

Visitors can enjoy the “Summer Hits Flight” with ’19 Sparkling White, ’21 Redux, and ’21 Vignoles ($16 flight/$60- pack) or reach for some cocktails like the Sangria Spritz with vodka, club soda and fresh fruit ($8) or a Sangria Slushie ($10).

Live music performances on May 28 will be presented by Bo Rains Duo from noon-2:30 p.m. and Colin McGetrick Duo from 3-5 p.m. Sunday’s lineup features Colin from noon-2:30 p.m. and Emily Drinker from 3-5 p.m.

Children are welcome on the property when accompanied by an adult (21 or over). Chaddsford Winery reserves the right to refuse entry to any individual not accompanied by an adult.

The Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Cornwall’s Great Pennsylvania FlavorFest has evolved into one of the winery’s most popular annual events.

This year’s 12th Annual Great Pennsylvania FlavorFest will be held May 28 and 29 on Mount Hope’s grounds (Route 72, Cornwall, 717- 665-7021,www.parenfaire.com) from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.

The annual feast for the taste buds features many of the region’s finest wineries sampling and selling their vintages, cooking demonstrations, specialty foods for sampling and for sale, master artisans, live music and an interactive Crafty Kid’s area.

One of the nicest aspects of the event is that it is free — free admission, free tastings and free parking.

There will be more than 20 wineries from Pennsylvania offering samples of and selling of their many varieties. Local restaurants and food vendors will also be offering samples from their menus.

FlavorFest will feature a variety of specialty food vendors. Visitors will be able to sample and purchase gourmet food items such as sauces, dips, pastries, cheeses – along with Pennsylvania Dutch favorites such as whoopie pies and traditional shoo-fly pie.

As an added attraction, chefs from local restaurants will present cooking demonstrations each day highlighting gourmet dishes in their restaurants’ signature styles.

Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http://www.pennswoodsevents.com) will present “Live Music on the Lawn” every weekend in May.

The holiday feature on May 30 will be West Chester’s highly acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist Nicole Zell from 2-5 p.m.

Zell is a multitalented musician – singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist – who has a dual career going. She records and performs as a solo artist and also records and performs as part of the alternative pop trio Thrillchaser.

Zell will also be performing at Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery (700 Folly Hill Rd., Kennett Square, www.galerestate.com) on May 29.

The schedule for May 28 at Penns Wood Winery features from Adam McCue from 2-5 p.m.

The schedule for May 29 features Jason Farley from 2-5 p.m.

The Delaware River Waterfront (http://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/events) is inviting visitors to spend their Memorial Day Weekend in Philadelphia for five days of waterfront festivities, ship tours, and sailing excursions on the Delaware River at Independence Seaport Museum and Penn’s Landing.
Several of the attractions along Penn’s Landing have teamed up to present Penn’s Landing Waterfront Day and Memorial Day Fireworks. The event, which will run from May 28-30, features live music, a pop-up beer garden on a boat, and special offers at Penn’s Landing attractions.

Jugglers, stilt walkers, and magicians will entertain festivalgoers throughout the holiday weekend.

The multi-day event will feature a show by the 78th Army Band and a gala fireworks show above the Delaware River on May 28. The concert will get underway at 8 p.m. followed by the fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Some of the other special activities are After Work Music Mix on May 27, Makers Market on May 28, Paddle Penn’s Landing from May 28 until Labor Day,Special Performance by the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts on May 29, Liberty Flea on May 28 and 29, Portside Arts Reception and Silent Auction on May 28 and Wellness on the Waterfront presented by Independence Blue Cross on May 30.
On May 27, the Mann Center (5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, http://phillypops.org/memorialsalute) will host the Comcast NBCUniversal Memorial Salute with the Philly POPS at The Mann Center.

The Philly POPS will honor the men and women who serve our country during the third annual holiday salute concert at the open air venue in Fairmount Park. The concert, which will get underway at 7 p.m., is a free show that is open to the public.

