By Brian Kelly

No, this is not the replacement for the saying “Sit on it” which was made famous by “The Fonz” of Happy Days.  Oops I just showed my age.  No, H.A.R.P. is designed to be the saving grace of more than 11.1 million home owners who find themselves in the unenviable position of being upside down on their mortgages.  Everyone knows someone who has expressed concern about owing more on their house than the home is now worth.

H.A.R.P. 2.0 as it is being called stands for Home Affordable Refinance Program.  The 2.0 references this not being the first time the program has been offered.  Having said that the program was in fact offered before but it included limitations that made it unattractive for both the homeowner and the new lender.  In the interest of staying positive I am going to fast forward past the inner workings of the previous program and just jump right into the perks of the new program.

The loan to value limit is being removed from most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. OK what does that mean?  If you owe $300K on a house that is now worth only $200K you are at 150% loan to value.  In the recent past that is a loan that would be declined every day of the week.  Now people who find themselves upside down will have the opportunity to participate in some of the lowest interest rates in history.

What is needed to qualify for this new H.A.R.P. 2.0 program?  Well the first thing you need to do is to identify if your loan is in fact owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  You can look at your mortgage coupon to see if you have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan.  If you can’t find the answer there your next step is to go directly to the Fannie and Freddie look up sites and enter your property information to see if your loan is in fact owned by either entity.   The Fannie Mae lookup site is http://www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/ and the Freddie Mac lookup site is https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/ .  Now that you know they own your loan you will want to confirm when your loan closed. Your loan is eligible for the H.A.R.P 2.0 if it closed before March 31st 2009.  If you have been timely with your payments for the last 12 months and you are still employed you are well on your way to realizing the savings you have been waiting for.

Rates before March of 2009 were above 5.75% and some were as high as 7%.  If you are currently carrying a $300,000 loan at 6.5% interest and you have the opportunity to reduce the rate to as little as 4% you could realize a savings of $464 per month.  With this kind of savings imagine what you could do.  If nothing else you could have an extra $464 per month going to pay down the principle on your loan or you could simply invest the money.  The important thing is that you would realize a significant savings that could reshape your future and that of your community.

The housing market has taken quite a beating in the last few years.  As I referenced earlier 11.1 million people are upside down with their home loans and this program can help bring back the stability of a neighborhood and the community.  As we fight in this country to bring our economy back and more specifically the real estate market, the ability to provide a solution for those who have suffered through this turbulent market and fought to maintain monthly payments in the face of uncertainty is truly rewarding.

The banking industry is trying to right the wrongs and this will go a long way toward doing so and I hope you take the time to see if you are eligible.  This program, along with some others to follow will give everyone an opportunity to participate in their own recovery.

If you have any questions about the program or even if you need help determining the basic qualifying parameters, do not hesitate to contact your resident H.A.R.P 2.0 specialist.

Please call me Brian Kelly at 856-625-8679.

“Recently a couple applied to refinance their home. They had a credit score of 697.  We had them approved for a 30 year fixed rate loan with an interest rate of 5.25%. However, armed with an approval in hand, the client enrolled in the Mortgage Ready process.  After a short period of time their score was up to 742 and we locked them into a rate of 4.875% saving them $3,181 over the next five years.”

- Kevin Phillipson

The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA) of the Family Court is expanding its efforts to represent the interests of abused and neglected children in court.
The program is seeking qualified adults to serve as CASA volunteers.

CASA volunteers are trained members of the community who are appointed by Family Court Judges to speak up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Court proceedings. As an official of the Court, the CASA volunteer conducts an independent investigation into the child’s life and provides information and recommendations to the judge in the case. CASA volunteers work with attorneys, social workers, and family members to attain the goal of a safe and permanent home for each child.

CASA volunteers have varied professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. They are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment. Each volunteer accepted into the program must complete five days of initial training. Casework supervision is provided by full time Program Coordinators from the Family Court staff. Program attorneys provide legal advice and represent the CASA in court proceedings.

