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The Calendar
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ummer is synonymous with... beach! Bonfires, movies, rides, waterslides, fireworks and nearly every imaginable type of water sport beckon. Rehoboth Beach repeatedly proves why she is the Nation’s Summer Capital. Traditions are honored and memories of bygone summers cherished as new memories and traditions are created. Whether seeking arts and classical music or inane fun chasing a costumed bull down the beach, from deeply tranquil experiences to absolute frivolity, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Lewes have it all. No matter the season, you will never have to look for something to do. April 30 to May 30 REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE MEMBERS CRAFT SHOW The best regional artisans give you an opportunity to view their works in this show featuring pottery, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber art, works in wood and metal, and many other equisite pieces. Greet the artists at the April 30 opening reception from 5pm to 7pm at the league’s 12 Dodd’s Lane complex. Call 227-8408 or go to www.rehobothartleague.org for more information about the exhibit, which runs through May 30. April 30 to May 2 LEWES SPRING MERCHANTS’ SALE Stroll the streets of historic Lewes and search for treasures amongst all the quaint shops. Merchants offering a wide variety of merchandise for sale line the commercial district that surrounds historic Second Street in downtown Lewes. The three-day event runs from 10am to 5pm. Call 877-465-3937 or visit www.leweschamber.com.
May 1 BRITISH MOTOR CAR SHOW Check out an amazing array of classic British motor cars. Sponsored by the British Car Club of Delaware and Lewes Chamber of Commerce, the show begins 11am at the Lewes Historical Society Complex at Second and Shipcarpenter Streets, and concludes 3pm with the Winners’ Circle Parade down Second Street. In its 14th year, one of the show’s poplar features is the “Hiram’s Pub” concession, serving traditional British pub food, ales, tea and English soft drinks. Admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 are free and includes a tour of the historical society’s buildings. Call the Lewes Chamber of Commerce 645-8073 or visit online at leweschamber.com. May 2 THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET Honor the tradition of watermen through the ages at the 23rd annual Blessing of the Fleet at Fisherman’s Wharf on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Lewes. Entertainment includes music for all, local clowns and balloon art. During the ceremony, “Taps” is played and a wreath dropped from the stern of a fishing vessel into the waters in memory of watermen and fishermen who have died. A boat parade follows in which each vessel is blessed to keep watermen safe from harm this season. For more information call 745- 0717. May 6 TASTE-TESTING CONTEST AT THE ICE CREAM STORE Taste-test new homemade flavors in a contest created to select the ones that will be featured by The Ice Cream Store during the 2010 summer season. On the Boardwalk at Rehoboth
Avenue, the Hearn family has operated The Ice Cream Store since 1970. Ice Cream samples are free to those who participate in the contest to find 2010’s favorite new flavor. For more information call 227-4609 or visit rehobothicecream.com. May 7 to 9 PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT WEEKEND Watch artists capture the spirit of inspiring, beautiful Rehoboth Beach as they paint outdoors in the open air throughout the weekend. The Rehoboth Art League, Rehoboth Beach Main Street and Community Bank have teamed together to bring the Plein Air PAINT-OUT Weekend back to the beach. The event opens with a Friday night welcoming party at Aerie Art Gallery and includes more than 20 juried artists. On Sunday, the works will be exhibited, judged and offered for sale at the classic Bellmoor Inn. Related weekend events include local artist displays, a Mosaic Second Saturday Art Walk and an Amateur’s Quick Draw competition. Call Rehoboth Beach Main Street at 302227-2772 for more information. May 8 ROCKETS FOR DELAWARE Join young competitors for dozens of rocket launches sponsored by the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation. Flying at speeds exceeding 400 mph and reaching altitudes up to 3,500 feet, the rocket launches are the highlight of activities, displays and demonstrations from 9am to 3pm at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. The event is free to the public subject to a park entrance fee of $4 for vehicles with Delaware tags and $8 for others. For more information visit www.dasef.org under programs or call 454-2432.
