Middletown is home to the Olde Tyme Peach Festival, an annual tradition that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each August. Main Street in the center of town is closed to traffic and activities begin with a parade down the street. Other entertainment includes local art and historical exhibits, live music, crafts, games, and a variety of food including limited time peach flavored treats. There is also a 5k run/walk on the same day of the festival, where all proceeds are donated to benefit the local sports boosters. Middletown hosts the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon, an annual Labor Day event that benefits local charities. The marathon runs 24 hours straight where people of all ages come out to play baseball on previously registered teams with an oversized softball, giving it the name "Big Ball". In 2013 the marathon had its most successful year, raising a record $65,000 in funds over the 24 hours. Middletown also hosts an annual Hummers parade. The parade's name is a spoof of the nearby Philadelphia Mummers parade. As opposed to the Mummers, which is judged seriously, the Hummers dress up and make fun of all the popular news headlines, political, celebrity, and local happenings of the year. Media The Middletown Transcript is the main publication for the Middletown, Odessa and Townsend area. The first edition was printed on January 4, 1868. This community newspaper is published every Thursday. Film appearances The 1989 film Dead Poets Society starring Robin Williams was filmed almost entirely on the school grounds at St. Andrew's School. The theatre scene was filmed at The Everett Theatre on Main Street. The episode of The West Wing entitled "Two Cathedrals" (#44) was partly filmed at St. Andrew's School. Notable people Dennis C. Blair (born 1947), former Director of National Intelligence and retired United States Navy Admiral, attended St. Andrew's School John H. Brown Jr. (1891–1963), decorated Vice admiral in the U.S. Navy Erin Burnett (born 1976), journalist, attended St. Andrew's School Chris Godwin (born 1996), wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League Stephanie Hansen (born 1961), Delaware state senator Dwayne Henry (born 1962), former Major League Baseball pitcher Chad Kuhl (born 1992), Major League Baseball pitcher Pittsburgh Pirates Morgan Hurd (born 2001), artistic gymnast and 2017 World all-around champion Reggie Leach (born 1950), former Philadelphia Flyers forward Shane O'Neill (born 1972), winner of the first season of Ink