Led by Principal Guest Conductor Byron Stripling, the POPS will perform a stirring line-up of patriotic anthems, Great American Songbook classics, and showtunes, with guest vocalist Sydney McSweeney and violinist Jennifer Orchard.
Attendees can end the evening under the stars with a special fireworks display.

The West Chester Railroad (610-430-2233, www.westchesterrr.net) is running its “Memorial Day Special” on May 29 at noon and 2 p.m.

Passengers can enjoy a 90-minute round trip to Glen Mills and return on a peaceful Sunday afternoon while remembering those who have served. All veterans, active military, police, fire, EMS, and first responders ride for a special reduced fare.

Tickets are: Adults – $20; Children (2-12) – $15; Military, Police, Fire, EMS, First Responders – $5; Under 2 ride free.

On May 28, the Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.colebrookdalerailroad.com) is running its its “Secret Valley Expedition” at 1 p.m.

The tourist rail line’s two-hour expedition into the Secret Valley features rides on meticulously restored century-old rail cars and visits one of the most scenic and historic regions in the northeast.

The railroad will be offering a lunch aboard the Secret Valley Expedition to all dining class passengers. Riders can enjoy a choice of Chicken Parmigiana or lasagna while journeying through the verdant land lost in time. Children on board will be served chicken fingers with macaroni-and-cheese.

First Class Parlor and Lounge Car fares include one complementary beverage served in a commemorative glass, an hors d’oeuvre plate that includes a fine selection of cheeses, meats, cranberries, and mixed nuts, and a cheesecake dessert as part of the ticket price.

Additionally, an a la carte menu is available in all cars and all passengers have access to our open car for near 360-degree views of the Secret Valley.

There will also be a “Secret Valley Expedition” brunch train on May 29 at 11 a.m. and a wine tasting excursion at 3 p.m.

On May 29, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org) will present its “Memorial Day Ceremony” at noon.

The traditional Decoration Day service of the Grand Army Meade Post #1 will be recreated at historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, the site of the first Memorial Day Observance in Philadelphia in 1868.

Special guests, honor guards, and the public will gather at the resting place of General George Gordon Meade, hero of the Battle of Gettysburg, to perform the traditional service honoring all veterans who fell defending the nation.

The free event is presented by The Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries, the General Meade Society of Philadelphia, and Patriotic Sons of America, Washington Camp. Refreshments will be served after the ceremonial proceedings.

On May 28, the site will present “Sacred Spaces and Storied Places” at 1 p.m.

The expansion of Fairmount Park in the 1860s prevented further growth of Laurel Hill, and in 1869 West Laurel Hill was established just across the river in Bala Cynwyd. This walking tour provides a wonderful overview of West Laurel Hill’s long and colorful history, including its architectural artistry, stunning trees and horticulture, and the stories of residents that encompass diverse and fascinating Philadelphia history.

“Sacred Spaces and Storied Places” is the perfect introductory tour for anyone who wants to learn all that West Laurel Hill Cemetery has to offer. Experienced tour guides offer visitors a unique perspective and every Sacred Spaces tour is different.

The tour guide for this event is Sandy Grimwade.

Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are: $12/General Admission, $10/Seniors (65 & up) and Students with ID, $6/Youth (6-12), and $0/Child (5 & Under). Youth and children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you enjoy walking around garden displays or if you like to look at model railroad layouts, then you should definitely check out the Garden Railway Display at the Morris Arboretum (100 Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill, www.morrisarboretum.org).

The ultra-popular Garden Railway Display has become a major summer attraction at The Gardens at Morris Arboretum. The 23rd annual edition of the display has its official season opening scheduled for May 27 and then will remain open until October 10.

The railway has a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under) and bustling model trains.

The buildings and the display are all made of natural materials – bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones – to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with miniature rivers.

Philadelphia-area landmarks are all meticulously decorated for the holidays with lights that twinkle. There is even a masterpiece replica of Independence Hall are made using pinecone seeds for shingles, acorns as finials and twigs as downspouts.

