Community Events

Local Listing

There are activities and events for both the young and the young-at-heart in Clayton throughout the year. 

The Smyrna-Clayton Sun Times, a publication of the Dover Post, maintains the most up-to-date listing of events and organizations in the area. 
Check out the Sun Times Community Guide for a more complete listing of events related to the schools, organizations, and churches in the area.

Annual 4th of July Celebration

Events and associations most often reflect the close relationship of Clayton with their neighbor, Smyrna. The best example is the Smyrna-Clayton July 4th Association, a memorial Clayton Christmas Tree lighting in December, and a carnival in Smyrna’s Municipal Park in the Spring set the stage for the BIG celebration. 

An impressive parade alternates its route between Smyrna and Clayton on or about the morning of July 4th. This is followed by many activities and exhibits in Municipal Park. In the evening, the association hosts one of the largest fireworks shows on Delmarva at the park.

Annual Delaware Volunteer Fireman’s Association

You know when it’s noon in Clayton – that’s when the fire whistle blows. The Clayton Volunteer Fire Company and its friendly rival, Smyrna, are serious about their showing in the annual Delaware Volunteer Fireman’s Association parade in September each year.
 
Firemen (and women), as well as the Auxiliary, can be seen marching through the streets as they prepare for the big day. Smyrna and Clayton each have won as the best appearing units with and without a band, respectively, many times since the competition began.

The parade is most often in Dover on the third weekend in September.

NASCAR Racing 

Another Dover event enjoyed by many Clayton residents is NASCAR racing at Dover International Speedway. Each June and September, nearly 150,000 fans and vendors come to enjoy the spectacle of stock car racing. 

Homecoming & Halloween Celebrations

The Smyrna High School Homecoming Parade and game in October is a great time to see our community come together. 

Later in October, folks that live in the historic downtown area of Clayton should not be surprised to see three hundred or more costumed children trick-or-treating!

Spring Activities

Clayton has town-wide yard sales in the Spring and Fall that are advertised and very well attended. A May Fair celebration at Clayton Elementary and a Memorial Day Parade and Service in Smyrna continue the year-round tradition of gatherings and celebrations in our community.