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The pool at Atlantic Sands hotel as seen from the boardwalk
Anothervchallenging MondayCAPITAL afternoon SUMMER 2010 PAGE THE SUMMER
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Time for a coffee break – after all, you’re on vacation
PAGE vii THE SUMMER CAPITAL SUMMER 2010 May 8 DELAWARE SEASHORE SPRING SURF FISHING CLASSIC Test your fishing skills on the shores of the Delaware Seashore State Park in this individual event with three seperate divisions – open, women and children – so everyone has a chance to participate and be competitive. Judges will be scoring on the beach and prizes will be given for the overall largest fish, and for the largest bluefish. The event is sponsored by Old Inlet Bait and Tackle Shop. Call them at 227-7974 for information.
May 22 HARBOR OF REFUGE LIGHTHOUSE & DELAWARE BREAKWATER TOUR Leave by boat from the Lewes Ferry Terminal pier for a three-hour tour to Southern Delaware’s two offshore lighthouses. Price is $75 for the public and $65 for Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation members. Tour proceeds benefit restoration and preservation of the lighthouses and educational programs. Tours are limited to no more than 24 people, so call 644-7046 after March 1, 2010 for reservations. Also, visit www.delawarebaylights.org.
May 14 to 16 REHOBOTH-DEWEY SPRING SIDEWALK SALE It’s a weekend for bargains and deals as you enjoy Rehoboth and Dewey’s unique boutiques and shops in an event so popular that it and its fall counterpart won the Chamber of Commerce a Governor’s Tourism Hall of Fame Award for an Annual Event. Though store hours may vary, most Downtown Rehoboth Beach stores and Route 1 weekend sale hours are from 10am to 8pm Contact the chamber at 227-2233 or www. beach-fun.com
May 21 INTRODUCTION TO SURF FISHING Whether you went surf fishing years ago and are looking for a refresher course, or are new to one of the most popular pastimes on the Delaware Coast, this Delaware Seashore State Park course is for you! From 11am to 2pm, you will have an opportunity to catch and release a big one after learning about tackle, bait, and current rules and regulations. Participants must be at least 10 years old and a parent or guardian must accompany those under 16. The $25 cost includes use of spinning rod and reel combos, tackle and bait. The class will meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station and class size is limited so pre-register by calling 227-6991. Visit www.destateparks.com.
May 16 BEST BLOODY MARY CONTEST Help a charitable cause while sampling the best Bloody Marys from more than a dozen restaurants and bars from Ocean City, Maryland through Lewes as they battle to win FM Ocean 98’s Fourth Annual Best Bloody Mary Contest. As is customary, 2009’s first place winner, The Starboard, will be hosting the event in 2010. For more information, call Ocean 98.1 at 800-7239626 or visit octhebeach.com or TheStarboard. com.
May 22 BEACH DRIVING CLINIC Beach driving will be a breeze after attending this Delaware Seashore State Park program that covers the basics of safe and courteous driving on Delaware park surf-fishing beaches. Veteran surf-fishermen and park staff will share their tips and tricks to make your experience a great
one. The class runs from 10am to noon and those with a valid Delaware State Parks surffishing tag on their vehicles can head onto the beach when the class is over. The class fee is $5 per person. May 29 and 30 SOUTH SIDE SHOOT-OUT SKIMBOARDING CONTEST Watch regional skimmers in divisions ranging from ages 8 and under to adult professionals as they compete for trophies to be awarded to the top four in all divisions. This event is sanctioned by Dewey Beach-based Skim USA, the largest skimboarding organization in the world. Visit www.skimusa.org or call 227-4011 for more information. May 30 MASSER 5-MILER AND MASSER KIDS I DID IT RACES Participate and help kick off the Seashore Strider Championship Series with this 5-mile race starting 7:30am at the Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes. For information visit www.seashorestriders.com or call 644-8952. June 4 REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE MEMBERS’ FINE ART EXHIBIT Join and meet the finest regional artists at the opening reception of the Rehoboth Art League’s 72nd Members’ Fine Art Exhibit, 5-7 pm in the league’s Corkran, Tubbs and Ventures galleries. This perpetual exhibition favorite inspires artists to create and present the best current art works available at the beach, as they compete for awards and professional recognition from a renowned judge. The event is open to the public, free of charge, and runs through July 18. Call
