Old Fashioned Sussex County 4th of July Celebration
Georgetown Speedway Expands Old Fashioned Sussex County 4th of July Celebration; Announces Charity Beneficiaries and Expanded Weekend Schedule
Momentum continues to build for The Old Fashioned Sussex County 4th of July Celebration at Georgetown Speedway, as event officials announce additional schedule updates, a special soft opening, and the establishment of the event as a community fundraising initiative.
Originally unveiled as a three-day Independence Day weekend celebration honoring America’s 250th Anniversary, the event has now expanded to include a special soft opening on Thursday, July 2, featuring the full carnival midway experience.
The celebration will officially kick off on Thursday evening with a carnival-only preview presented by Reithoffer Shows. Guests will enjoy rides, midway games, and classic carnival food offerings as the festivities begin early and excitement builds into the holiday weekend.
Founded in 1896, Reithoffer Shows is one of the largest and most respected traveling carnival companies in the country, known for delivering a premier midway experience at major fairs and festivals nationwide. Their spectacular lineup of thrill rides, family attractions, and traditional carnival favorites will operate throughout the weekend.
Event officials are also proud to announce that the Old Fashioned Sussex County 4th of July Celebration is being formally established as a fundraising event. Proceeds from the 2026 celebration will benefit Georgetown Fire Department 77 and American Legion Post #8 Georgetown EMS, two cornerstone organizations serving the Georgetown community. By combining patriotic celebration with community support, the event aims to honor not only America’s 250th birthday, but also the local heroes who serve Sussex County year-round.
The carnival continues in full swing on Friday, July 3, alongside the Atlantic Pro Pulling League Tractor Pull presented by the Farmers Bank of Willards and an Antique Tractor Show, which will be on display throughout the day and continue into Saturday. Official gate opening times for Friday will be announced soon. The vendor midway will also be fully operational, offering families the opportunity to explore a diverse and eclectic mix of vendors from across the Shore, featuring unique products, specialty items, and a wide variety of offerings.
On Saturday, July 4, gates will open at noon, with the carnival and vendors operating throughout the day. Live music begins at 1:00 p.m. with The Funsters, followed by Los Amigos Del Jefe at 3:00 p.m., and Mike Hines at 5:00 p.m. Evening grandstand gates open at 6:00 p.m., leading into a Tractor Pull exhibition at 6:30 p.m. The 406FMX freestyle motocross show takes center stage at 8:00 p.m., before a spectacular fireworks display lights up the Sussex County sky at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 5, will serve as the grand finale of the weekend, featuring the final day of the Reithoffer Shows carnival, a Classic Car Show celebrating automotive heritage, and a continued midway atmosphere as select vendors remain on site to extend the holiday experience for families enjoying the full weekend.
With carnival rides, truck and tractor pulls, freestyle motocross, live music, fireworks, antique tractors, classic cars, and community fundraising at its core, Georgetown Speedway is quickly becoming the premier Fourth of July destination on Delmarva.
“We’re building more than an event — we’re building a tradition,” said Georgetown Speedway General Manager Chad Cathell. “This celebration honors our country, supports our local heroes, and brings families together for a once-in-a-generation moment.”
