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Seaford Council OKs downtown 250th anniversary celebration, offers $4,500 in support
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Summary
Council voted unanimously April 14 to allow the Downtown Seaford Association to stage a July 18 ‘Stars and Stripes on the Nanticoke’ float‑in and festival, and to provide up to $4,500 toward a band and stage/production, contingent on more detailed plans next month.
Seaford Mayor Matt McCoy and the city council on April 14 unanimously approved a proposal from the Downtown Seaford Association to hold a community celebration this summer marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Alice Atkins, president of the Downtown Seaford Association, told council the event, tentatively called “Stars and Stripes on the Nanticoke,” would include a morning float‑in on the river, an evening festival with live music, vendors, children’s activities and craft booths on the lot behind City Hall. Atkins said the group is seeking $3,500 for a live band and $1,000 for stage setup and production; the council motion authorized up to $4,500 that may be split across fiscal years.
The city manager told council that the draft FY27 budget includes $10,000 for festivals and that staff could consider reallocating funds if council desires; Atkins agreed to return next month with a detailed site map, volunteer plan, police and traffic staffing estimates, and deposit deadlines for vendors and performers. “We’ve reached out to vendors, nonprofits and emergency services,” Atkins said, adding that Seaford Volunteer Fire Department and Laurel volunteer teams have agreed to collaborate on river safety for the float‑in.
Council members pressed for more detail on crowd control, vendor placement and the logistics of a river float‑in moving into a constrained lot. Vice Mayor Dan Henderson, who made the motion to approve, said the council wanted the event to proceed but needed a clearer public plan: “Come back in a month with more detailed plans,” he said. Councilman Alan Quillen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The council’s approval covers use of the lot behind city hall and the $4,500 assistance; Atkins said she will work with the city’s special events coordinator on the required permit and insurance and will bring a detailed plan to the council’s May meeting.
What’s next: Atkins will return to the May meeting with a site map, volunteer and safety plan, deposit schedule and a clearer accounting of total expected costs and sponsorships.
