Dogfish Head, 302 Horseshoe Crab to host annual 302 Day celebration in Milton

Annual 302 Day event returns to Dogfish Head’s Milton brewery with beer release, vendors and fundraiser for Delaware State Parks

Dogfish Head and 302 Horseshoe Crab will host Delaware’s official 302 Day celebration on March 7 at the Milton brewery, featuring local vendors, food trucks, live music and community organizations. (Photo courtesy of Dogfish Head.)

Dogfish Head and 302 Horseshoe Crab will once again host Delaware’s official 302 Day celebration, marking the fifth consecutive year the event will take place at Dogfish Head’s Milton brewery.

The free, public event is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature local vendors, food trucks, live music and community organizations. The Blood Bank of Delmarva is sponsoring this year’s event.

The annual celebration centers on Delaware pride, highlighted by the release of Dogfish Head’s 302 Lager, brewed in collaboration with 302 Horseshoe Crab. The American lager is made with two-row barley malt, heirloom corn and Sauvignon Blanc grape must.

The beer will debut Monday, March 2, and will be available on draft and in four-packs of 16-ounce cans at Dogfish Head’s Rehoboth location, Brewings & Eats. It will also be available during the March 7 celebration at the Milton brewery while supplies last.

“I love everything about the great state of Delaware – the history, the arts, the nature and of course, the beer and culinary scenes – and that’s why 302 Day is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Founder & Brewer. “It’s a time to come together with partners and friends to celebrate the First State in all its glory, and I especially enjoy the annual opportunity to work alongside Keith and Karlin at 302 Horseshoe Crab to create a collaborative beer and sick merch items designed by Delawareans for Delawareans. I couldn’t be happier they brought Dogfish along in their off-centered journey, and I can’t believe it’s our fifth year hosting 302 Day at the Milton brewery.”

Event organizers say the celebration will include interactive exhibits and entertainment from organizations across the state. The Brandywine Zoo will bring educational displays featuring a dogfish shark and horseshoe crab model, while First State Heritage Park will offer historical games and demonstrations.

Live music will be provided by Homestead Blue Grass from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by live band karaoke with the Nick Kashmanian Trio from 2 to 4 p.m. Additional attractions include facepainting, local artisan vendors and appearances by University of Delaware mascots.

Several food trucks are expected to participate, including Uncle B’s Kitchen, Taco Reho, Grandpa Mac, Smash Mouth Burger, Changing Mains, MomMom’s Cheesecakes and Brûlé Bakery.

Delaware State Parks is this year’s nonprofit beneficiary. Organizers will host a raffle and live auction during the event, with proceeds benefiting the state park system. Prizes include co-branded merchandise, a children’s ride-on vehicle and a two-night stay at Indian River Marina in Delaware Seashore State Park. Winning raffle tickets will be announced at 1 p.m., followed by a live auction of two black surf tags.

“It’s humbling to see how 302 Horseshoe Crab has grown since it began back in 2016,” said Keith Mosher, Co-Founder of 302 Horseshoe Crab. His wife, Karlin, adds, “What started as a side-hustle for us has now turned into 10 years of celebrating the 302! We love that the 302 Day celebration raffles and live auction benefit ALL the Delaware State Parks and that our partnership with Dogfish Head allows us to keep honoring Delaware in such a unique way.”

In addition to the March 7 celebration, a fireside gathering is planned for Friday, March 6 at the Dogfish INN in Lewes, featuring conversation about Delaware culture, a sampling of 302 Lager and a raffle benefiting Delaware State Parks.