In the last year, CASA volunteers served over 600 children in Delaware. Yet, many of Delaware’s abused and neglected children still have no independent voice in court.

The problems of child abuse and neglect belong to all of us.
Be part of the solution. Be a CASA volunteer.

For information, call the CASA office in
Family Court at 302-255-0461.

Call 302-255-0461 in New Castle County
Call 302-672-1037 in Kent County
Call 302-855-7410 in Sussex County

By Fred Dawson

Club Phred is a group of musicians who on average have over thirty years of professional experience.

We all share a love of classic 60’s and 70’s music and have deep roots in the Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey tri-state area. Club Phred formed in 2002 and has performed with the likes of Mark Farner Formerly of Grand Funk Railroad and opened up for Pete Best the original drummer of “The Beatles” and The Marshall Tucker Band. Club Phred has won numerous awards from the Delaware media.

Member Fred Dawson says “The members of Club Phred think that there is an audience out there for classic rock ‘n’ roll. Club Phred wants to play a regular venue, as our followers want to see repeat performances of that genre of music. CP also wants to do fund raisers for worthy causes. This is a simple way for many folks to support their favorite charity, have a great time, and an easy way for the charity to make money.”

“Jamming with Club Phred is really fun. They play all of my favorite tunes. They are all really nice people that collectively have a “vibe.” All great players on their instruments. Playing with Club Phred is like having dinner at someone’s house.” ~ Late Show with David Letterman Musician Tom “Bones” Malone

“Playin w/Club Phred was a gas – certainly not some amateur band… all you guys (& gal) sounded really great.”    ~ Bruce Kapler, Saxophonist/Late Show with David Letterman Musician

“Just watched Club Phred’s video! You guy’s rock! Can’t wait to sit in!”   ~ Micky Dolenz

“Bravo! Bravo!! Bravo!!! What a FABULOUS EVENING!!! Everyone who attended your performance at the conclusion of our dance-a-thon has been raving and already asking for an encore. Old, middleaged, and young couldn’t help but dance to your music. You have enchanted us and we are adoring fans! Thank you so very much for helping our young people to organize a fund raiser and to rally the older members of our congregation to join them in an evening of fun. It was a great blending of ages and it was inspiring to see how they supported each other and shared the common love of music and Club Phred. I think that our young people saw that older folk are really just older kids. Thank you very, very much!!”  ~ Annette Mehan/The young and old people of First Presbyterian Church

“Just returned from our class reunion where your band was a real hit! We enjoyed your Motown Medley, Lady Marmalade and the saxophone is the best. Thank you all for providing so many memories through your music.”    ~ Linda L. Gerace

“WOW – what a way to ring in the new year! Thanks so much for another great New Year’s Eve! Last year we attended your party and had a rockin good time! We were invited back for year #2 and we are hooked! Club Phred – you rock!”  ~ Pam Chambers

“I recently had Club Phred play at my graduation party. With over 80 people at the party, not one person had a complaint. The band sounded great and they were a delight to be around. I am just trying to come up with another excuse for a party so I can have them play again. I could not have asked for a better graduation party and Club Phred was one of the main reasons it was so great. Thank again guys!”   ~ Nick DeCaire

“You guys made the Boeing V-22 Office Party simply the Event of the Year around here! Spectacular music, great time, but most important – wonderful people who know how to have fun the old fashioned way…!! Keep it up and we want you back..!!”    ~ Chuck Yerspo

Regan Roberts Deck

A Sussex County native, Regan Roberts Deck graduated from Indian River High School before earning her Bachelor’s degree Cum Laude from Tulane University in New Orleans.  If the experience of living in New Orleans has only one thing in common with owning a service company, Regan says, it’s this: “every day brings you into contact with different people and affords you the opportunity to learn something new.”

