Spirit of America

Visiting Havre de Grace on Saturday, July 2, 2022 will be like walking onto the set of “Happy Days!” We will be joining the rest of the nation in celebrating America’s birthday, but will do it with a special twist – a big dose of good ole mid-century Americana! Where else but in charming Havre de Grace can you truly feel like you just stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting? Travel back with us to an era known for Poodle skirts, the rise of Elvis to super stardom, “Father Knows Best,” and the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.

Pennington Avenue will be converted into a straight-away and slalom racecourse for a variety of derby races all day long. From derby cars to adults on mini two-wheelers, there’s a full day of racing to enjoy whether you are a participant or a spectator.

Participate in a “Mac & Cheese Throwdown!” Purchase a Throwdown ticket, sample each restaurant’s mac & cheese, then vote for your favorite. Winning restaurant receives an All-American trophy and all-important bragging rights!

Kids! Decorate your bike in red, white & blue and join the patriotic bike parade down Washington Street. Trophies to 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners, and medals to all participants!

Our KidZone will also host a free outdoor movie theatre celebrating America. All day long, we will be airing the best Fourth of July movies for kids that the whole family will enjoy. The “At the Hop” beer garden will be located on lower Pennington Avenue, complete with themed décor, music and costumes. When the stage at Rochambeau Plaza isn’t hosting derby awards, a dance instructor will teach the crowds how to hand jive or how to do the Madison, Mashed Potato, Twist, Frug or Watusi.

Live entertainment at the Opera House and State Theater as well as live broadcasts by WHGM Gold add to the flashback fun. Throwback entertainers walking around in 50’s costumes, photo ops, hula hoop contests, vendors, crafters, food trucks, patriotic chalk drawing, public readings of the Declaration of Independence, and a “Patriotic Pooch” contest for all dogs great & small, and you’ll be left with a full day of family fun and memories you won’t soon forget!

Dress up in your favorite throwback outfit and head down to Havre de Grace to celebrate America!