The Garden Railway opens for the summer season Saturday, May 27, Memorial Day weekend. This year’s theme — “America’s Roadside Attractions,” features miniature replicas of some of this country’s most iconic roadside attractions including Randy’s Donuts, the Jolly Green Giant, and the World’s Oldest Largest Pecan.

Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors (65 and older); $10 for students (ages 13-17 or with ID), active military and retired military; and free for children (under 3).

If you have an interest in classic automobiles, antique tractors, vintage Mustangs or just cars in general, you should plan on making a trip to Kimberton this weekend.

On May 28, the 43rd Annual Chester County Car Show will be held at the Classic Auto Mall (6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown,http://www.chescoacc.com).

The event will begin with auto registration at 9 a.m. A wide array of vehicles will be on display, including antique cars, motorcycles, classic cars, antique tractors, hit-and-miss engines, Mustangs and street rods.

In addition to all the cars on display, the one-day event will also feature an automobile flea market, an arts-and-crafts show, a food court and music by a deejay. There is no admission fee, but a $2 parking donation is requested.

Thy Geekdom Con, which is running now through May 29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave., Oaks, www.phillyexpocenter.com), is a convention of all things geek in pop culture.

Brought to you by the fine minds behind the YouTube sensation Game Infirmary, the Sixth Annual Thy Geekdom Con is billed as an epic weekend of fun and frivolity.

The festive annual event will include Acts, Anime, Artists, Board Games, Comics, Cosplay, Crafters, Panels, Table Top games, TV/Movies, and Video Game Tournaments.

Visitors are invited to show off their skills in the Cosplay Costume Contest and Masquerade.

Thy Geekdom Con embraces fandoms from all cartoons, comics, video games, anime, TV/Film, so there is truly something for everyone.

Entrance fees are: Weekend 3 Day Admission, $40; Friday Admission, $15; Saturday Admission, $25; and Sunday Admission, $20.

Fort Mifflin (Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, www.fortmifflin.us) is hosting an event called “Airplane Day” on May 28.

Visitors to the Fort will find out the answer to the question — “Why did they build the fort so close to the airport?”

This high-flying event includes guided tours, special photo “sweet spots” for the best angles to photograph incoming aircraft and much more.

Visitors can learn the basics of aviation, speak with expert plane spotters, enjoy the special “Wings Over Fort Mifflin” exhibit, and take in the views of the planes soaring above. This year, the Fort has a new special interactive presentation on the first manned flight in North America, which took place right here in Philadelphia and over Fort Mifflin.

The event will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for veterans with ID and students.

The annual Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival will be held now through May 16-June 25 at the Wayne Art Center (413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne, www.wayneart.org).

“En plein air” is the act of painting outdoors. This method contrasts with studio painting or academic rules that might create a predetermined look. The practice goes back for centuries but was truly made into an art form by the French Impressionists.

Fresh off the easel, more than 250 works adorn Wayne Art Center’s walls showcasing the artists’ individual interpretations of life and landscapes.

Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) will be presenting “Elmo’s Springtacular” every weekend now through June 19.

“Elmo’s Springtacular” at Sesame Place is filled with furry fun and exciting events – including an exciting line up of meet & greets, music, magic, pirate adventures, and fireworks.

This weekend, it’s time for Sesame Place’s special event – “Memorial Day Weekend Celebration” on May 28 and 29.

Memorial Day Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. on May 29 and the theme is “C… is for Celebrate!”

Visitors can rock out with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and Count von Count, as their music fills the air and the sky is covered with colorful bursts of brilliance. Sesame Place will paint the sky red (and green and blue) from inside the park. This impressive display can be enjoyed from a variety of viewing areas available around the park.

Guests can also take a spin on the rides, catch their favorite Sesame Street shows and be entertained by the Sesame Street Party Parade.

“Elmwood Park Zoo” (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is presenting “Breakfast with Giraffes” on May 28 and 29 at 8:30 a.m. each day.

Participants can enjoy a delicious, socially distanced outdoor breakfast buffet, right next to the zoo’s three towering giraffes. After plates are cleared, guest can enjoy an exclusive giraffe feeding.

The Zoo is also presenting several of its ultra-popular “Dog Days” over the next week.