As owner and Chief Operations Officer of Custom Mechanical, Regan hopes to continue the growth and success of the company her parents founded by expounding on their principles of quality workmanship and superior customer service in the HVAC, plumbing and electrical industries.  Now entering the third decade of serving their community, Regan sees the future of the company in the continuously evolving wireless technologies, especially for the rentals and second-homeowners that make up a large portion of the local population.  “By taking advantage of advancements in technology within the industry, combined with infrastructure like smart phones, GPS and on-line scheduling, we can improve efficiency and value for our clients,” she says.

When she’s not running the family business, Regan also enjoys running races – from 5k’s to marathons – for a variety of causes and, of course, for fun.  “Running is a great way to combine one of my passions with charitable giving,” Regan says; something she wouldn’t be able to accomplish without the support of her family: her husband, Ryan, a Sussex County Paramedic, and their son, Everett.  But, whether running the roads or the business, Regan is excited for the future. “Coastal Sussex and Worcester Counties have expanded and changed so much recently; I can’t wait to see what the industry and our community will look like in another thirty years.”

Regan Roberts Deck

Chief Operating Officer

Custom Mechanical

regan@custommechanical.com

800-233-5177

302-539-5177

Bethany Beach, DE

Rita Wilkins

A highly experienced professional interior designer, Rita is passionate about using her knowledge and talents to make a difference in her client’s lives and businesses.

Known as the “business person’s designer”, she brings extensive knowledge, creativity, and experience to every project, as well as her boundless enthusiasm, creativity and solid business sense.

She has received numerous design awards and is regularly published in regional and national design publications.  A graduate of University of Rhode Island, Rita also attended Rhode Island School of Design and University of North Carolina.  Rita will tell you, however, that her “real” education and inspiration comes form her extensive travels which started as a child while growing up in Europe.  “Weekend trips” were to neighboring countries and cities.

But it was a trip to visit her son Kevin, who was serving in the Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa that had the most profound impact on Rita’s personal and professional life.  “There was something deeply satisfying about exploring one of the World’s oldest cultures and discovering the beauty and ‘simple joy’ of the Senegalese villagers who have so little but are so happy.  We have so much to learn from them.”

In addition to travel, Rita enjoys time with family, friends, entertaining and “giving back”.  Her volunteer activities include Habitat for Humanity and Ministry of Caring and Cross Cultural Solutions.

Rita S. Wilkins, President

Design Services, Ltd.

rwilkins@dsltdonline.com

www.dsltdonline.com

Susan Sutton

Susan (Cochran) Sutton is the owner and creative drive behind Blinds, Shutters & More. “Create, Renew, Energize” her company motto, is a testimony to the passion for decorating she brings to every client. This same commitment is reiterated in Blinds, Shutters & More’s mission statement. “To exceed customer expectations by providing the highest quality customer service while creating designs that renew and energize your environment.” Ms. Sutton was raised on a family farm in Worton, Maryland where she graduated from Kent County High. She is especially proud of her family’s long history since the Cochran’s settled in Middletown eleven generations ago.  Susan obtained an AA degree from Chesapeake College. Then proceeded to Salisbury State where she earned a BA in Communication. Her post graduate work was in Accounting at the University of Baltimore. Ms. Sutton worked in her family’s accounting firm until 1997, when she decided to follow her hearts true desire and work in decorating and design. For the next 10 years she was a sales/decorating consultant for several retail furniture stores. In 2008 she became a window treatment specialist for a large national retailer in our area.  Susan completed a 5 month intensive training program and was in the top 5% in sales for this company.

In 2010, Susan opened Blinds, Shutters & More. She wanted to offer more diverse decorating services and products than a large corporate box store would allow.  As a life long resident of the Delmarva Peninsula, Susan has cultivated great working relationships with many specialty suppliers, craftsmen and contractors.

She now has the ability to incorporate these products and services into all her designs. Susan currently resides in Camden, Delaware. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and granddaughter. Her interests include entertaining and treasure hunting through used furniture stores. To view Susan’s portfolio go to www.facebook/blindsshuttersandmore.

