Tall ship Kalmar Nyckel to star in Day in Old New Castle festivities

With a new city pier to show off, Saturday's Day in Old New Castle will showcase the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware's tall ship.

A reproduction of the ship that brought Swedish settlers to this region, the Kalmar Nyckel will sit at the end of the pier, visible into the center of the historic town. It is expected to arrive Friday for the weekend.

New Castle was founded in 1651 by Peter Stuyvesant to command the river for the Dutch. Today, the picturesque area is still filled with homes dating back to Colonial and Revolutionary days and even some cobblestone streets.

Twelve homes and gardens and the Kalmar Nyckel will be on a self-guided tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the festival.

It's a rain or shine event. In the case of storms, some events such as the pirate, Swedish and Dutch re-enactment groups, music and other activities may be moved indoors at various locations, said Cindy Snyder, co-chairwoman of the event.

Tickets are $25 for adults; $5 for kids age 15 and under.

The event is America’s longest-running festival of private historic home and garden tours, and this year's is the 94th version. 

Food trucks and carts will be at the city’s wharf selling freshly made salads, meals,
snacks, treats and drinks. Yards Brewing Company craft beer and various wines will also be for sale in the beer garden for adults who purchase wristbands.

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Contact Betsy Price at (302) 324-2884 or beprice@delawareonline.com.