The Zoo’s “Dog Days” event will be held on May 27 and 29 and June 1 from noon-4 p.m. each day.

All guests visiting the zoo with a furry friend must complete an online waiver and submit required documents before visiting the zoo. You must upload a copy of your most recent veterinary visit, including proof of vaccine and heartworm test here. All items will be required for you to attend “Dog Days.”

Pricing is $10.95 per dog with each additional dog at $9.95. Regular zoo admission is required for all humans.

Wonderspaces at the Fashion District (27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, philadelphia.wonderspaces.com) is an experiential, interactive arts venue.

Building on the success of annual pop-up shows in San Diego, and its first permanent location in Scottsdale, Arizona, Wonderspaces opened a 24,000 square foot gallery space in Philly a year ago.

Wonderspaces features 14 art installations that all play with the idea of perspective.  The artwork ranges from award-winning virtual reality short film about a dinner party-turned-alien abduction, to a room where visitors digitally paint the walls with the movement of their bodies.

New artworks rotate in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show.

Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours. The average time spent experiencing the show is 90 minutes.

A few installations contain flashing lights, images, and patterns that may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. All visitors must sign a waiver prior to being admitted into the space. Adult supervision is required for visitors under 16.

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org) is inviting visitors to enjoy the beauty of late spring.

The “Festival of Fountains” began at the start of this month. Longwood Gardens’ Open Air Theatre and Italian Water Garden fountains sprang to life, as did the Square Fountain, Round Fountain (Flower Garden Walk), Sylvan Fountain (Peirce’s Park), and Children’s Corner fountains.

The season of renewal and growth has started. Millions of tiny geophytes begin the season, blanketing Longwood’s vistas with sweeps of spring-has-sprung color.

As the season unfolds, flowering trees delightfully punctuate the landscape, radiant tulips stretch toward the sun, and the delicious fragrance of wisteria floats along the breeze.

Visitors can also enjoy special exhibits at the Orchid House.

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and college students, $18 for active military and $13 for youth.

A sweet place to enjoy flowers in bloom is Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org).

On May 27, Tyler is hosting a “Weekend Warm-up Hike: Spring Meadows” starting at 8:10 a.m.

It is a brisk, one-hour hike through Tyler’s gardens and out onto the trails and will explore a different part of the Arboretum each week.

The Weekend Warm-up Hike is intended as an introduction to Tyler’s hiking trails and will cover a mix of asphalt, gravel and natural surfaces. Hikes are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

“Saturday Wildflower Walk – Spring Explorations” will be held on May 28 from 5-7 p.m.

Participants can join wildflower expert Dick Cloud on an informative two-hour hike that will take them through Tyler’s spring scenes of meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside. Some of the destinations are Indian Rock on the Blue Trail, Dismal Valley on the Orange Trail, Dogwood Circle on the Red Trail, and the Shade Tree Nursery, which is on the White Trail.

Additionally, “Weekday Bird Walks: Limited Edition” are scheduled for every Wednesday in May from 8-10 a.m.

Walks are rain or shine. Tickets are $15 and include admission to Tyler for the day.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org) has attractions both indoors and outdoors going on right now.

There seems to be no end to what’s in bloom — and in almost every corner of the garden. Azalea Woods is at its breathtaking peak with its paths lined with azaleas in shades of red, pink, salmon, and white.

You can follow the white arrows through the garden or choose your own path. Visitors can discover the beauty and fragrance of the masses of lilac bushes and enjoy the showy display in Enchanted Woods and by the Reflecting Pool.

Winterthur is also featuring a Guided Exhibition Tour – “Jacqueline Kennedy and Henry Francis du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House” – now through January 8, 2023.

Visitors can explore the friendship between the First Lady and H. F. du Pont and their work to restore the White House in this guided tour of the special exhibition.

In 1961, an unusual partnership was formed when the youngest First Lady in American history, Jacqueline Kennedy, appointed a reserved octogenarian collector from Delaware, Henry Francis du Pont, to lead her project to restore the White House interiors. Du Pont brought credibility to Kennedy’s efforts and vision, and her enormous popularity lifted him onto the national stage and validated his life’s work.