Susan C. Sutton

Blinds, Shutters & More

Window Treatment Specialist

410-708-6424

Thomas Scopio

Thomas Scopio NMLS # 653565 is a Senior Loan Officer and Residential Construction Loan Specialist for Citizens Bank, originating residential loans through the portfolio and securitized lending channels within the bank.   He provides customers with access to a robust portfolio platform of loan products, to include jumbo loans, construction loans, refinance and purchase products. The portfolio channel allows customers to borrow the banks own money, which makes all the difference in today’s lending world. Facilitating true one time close construction loans is his specialty in residential lending. Tom has built a career on negotiating the pit falls and providing results. Helping people put together the solid financing terms on a custom built home drives this loan officer to excel.

Dedication to one employer over 8 years, the better part of a decade, in a highly volatile career field, has laid the ground work for a high level of product knowledge and internal expertise.  Tom has also achieved success through a long term commitment to his customers and referral sources; even years after the loan has closed he is available to provide customer service. Imagine that a real person that answers his phone.

Thomas Scopio

Citizens Bank, Mortgage Division

919 No. Market Street

Wilmington, DE  19801

610-389-2792 (Cell)

thomas.scopio@citizensbank.com

Amy Vest

Honest.  Trustworthy.  Dependable.  Experienced.  These four words accurately depict the core values Amy Vest and her husband Trevor Vest inject into their joint venture, Henlopen Appliance, Sussex County’s newest appliance retailer.  As a former banker, Amy Vest leverages 12 years of financial performance experience to offer competitive pricing and a full service appliance experience , guaranteeing  you and your family get the most value for your dollar.  Trevor Vest’s depth of appliance knowledge, spanning 18 years, offers their customers a resource  that is unmatched at the national retailers.

A Lewes native, Amy Vest takes pride in opening a family-owned and operated business.  Amy is following in the footsteps of her grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfathers.  All of whom owned and operated family businesses within just a few miles of where Henlopen Appliance is located at 33506 Crossing Avenue, Unit #2, Lewes, DE, 19958, just off Savannah Road/Business Route 9.

Amy and Trevor commit themselves to providing residents and visitors of Sussex County with the most reliable appliance brands at reasonable prices, as well as expert appliance repair services.  Henlopen Appliance also offers measuring services to ensure successful appliance installation and second-opinion appliance repair diagnoses.

Amy and her husband Trevor reside between Milton and Georgetown with their two children, two cats, and small flock of chickens.

Amy Vest, Owner/Vice President

Henlopen Appliance

302-645-8930

33506 Crossing Ave., Unit 2

Lewes, DE  19958

henlopenappliance@comcast.net

Brian Frederick

Brian Frederick grew up with the stories of how his Grandpa Joe started the family business in 1947, working out of a second-hand plumbing truck. Today, Brian and his brother Robbie lead Joseph Frederick & Sons, now Delaware’s premiere plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling company. “Our grandfather started this business with one truck, willingness to work, and a sense of integrity,” he said. “Robbie and I work hard to maintain those values and to provide the same level of service our family has provided since 1947.” At age 15, Brian started working at Joseph Frederick & Sons while majoring in sheet metal fabrication trade at Delcastle High School. He went to Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, and returned to Delaware to join the family business full time in 1979. By 1998, Brian and Robbie were ready to take over Joseph Frederick & Sons, and Robbie became the company’s president. Brian took over as president in 2003. Now, Brian’s daughter Alexis Frederick has joined the company, too, making Joseph Frederick & Sons one of America’s rare fourth-generation family businesses.

¬Now celebrating its 65th anniversary, Joseph Frederick & Sons recently added a kitchen and bathroom remodeling division. By leveraging the expertise of its many technicians, Joseph Frederick & Sons designs kitchens and bathrooms that are beautiful and functional.

Brian is a member of the Hockessin/Greenville Rotary. He also is a member of the Delaware Chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and serves on the New Castle County Plumbing Mechanical Technical Advisory Board.