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Morning joggers on the boardwalk
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Cranberry Park, an inspiring sight
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Late afternoon on Delaware Avenue
PAGE xi THE SUMMER CAPITAL SUMMER 2010 227-8408 or visit www.rehobothartleague.org for more information. June 6 to 12 RESTAURANT WEEK Discover why Rehoboth Beach, the restaurant capital of Delaware, is a not-to-be-missed culinary destination as you enjoy seven days of fabulous 3-course $20 or $30 prix-fixe meals at more than 20 of its finest eateries. Call 2272772 for the names of participating restaurants. June 19 HARBOR OF REFUGE LIGHTHOUSE & DELAWARE BREAKWATER TOUR Leave by boat from the Lewes Ferry Terminal pier for a three-hour tour to Southern Delaware’s two offshore lighthouses. Price is $75 for the public and $65 for Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation members. Tour proceeds benefit restoration and preservation of the lighthouses and educational programs. Tours are limited to no more than 24 people, so call 644-7046 after March 1, 2010 for reservations. Also, visit www.delawarebaylights.org. June 19 LEWES GARDEN TOUR Nothing more beautifully communicates the spirit of summer than a garden on the coast. Enjoy a self-guided tour of private gardens in the historic seaport town of Lewes. Stop by the gardens in Zwaanendael Park throughout the day to enjoy music and free lectures on gardening, watch artists and quilters, learn how to install a water garden, and visit vendors. The 20th annual Lewes Garden Tour runs from 10am to 5pm. Tickets $ 15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour. For details, call 645-8073 or toll free 877-465-3937 or visit leweschamber.com.
June 20 FATHERS DAY 5k RACE Lace up your running shoes for a Seashore Striders Championship Series race, this Fathers Day 5k starts at 7:30am on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Wilmington Avenue. For information visit www.seashorestriders.com or call 644-8952. June 20 to 24 CHAUTAUQUA TENT SHOW A quintessentially American cultural experience, history will be brought to life during the 11th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show. The show will take place at a variety of downtown Lewes, Delaware locations including the Zwaanendael Museum, Stango Park, and the Lewes Historical Society Complex. A unique mixture of education and entertainment dating back to the 1800’s, Chautauqua features re-enactors who bring the past to life as they take on the persona of historical figures. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 645-1148. June 26 and 27 MID-ATLANTIC SEA GLASS & COASTAL ARTS FESTIVAL Prepare to be awed by the ocean’s jewels as sea glass collectors and exhibitors present their assembled treasures at this original festival to be held at Lewes Historical Society’s Historic Complex, located at Second and Shipcarpenter Streets. A wide collection of artisans, many of whom specialize in nautical subjects and themes, will join them. The event runs 9am to 4pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday. Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free. Call the historical society at 645-7670 or visit historiclewes.org.
June 29 DISNEY LIVE FAMILY FUN EXTRAVAGANZA Disney’s Live Road Crew will be at Dewey Beach at Dagsworthy Avenue for a family extravaganza that will include live performances, music, contests, games and prizes. For starting time and additional information about this free event, contact the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce at 227-2233 or www.beach-fun.com. July 3 BEACH PAPER FIRECRACKER 5k RUN & WALK Enjoy the firecracker race before the fireworks in this Seashore Striders Championship Series race starting 7:30am at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. For information visit www. seashorestriders.com or call 644-8952. July 4 DAVE REYNOLDS SWIM/RUN BIATHLON Race in memory of lifeguard Dave Reynolds in this Fourth of July traditional event. This 1/2 mile swim followed by a 5k run for individuals or teams takes off 8am at Baltimore Avenue and the Rehoboth Boardwalk. For information visit www. seashorestriders.com or call 644-8952. July 4 LEWES CELEBRATES JULY FOURTH Before heading out for fireworks, enjoy an oldfashioned Fourth of July celebration Lewesstyle. The excitement starts on closed-off Second Street at 9am with classic children’s games that include sack and wheelbarrow races. Beginning at 2pm, patriotically decorated boats compete for prizes as they parade along the Rehoboth–Lewes Canal. Finally, the
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Delaware breakwater East End Lighthouse and Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse in the background