Together, they transformed the White House from a mere public residence into a museum, and along the way, they engaged with some of the most celebrated interior designers of the 20th century.

For the first time, the story of this historic partnership will be told at Winterthur, the inspiration for Mrs. Kennedy’s project. Through artifacts, archives, and images, this exhibition will invite visitors to experience the behind-the-scenes collaboration between the two during this captivating period in American history.

Their partnership culminated in a televised tour of the White House, led by Jacqueline Kennedy, which became the most watched program in American history. The former First Lady will forever be remembered as the person who restored history and beauty to the White House.

Their “restoration” of America’s most famous house became a history lesson for the country and awakened an interest in preservation and interior design that is still felt today.

Admission to Winterthur is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $8 for children.

Hope Lodge (553 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 215-343-0965, http://www.ushistory.org/hope/) will be presenting a “Guided Mansion Tour” on May 29.

Hope Lodge was built between 1743 and 1748 by Samuel Morris, a prosperous Quaker entrepreneur. Morris acted as a farmer, shipowner, miller, iron master, shop owner, and owner of the mill now known as Mather Mill. Hope Lodge is an excellent example of early Georgian architecture, and it is possible that Edmund Woolley, architect of Independence Hall, offered advice in building. Samuel Morris owned the estate until his death in 1770.

Visitors can participate by watching a short film and then taking a tour. Guided tours of the mansion will depart at 1 and 2:30 p.m. all three days.

Tour admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (age 65+) and for youth ages 6-17, and fee for children under 5. Hope Lodge is a Blue Star Museum which means that active-duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families, are admitted free for regular tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

This month, the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard (1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.kalmarnyckel.org) began its 2022 season of tours and sails.

A prime attraction is its cruises along the historic Christine River around Wilmington.

Passengers can spend 1.5 hours cruising the Christina River on Wilmington’s historic riverfront – watching the hoisting of the sails, enjoying the view, and learning about the history of the Kalmar Nyckel.

Crew members will share the ship’s story and answer questions while the ship is out on the water. Cruises depart from the Copeland Maritime Center

The ship is a beautiful recreation of the original Kalmar Nyckel, which was built in Holland in the 1620s. Her mainmast is taller than a 10-story building, and she carries 7,600 square feet of sail area and six miles of rigging.

The original Kalmar Nyckel was a Swedish-owned, three-masted armed pinnace that sailed from Goteborg, Sweden in November of 1637 and brought the first permanent European settlers to the Delaware Valley.

In 1986 a group of citizens established the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation to design, build and launch a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel at a shipyard adjacent to the original landing site.

The new Kalmar Nyckel was constructed there and was launched on September 28, 1997. She was commissioned on May 9, 1998, and now serves as Delaware’s sea-going Ambassador of Good Will. She is a fully functional sail training vessel and has represented Delaware all over the country.

Time is running out to see a highly educational and entertaining exhibit in Wilmington.

“Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection” will be on exhibition at the Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware, delart.org) now through June 5.

A celebration of beauty, “Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection” features more than 60 objects, spanning over 30 years of Tiffany’s prolific career. The exhibition showcases Tiffany’s innovative work in leaded and blown glass, including stellar examples of his famous windows, lamps, and vases.

His work was enthusiastically collected by art museums and private collectors throughout his lifetime and continues to be highly sought after today. This exhibition revels in the artistry and craftsmanship of the Tiffany artworks from Chicago’s distinguished Richard H. Driehaus Collection, highlighting masterworks in a comprehensive exhibition.

One of America’s most renowned artists, Louis Comfort Tiffany worked in nearly all of the media available to artists and designers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries — glass, ceramic, metalwork, jewelry, and painting. His love of the natural world inspired floral-themed vases and lamps, delicate vegetal candlesticks, and dramatic landscape windows.