Contact us for more information about how Joseph Frederick & Sons can enhance the efficiency and comfort of your home.

Brian Frederick

Jos Frederick and Sons

810 Stanton Road

Wilmington, DE  19804

302-994-5786

cross@jfrederickandsons.com

Karen Pagano Cedrone

Karen Pagano Cedrone is an award-winning realtor with Keller-Williams Real Estate, Media. She is a member of the President’s Club, the Ambassador’s Club and the Executive Club for outstanding sales and service.

Early in her career, Karen’s people skills and her affinity for the business of real estate were demonstrated when she was named Rookie of the Year. Today, after 17 years in the business, Karen continues to produce exceptional results and has built an undisputed reputation for excellence. Karen’s superb track record, her exhaustive knowledge of real estate trends and the markets, along with her client-oriented focus, have earned her the coveted designation as among the top two percent of Realtors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

As a resident of the Western Delaware County area, Karen knows her service area’s thoroughly which are Delaware and Chester Counties and the state of Delaware.  Visit Karen’s Web site at www.karencedrone.com

Karen Pagano Cedrone

Keller Williams Real Estate

1400 North Providence Road

Suite 6035

Media, PA  19063

610-368-2586 (cell)

karen@karencedrone.com

Peg Castorani

Peg and her husband Steve, have owned and operated the beautiful Gateway Garden store and now gift shop for 30 years.

She is the Co-chair of the Hockessin Business Association and the Hockessin Landscape Association.

She owes the success of her business to a dedicated staff who were responsible for the Hockessin 4th of July Float that has won first place the past two years.

In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, horseback riding and of course, gardening.

Peg and Steve live in beautiful Hockessin, and have two sons that currently reside in CA.

Peg Castorani, Gateway Garden Center

peg@gatewaygardens.com

7277 Lancaster Pike

Hockessin, DE  19707

302-239-2727

and Special Thanks to…

Our Photo shoot Location

Gateway Garden Center

302 239 2727

7277 Lancaster Pike

Hockessin, DE

www.gatewaygardens.com

Roy McDowell

Royal Photography’s owner, Roy McDowell, brings a wealth of experience, both creative and business, along with an unmatched ability to put people at ease, to every occasion he photographs.

Over the past 18 years, Roy McDowell has captured “that” moment for more than 300 brides and grooms and preserved high school memories too numerous to count. Such exposure has led Roy to become one of the most recognizable photographers in Delaware. He creates a lasting impression, not only of an event, but of himself. The pride, precision, and passion he exudes has compelled brides-to-be to track down, “the photographer who took their senior portrait years before”. Roy exhibits this same commitment and customer service when working with the many schools and businesses with whom he’s managed contracts.

“The consumer drives the product I provide; not the other way around”. With the help and support of family, friends, and business associates, Roy McDowell strives to achieve his goal of providing an unforgettable experience with superior photographs, exceptional customer focus, and lasting relationships.

Roy McDowell

Owner of Royal Photography

royalphotogde@aol.com

302 438 1308

J. Christian

Hair styling & make-up application were provided compliments of J. Christian Studio, where hair and art perform.

J. Christian is a Master Artist with more than 30 years experience in the beauty industry. Together with his wife Marcy, they own and operate J. Christian Studio, an upscale salon located in Hockessin, DE.

As an International Platform Artist and Master Educator for Sexy Hair Concepts, J. Christian travels here and abroad teaching other Stylists about hair fashion. He regularly teaches at the Institute of Courage, a hair academy established by Michael O’Rourke, founder of Sexy Hair Concepts located in the Topanga Canyon just outside Los Angeles as well as at the Paul Mitchell School in Delaware.

J. Christian, Owner of J. Christian Studio

7465 Lancaster Pike,

Hockessin, DE

302 235 2306

“I don’t have time to network; I’m trying to make a sale!”

