Visitors to this weekend’s Delaware Home and Garden Show can learn how to beautify more than just their own property.
Delaware’s Department of Transportation and Department of Motor Vehicles are teaming up in hopes of expanding DelDOT’s Adopt A Highway program.
Even though over 700 groups already participate in the program, there are still many Delaware roads that could benefit from volunteer clean-ups.
In an effort increase interest in the program, DelDOT and the DMV are giving away a five digit black and white license plate.
Delaware has become renowned for the value of its black license plates, with lower numbered plates fetching as much as six figure sums at auction.
DelDOT’s Community Relation Officer Jim Westhoff says that these license plates present unique opportunities for both DelDOT and the DMV.
“It’s rare to have a black license plate. It’s becoming more and more rare everyday. So we use these rare opportunities to have a black license plate to bring people in, to talk to them about different opportunities. Like for example, the state fair, we’ll probably be doing the same thing with a black license plate,” said Westhoff.
Westhoff estimates the plate being given away this weekend is worth between $700-750.
Westhoff adds that Adopt A Highway serves the state and local communities on several levels.
“It helps keep our state clean but more importantly it gives people a sense of ownership for the roads around their community. If you’ve adopted a road then you are less likely to litter, even on your road or other roads. And that is one of the reasons why Delaware is such a clean state,” said Westhoff.
Anyone who visits DelDOT’s booth at the show can register to win the plate.
The Delaware Home and Garden show is at the Sheraton Hotel Dover Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 11 to 4. The winner of the Black Plate will be chose at 3 pm Sunday. Entrants do not have to be present to win.