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Dusk at Rehoboth Beach
PAGE xv THE SUMMER CAPITAL SUMMER 2010 entire town celebrates with the afternoon DooDah Parade, replete with floats and music. Call 645-8073 or visit leweschamber.com for more information. July 4 REHOBOTH BEACH FIREWORKS 2010 Celebrate the Fourth with an amazing display of fireworks that annually draws thousands of people to the boardwalk and beach at the base of Rehoboth Avenue. Launched from the beach at approximately 9pm, the spectacular display is visible all up and down the Boardwalk and the shoreline from Dewey Beach to north Rehoboth. Be prepared to dance in the street as you enjoy musical entertainment at the bandstand before and after the show. A park and ride shuttle service is available for the event. For details, call 227- 2772, or visit downtownrehoboth.com. July 10 LEWES HISTORICAL SOCIETY CRAFT FAIR The Lewes Historical Society complex at Shipcarpenter and Second Streets is the perfect setting for this craft show featuring over 80 craftspeople exhibiting work in a variety of media. The atmosphere is festive with live music, lovely gardens, food, refreshments and shaded picnic tables. More than 4,000 people attended the event in 2009. The fair is open 9am to 4pm. Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free. Call the historical society at 645-7670 or visit historiclewes.org. July 10 RUNNING OF THE BULL AT THE STARBOARD Ole! Spain has nothing on Dewey Beach in this 14th annual madcap parody of the famous running of the bulls in Pamplona. Thousands of
fun-seekers adorned in red come from throughout the United States to gather, party and play at the famous Starboard Restaurant and, in true organized mayhem, chase two people in a bull costume for blocks along the ocean. Upon returning to The Starboard, not even protestors from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal Costumes can prevent the ultimate confrontation between bull and matador (who last year bore an incredible resemblance to Elvis impersonator Frank Raines). Proceeds benefit local police and other charities. For more information about this extraordinary event, visit TheStarboard.com. July 18 SUICIDE WING EATING CONTEST If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. If you can, check out The Starboard’s 21st Annual ‘Wings to Go’ Suicide Wing Eating Contest where dozens of contestants battle to see how many chicken wings covered in suicide sauce they can consume in 30 minutes. With hundreds of dollars in prizes, the cheering gets loud and the competition is fierce. For more information, visit TheStarboard.com. July 24 HARBOR OF REFUGE LIGHTHOUSE & DELAWARE BREAKWATER TOUR Leave by boat from the Lewes Ferry Terminal pier for a three-hour tour to Southern Delaware’s two offshore lighthouses. Price is $75 for the public and $65 for Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation members. Tour proceeds benefit restoration and preservation of the lighthouses and educational programs. Tours are limited to no more than 24 people, so call 644-7046 after March 1, 2010 for reservations. Also, visit www.delawarebaylights.org.
August 1 RUN FOR J. J. 5k Run in memory of former lifeguard J. J. Stein in a race that is known as the fastest 5k field in Delaware. The run is immediately followed by a breakfast in the park. This event is home to the “fastest male time ever run in Delaware of 13:52.” For more information visit www.seashorestriders.com or call 644-8952. August 7 SANDCASTLE CONTEST The only thing more fun than expressing your artistic flair and creativity while building sandcastles on the beach is joining 800 others as they compete for prizes in Rehoboth Beach’s 32nd annual spectacular Sandcastle Contest! Adult and children’s divisions each have three categories: sandcastle, animal and free form and the top three entries in each category receive a prize package – with special “Smiley’s Choice” prizes for the youngest contestants. Judging by local artists begins at 3pm and winners announced at 6pm The event is free and registration begins 8:30am at the North End of the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk near the Henlopen Hotel. For more details, call 227- 2233 or visit beach-fun.com. August 7 LEWES HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANTIQUES SHOW Admire and aquire some of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s most precious antiques at the 47th Annual Lewes Historical Society Antiques Show held at Shipcarpenter and Second Streets in Lewes. Quality antique dealers typically attract thousands of visitors to the show, which runs from 9am to 4pm Admission is $5, children under are 12 free. Call 645-7670 or visit historiclewes.org.