If I had a dollar for every time I heard that phrase….well, I’d be writing this article on a beach in Maui and not at my kitchen table. Networking is one of the single most cost-effective ways to promote your business and ultimately gain sales. It is the very beginning of the Sales Process, although it is rarely treated as such. Often times networking is viewed as a way to meet other people and “hope” they might need your product or services, so that you can sell it to them.

Like any other step in the sales process, networking must be planned, the targets identified, and the steps conducted. I often ask people if they schedule networking into their calendars. The answer is usually “No, I do it when I have time, which isn’t very often, and it doesn’t work anyway.”

The whole concept of networking is based on developing groups (networks) of people whom you know and who know you. This does not happen because you exchange business cards with someone at a happy hour. Developing a network
of people takes time and effort.
It requires that others see and speak with you frequently. Expecting to develop a network and gain sales
by going to a networking function
1-2 times a year, is similar to expecting sales from a one hour billboard advertisement.

Equally important to networking frequency is the group or location. There are many opportunities to “formally” network, so where you choose to spend your time greatly influences your success. There are several networking models, all of which can be effective, if used properly. It is the type and blend of these models that determines the rate of success. I will be discussing this issue further in an upcoming article.

Networking is based on finding the right people to help you and for you to help. It is not necessarily about getting an immediate sale, although it’s nice when that happens. Networking is about forging a relationship from which the parties can mutually benefit. In other words, it’s not a one-way street. You might have heard the expression “what you give comes back to you twenty-fold”. Those people who are the best networkers live by this mantra.
What greater incentive is there for someone to help you, than if you have helped them?

At the foundation of any network, is trust and rightly so.  Most people would not “refer” a doctor or plumber to a friend having only swapped a business card at a happy hour. Business referrals are no different. Trust can only be built through time and frequent positive interaction.

In order for networking to be effective, there must be a paradigm shift from “selling” to “relationship-building”. During a networking event, the goal is not to make a sale, but rather to make contacts and if appropriate, schedule a meeting.

With this in mind, here are a few “rules” to follow while
you network.

Aside from your elevator speech, you should really not say too much. The object is to get the other person to tell you about them and their company. Through appropriate, open-ended questions, try to determine if this person has the contacts you need and/or could be a prospect, in which case schedule a meeting.

There is a fine balance between staying with one person too long and moving on too quickly. You do not want to stay there and hear more information than you need to make the determination noted above. If it is interesting and you want to speak with this person further, schedule a meeting to continue. However, the other extreme of quickly passing out business cards and not asking enough questions to make a determination, doesn’t work either.

Finally, as with any other sales related activity, understand your goal for each event and accomplish it. The goal may be to meet several people and explore their businesses. While on the other hand, it may be to talk to one individual that you feel is critical to your overall objectives.

If done properly, networking can be a powerful tool in your sales process. While there are many, many more “rules & methods” that are critical to the success of your networking activity, the shift in thought from “get a sale” to “meet a contact” is most critical.

“Shift from Sales to Relationship-Building.”

Michael J. Cronin founded ResTech Solutions, LLC in 2002 after 15 years in the corporate world.
He has hands-on experience in a number of functional areas and has worked with both domestic and international organizations. ResTech Solutions prides itself on the development of practical, cost-effective programs for its clients. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact Michael at (484) 883-2707 or mjcronin@restechsolutions.com.

By Christine E. Serio
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Wilmington Renaissance Corporation

The winter months, tend to keep most of us indoors in hibernation mode. But as the saying goes, April and May will bring more than showers and flowers with great events for foodies and families.

Some say the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach and Wilmington may agree. April has two major foodie events for those who love to explore the culinary delights of the city.  The first is Meals on Wheels of Delaware’s Meals for the Masters.

The weekend begins with Evening With the Masters on Friday, April 10 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel. Attendees will get tasty treats while enjoying dancing and live entertainment. They can also choose to enjoy the Cellar Master’s Wine Auction where they can bid on some of the finest bottles of wine.

