A Patriotic Mushroom Drop in Kennett Square is part of the America250 celebration. The event was put on by Kennett Collaborative on Thursday evening, June 18.
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
A patriotic mushroom drop is planned for Kennett Square.
Kennett Collaborative will mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with a special edition of Third Thursday at State and Union streets on June 18 in downtown Kennett Square, featuring a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, a red, white, and blue mushroom drop, live music, family activities, and outdoor dining.
The event, called “250 in Kennett,” is intended to recognize both the country’s founding and Kennett Square’s local ties to the American Revolution. Organizers said the program will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Lynn Sinclair, founder and chair of the Kennett Heritage Center, said Kennett Square has a direct connection to the document. Shortly after the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, Congress ordered public readings of it, and one was held at the Unicorn Inn, which stood at the corner of State and Union streets, Sinclair said.
A featured part of the evening will be “Dare to Declare,” a public reading of the Declaration of Independence presented by the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society and community partners. The Lenape Brass Band is also scheduled to perform patriotic music along State Street.
Kennett Square’s signature “Midnight in the Square” mushroom will be decorated in red, white and blue and is scheduled to be lowered twice during the evening, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Organizers said the illuminated mushroom will hang near the clock tower in collaboration with the Midnight in the Square Committee and Bob’s Crane Service.
Melissa Blittersdorf, who helped decorate the display, said she was excited to contribute stars and tinsel for the America250 celebration and the Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade.
Rich Nichols, owner of Bob’s Crane Service, said the mushroom drop has become a recognizable part of local celebrations and that the company was pleased to support the June 18 event.
Organizers said parking in the garage on East Linden Street will be free during the event. Street closures are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. from Broad Street to Center Street.
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
Ringing in the New Year With Kennett Square’s Mushroom DropThe illuminated mushroom rises above State and Union Streets in downtown Kennett Square during the annual Mushroom Drop, a New Year’s Eve tradition celebrating the community’s agricultural roots. Photo courtesy of Kennett Collaborative.
Jamie Kleman | Contributing Writer Delaware Live
For families and neighbors looking to welcome the New Year with a hometown tradition, the annual Mushroom Drop in downtownKennett Squareoffers a celebration that blends community spirit, local pride, and festive fun. Known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, Kennett Square marks the occasion each year with its signature illuminated mushroom descending at midnight.
OnWednesday, December 31, the celebration takes place at the intersection of State and Union Streets as part of the Midnight in the Square festivities. Activities typically begin in the early evening, transforming the downtown area into a lively gathering place filled with music, lights, and neighbors coming together to close out the year.
One of the most family-friendly moments of the night happens earlier in the evening when the giant illuminated mushroom is raised into view at8:50 p.m., weather permitting. This early highlight allows children and families to take part in the excitement without waiting until midnight, making the event accessible for a wide range of ages.
As the evening continues, live entertainment keeps the energy going with music, performances, and light displays that add to the celebratory atmosphere. A popular tradition during the event is the Mushroom Drop 50/50 raffle, which typically takes place around10:15 p.m.Proceeds from the raffle support community causes, adding a charitable element to the night’s festivities.
As midnight approaches, the crowd gathers for the final countdown. At11:59 p.m., anticipation builds as the illuminated mushroom begins its descent, officially marking the arrival of the New Year at12:00 a.m.The moment is met with cheers, celebration, and a strong sense of local pride rooted in Kennett Square’s agricultural heritage.
The Mushroom Drop is a free event and is widely considered one of the region’s most distinctive New Year’s Eve traditions. Attendees are often encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation to support Kennett Area Community Service, reinforcing the event’s focus on community connection and giving back.
With its blend of early evening family moments and a classic midnight countdown, the Mushroom Drop offers a New Year’s Eve experience that feels both festive and meaningful. More information about Midnight in the Square and the Mushroom Drop celebration is available athttps://kennettcollaborative.org.
George is the publisher of Chadds Ford LIVE along with DelawareLIVE, MilfordLIVE, and TownSquareLIVE. He is a professional communicator and marketing consultant. He has worked national brand and local non-profits and contribute to editorial strategy and as a reporter from time to time. He can be reached at george@delawarelive.com.
