The Rockford Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival has returned under the direction of Barry Schlecker and in partnership with New Castle County government. The announcement was made y by County Executive Tom Gordon at a press conference in Rockford Park.
“This is all about a great relationship,” Gordon said. “When we used to run Rockwood before, it was run solely by the county government. And, I think it’s going to be much more enriched.”
It is the second straight year Schlecker has produced the festival at the county park. It had been on hiatus since 2007, after falling victim to county budget cuts. Schlecker has a strong track record in reviving festivals and other community events. He is credited with reviving the Brandywine Festival of the Arts and recently kicked off the first Wilmington Film Festival.
The Ice Cream Festival drew 15,000 people last year, despite record heat . At its peak, the event drew 80,000, a figure Gordon would like to see again . Gordon also announced plans to resume restoration work at the park that serves residents of the county and the city of Wilmington. Gordon also announced at the press conference that repairs to Rockwood Mansion’s roof are under way and other projects to repair the historic building are planned.
New Castle County Councilmen John Cartier and Bob Weiner pledged support and thanked Gordon for his role in the decision to restore the site.
Schlecker, of Barry’s Events, said he looked forward to partnering with the county again as he managed the Ice Cream Festival for the second straight year. “I making it official today; we’re going to call this Delaware’s largest family picnic,” Schlecker said. “Because that’s what it’s all about – getting people here all day to eat, visit and shop.”
The Ice Cream Festival, on June 29 and June 30 and will feature more than 200 exhibitors and vendors, live music, childrens’ activities, arts and crafts, museum tours, food provided by local restaurants and, of course, ice cream from several of the area’s best dairies.
The Friends of Rockwood, the staff of Rockwood Museum and Park and the employees of New Castle County’s Departments of Special Services and Community Service will assist Schlecker in putting on the festival. Shuttle buses will also be used to get visitors to the park, which has limited parking.
Host sponsor for the Ice Cream Festival is Corrin Tree and Landscape Co.
Media sponsors for the event are the News Journal and WJBR.
Other sponsors include:
– The Music Meadow, organized by Gable Music Ventures
– The Kids Play Zone, organized by The Boys & Girls Club of Delaware
The Kids Stage, organized by Nature Jams
Creative Firm for Festival Artwork, Planet Ten
To participate in the festival as a vendor or sponsor, CLICK HERE for further information or register.