August 7 and 8 REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE OUTDOOR FINE ART AND CRAFT SHOW, PART 1 Meander through more than three acres of beautiful trees and gardens while enjoying recent works by more than 100 of the finest artists and artisans on the East Coast. Admission is free to this classic summer event that features paintings, glass, pottery, jewelry, drawings, sculpture and more. Children will enjoy clowns and face painting as all enjoy live music, food and drink. Now in its 37th season, this event runs rain or shine from 10am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday for two consecutive weekends. Parking is very limited so free parking and a shuttle service is provided from Coastal Highway. Get more information at www.rehobothartleague.org or call 227-8408. August 14 WATERMELON FESTIVAL Indulge in nostalgia at the second annual Rehoboth Beach Watermelon Festival. The event traces its roots to the 1920s and ‘30s when vacationing families purchased melons from hucksters. Without refrigerators, families carved their initials on their purchases to identify them and stored the melons in the community icehouse. Housed in the old icehouse building, the Rehoboth Beach Museum will host the festival. The event is replete with seed-spitting and watermelon-eating contests, crafts, a moon bounce, and food and drinks,. Admission is only $4 for adults, $2 for children, and includes a visit to the museum. Call
Right: The Running of the Bull at the Starboard, Dewey Photograph by Georgia Leonhart
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Lookingxvii out atTHE Silver Lake fromCAPITAL Lake Avenue PAGE SUMMER SUMMER 2010
A walk through northern Rehoboth Beach SUMMER PAGE xviii THE SUMMER CAPITAL is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon
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PAGE xix THE SUMMER CAPITAL SUMMER/fall 2010 227-7310 or visit www.rehomain.com for more information. August 14 and 15 EAST COAST SKIM CHAMPIONSHIPS Watch skimboarders hit the surf in Dewey Beach in the prestigious 29th Annual East Coast Skimboarding Championships. The event is the grand final for the Zap Pro/ Am Tour, a series of East Coast skimboarding events which begin during January. The event is open to the first 185 members of Skim USA, amateurs and professionals, who turn in entry forms. Proceeds from the event benefit the Skim USA scholarship program. Sanctioned by Delaware- based Skim USA, a non-profit, youth-focused skimboarding competition organization, the competition begins at 9am each morning. The event is free and spectators are encouraged to watch from the beach at Saulsbury Street. More information is available online at SkimUSA.org, or by calling 227-4011. August 14 and 15 REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE OUTDOOR FINE ART AND CRAFT SHOW, PART 2 The 37th outdoor show continues. See the full description given for August 7 and 8. Call 2278408 and visit www.rehobothartleague.org. August 21 HARBOR OF REFUGE LIGHTHOUSE & DELAWARE BREAKWATER TOUR Leave by boat from the Lewes Ferry Terminal pier for a three-hour tour to Southern Delaware’s two offshore lighthouses. Price is $75 for the public and $65 for Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation members. Tour proceeds benefit restoration and preservation of the lighthouses and educational programs.
Tours are limited to no more than 24 people, so call 644-7046 after March 1, 2010 for reservations. Also, visit www.delawarebaylights.org. August 21 RUN FOR THE PAWS 5k RACE Join fellow runners and some four-legged friends as they race for the paws as they raise money to help the Georgetown SPCA. The Starboard hosts the 5k run and 1-mile walk, which starts at 8am in an out and back course through the bayside of Dewey Beach, followed by a postrace celebration at The Starboard Restaurant. For information visit www.seashorestriders. com or call 644-8952. September 4 LAST BLAST PREDICTION 5k Part of the last blast of summer, this 5k event starts 7:30am at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach and concludes with the Seashore Striders Championship Series Awards Ceremony. For information visit www.seashorestriders.com or call 644-8952. September 5 REHOBOTH MAIN STREET AQUATHLON Starting at Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk at 8am, this sixth annual USAT-sanctioned event covers the best of the beach with a half-mile swim and 5k run. A post-race awards ceremony will be held at the start location. For information visit www.seashorestriders.com or call 644-8952. September 11 HARBOR OF REFUGE LIGHTHOUSE & DELAWARE BREAKWATER TOUR Leave by boat from the Lewes Ferry Terminal pier for a three-hour tour to Southern Dela-