Tiffany earned international acclaim, receiving prestigious awards in exhibitions across Europe and the United States, and his busy studios produced a range of objects, from common household items to one-of-a-kind masterpieces. His work was enthusiastically collected by art museums and private collectors throughout his lifetime and continues to be highly sought after today.

Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the summer.

Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers. The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way. This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.

Grim Philly will also be presenting “Serial Killers & Cemetery Tour” every Saturday at 2 p.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience unconventional sightseeing off the beaten path. They can enjoy Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Elfreth’s Alley, and Benjamin Franklin’s Grave, together with tales of serial slayings and psychopathic killers like the Corpse Collector, Frankfort Slasher, and H.H. Holmes.

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.

The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”

Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $18.

The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $18.

Much of the world’s tastiest cuisine comes from Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Turkey and especially Greece.

The Grecian Food Festival at St. Sophia Church Grecian Festival (900 South Trooper Road, Jeffersonville, 610-650-8960, www.saintsophiachurch.org) will get underway on June 2 and run through June 5.

The 2019 Greek Festival at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (808 North Broom Street, Wilmington, 302-654-4446, www.holytrinitywilmington.org) opens on June 6 and runs through June 11.

The list of main dish items at St. Sophia’s festival has a wide variety of meat and vegetable items. Chicken Oreganato is Grecian-style chicken roasted with a mixture of lemon, oil and oregano, while souvlaki is grilled pork tenderloin marinated with special herbs.

Gyros are pita sandwiches featuring a spice-infused ground beef-and-lamb mixture that is grilled, sliced fresh and served with tzatziki (cucumber and yogurt sauce), tomatoes, onions and olives.

Pastitsio is a macaroni dish with braised ground lamb and beef that is topped with béchamel sauce and baked. A similar entrée is mousaka, which features layers of eggplant, potato, ground lamb and beef, which is then baked and topped with a light béchamel sauce.

Saganaki is a dish with seared vlahotiri cheese that is flamed with brandy and lemon and served fresh. Greek Salad, which is always a favorite, includes lettuce, feta cheese, tomatoes, Greek olives, oregano, salt, onion, cucumbers tossed in a light olive oil dressing.

Other selections that can either be a main meal or a side dish are tyropita, which is a Greek-style cheese pie in a crispy phyllo crust; spanakopita, which is a tyropita that has spinach added; and Dolmades, which are rice and meat wrapped in grape leaves.

The menu at St. Sophia’s also includes a fried calamari dish with fresh lemon, and patates tiganitres, which are deep-fried potatoes that have been lightly seasoned with Greek herbs and spices and topped with feta cheese.

For dessert, it’s impossible to go wrong with any of the traditional Greek pastries. The most well-known Greek dessert is baklava, which is made with multiple layers of thin buttered phyllo dough cooked with walnuts, spices and honey syrup. Kataifi features shredded wheat with chopped nuts and honey syrup.

Loukoumades , the Greek version of doughnuts, are deep-fried and dipped in honey with a dash of cinnamon. Floyeres is a baked dessert prepared with thin layers of buttered pastry sheets, almonds, spices, and honey syrup. Galaktoboureko is a custard dessert baked between carefully placed pastry sheets and covered in syrup.

Karidopita is a moist walnut cake with spices and syrup. Kok, which is the Greek version of Boston cream pie, is a chocolate-covered cake that is filled with custard. Diples are crunchy treats featuring crisp folds of thin rolled pastry dough that are deep fried and topped with syrup, cinnamon and nuts.

Greek cuisine also includes a variety of mouth-watering cookies including melomakarona (oval cookie dipped in honey and rolled in nuts),kourabiedes (butter cookie served with confectioner’s sugar), paximadia (zwieback-type cookie that is baked then sliced and toasted in the oven), koulourakia (butter cookie that is twisted, basted with egg yolk and baked.)

Greek-American groups from the Delaware Valley will play popular Greek songs and standards and theer will be performances of traditional Greek folk dances. The festival also features a taverna – a bistro-style site for dancing and drinking.

Other attractions are Greek grocery stores and sales booths with items such as Greek music, icons, custom-made jewelry, leather goods and fabric. There will also be a variety of children’s activities.