The weekend will conclude with the Celebrity Chefs’ Brunch on Sunday, April 22 at Bank of America downtown. The highly-anticipated foodie event features brunch delights created by chefs from around the world.  For more details and tickets, visit www.mealsfromthemasters.com.

The foodie heaven will continue through the next week with City Restaurant Week from Monday, April 23 to Saturday, April 28. The week will feature $15 two-course lunches and $35 three-course dinners at 14 Downtown and Riverfront fine dining establishments.

The 2012 participants include Big Fish Grill, Café Mezzanotte, Chelsea Tavern, Deep Blue, Domaine Hudson, Ernest & Scott Taproom, Firestone, Harry’s Seafood Grill, Hotel DuPont’s Green Room, Mikimotos, Orillas Tapas, Ubon Thai Cuisine, World Cafe Live at The Queen and Washington Street Ale House.

All of the dining options during City Restaurant Week are great ways to get quality family time and sio is one of the City of Wilmington’s largest events—the Wilmington Grand Prix.

Wilmington Renaissance Corporation (WRC), the City of Wilmington and their many partners once again bring cycling to the streets of Downtown Wilmington with the Wilmington Grand Prix. In its six years of existence, the event has grown from a regional bicycle race to one of the premier cycling events on the East Coast.

This year’s Grand Prix is set for May 18-20 and will once again offer three days of racing.

“We are thrilled to bring the Wilmington Grand Prix back to downtown Wilmington,” Carrie W. Gray, WRC Managing Director, said. “Last year, the event generated more than $950,000 in economic impact for the city and attracted more than 20,000 people to Market Street. We anticipate exceeding those numbers this year while presenting a fun, family-friendly, sporting event in our city.”

The action opens on Friday, May 18, with the return of the Monkey Hill Time Trial through Wilmington’s Brandywine Park, a course made famous by the Tour DuPont. The evening will also include barbecue, beer and family fun.

The events continue on Saturday with a series of men’s and women’s figure-eight criterium races in Downtown Wilmington. St. Youth races will also take place with Cadence Cycling Foundation riders as well as youth from the city.

In addition to the racing action, the Grand Prix Street Festival returns, offering free family entertainment from the 5th to 10th Street. Activities include live music, sidewalk sales, course-side cafes and variety of family games and activities including moon bounces, rock climbing, bungee jumping, fitness challenges, bike expos and more. The day will also include the Parade to Fight Hunger at noon.

The three days of cycling concludes on Sunday with the return of the Governor’s Ride, a 15-mile trek through world-class attractions.  In addition, the Wilmington Grand Prix will introduce the Gran Fondo.  The 62-mile ride will begin at 8 a.m. at the Delaware Art Museum and take cyclists through 13 cultural attractions in Wilmington. Registration fees for the Gran Fondo and Time Trial will benefit the Food Bank of Delaware.

“The Gran Fondo will not only attract top cyclists, pro and amateur, to ride in Wilmington, but it will showcase the beautiful cultural attractions in the Brandywine Valley,” said Jerry DuPhily, event organizer. “The area offers some of the best cycling terrain on the East Coast. Riders can experience the spectacular rolling hills of chateau country. The course will include world-class institutions such as Hagley Museum & Gardens, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library along with Mt. Cuba Center. The Gran Fondo will be the first time cyclists will have the privilege of passing through these attractions on the same ride.”

The post-ride party will be held in the sculpture garden at the Delaware Art Museum.

“The Grand Prix is more than just a thrilling sporting event—it is a great way to showcase Downtown Wilmington,” said Mayor James Baker. “More than 20,000 people come to cheer on the cyclists and experience the street festival atmosphere. The Grand Prix is another reminder to the thousands of people who will enjoy our city’s abundance of retail merchants, restaurants and cultural venues during the three-day event that Wilmington is truly ‘in the middle of it all’.”

For more information, visit www.wilmgrandprix.com.

To stay in the loop on all the events coming to Wilmington, sign up for the Downtown News at www.downtownwilmington.com. And if you like an “inside” deal, you can also sign up for the Downtown INsider