ware’s two offshore lighthouses. Price is $75 for the public and $65 for Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation members. Tour proceeds benefit restoration and preservation of the lighthouses and educational programs. Tours are limited to no more than 24 people, so call 644-7046 after March 1, 2010 for reservations. Also, visit www.delawarebaylights.org. September 11 and 12 NANTICOKE INDIAN POW-WOW Bask in the spirit, and traditions of the Native Americans as you attend The Nanticoke Indian Association’s 33rd Annual Pow-wow, close to nearby Millsboro. The Nanticoke Tribe’s more than 600 members and more than 40 other participating tribes from Pennsylvania to North Carolina and elsewhere make this the largest Powwow on the East Coast. Beginning Saturday at noon with a Grand Entry, approximately 300 dancers in full regalia will participate in traditional dances. There will be traditional drum music, face painting for children and more than 50 vendors of Native American crafts and wares. The annual powwow worship service will be held Sunday at 10am. The 2009 admission costs were $8 for cars and their occupants and $5 for motorcycles, with all-day parking, and $2 for walk-ins. For more information, call the Nanticoke Indian Center at (302) 945-3400 or visit www.nanticokeindians.org. September 19 CANNONBALL 5k RUN, 1 MILE WALK Help celebrate Historic Lewes, DE at the Sixth Annual Cannonball 5k Run. Benefiting the Lewes Historical Society, with eight age groups, registration for the race starts at 7:30am and the race begins one hour later. Considered by some to be the most beautiful course in Delaware,
the race tours historic Lewes, including breathtaking Pilottown Road scenery, and views of the Great Marsh, Shipcarpenter Square, Second Street, and the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal. The race ends at The Lewes Historical Society’s Historic Complex in the heart of Lewes. For information visit Seashore Striders at www. seashorestriders.com or call 644-8952; or visit the Lewes Historical Society at www.historiclewes.org or call 645-7670.
Fall
As summer crowds dispel and the weather cools, Delaware’s favorite beaches heat up and draw guests from all over the nation and, indeed, the world, with three incredible festivals: the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival, the Sea Witch Halloween and Fiddlers Festival and the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. Throughout it all there also are art shows, musical events, a mainstay of excellent dining opportunities, crafts and sports. September 25 and 26 DEWEY BEACH ELVIS FESTIVAL Rock two nights with more than 20 amateur and professional Elvis impersonators as they perform in two packed performance halls. Competing for a $5,000 grand prize, each Elvis will do his best to match the look, rhythm and style of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Visit www. deweybeachlife.com for more information. September 30 to October 2 DEWEY BEACH MUSIC CONFERENCE This event turns Dewey Beach into a Mecca for entertainers and their fans, the Dewey Beach
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Someone to watch over you
PAGE xxi THE SUMMER CAPITAL fall 2010 Music Conference features more than 125 bands on multiple stages at different venues throughout Dewey Beach. Enjoy fall at the beach as you walk between demonstration and mentoring sessions, tradeshow meet and greet events and showcases of bands big and small, famous and underground, American and international. The conference also offers unique VIP events including industry cruises on the bay and parties at outdoor beach clubs. Go to www.deweybeachfest.com. October 1 to 3 34th ANNUAL FALL SIDEWALK SALE It is a weekend for bargains and deals as you enjoy Rehoboth and Dewey’s unique boutiques and shops in an event so popular that it and its spring counterpart won the Chamber of Commerce a Governor’s Tourism Hall of Fame Award for an Annual Event. Though store hours may vary, most Downtown Rehoboth Beach stores and Route 1 weekend sale hours are from 10am to 8pm Contact the chamber at 227-2233 or www.beach-fun.com. Lewes also has a three-day fall sidewalk sale that runs from 10am to 5pm October 2 and 3 DELAWARE SEASHORE FALL SURF FISHING CLASSIC Test your fishing skills on the shores of the Delaware Seashore State Park in this individual event with three seperate divisions – open, women and children – so everyone has a chance to participate and be competitive. Judges will be scoring on the beach and prizes will be given for the overall largest fish, and for the largest bluefish. The event is sponsored by Old Inlet Bait and Tackle Shop. Call them at 227-7974 for information.
October 2 LEWES HISTORICAL SOCIETY CRAFT FAIR The Lewes Historical Society complex at Shipcarpenter and Second Streets is the perfect setting for this craft fair show featuring over 80 craftspeople exhibiting work in a variety of media. The atmosphere is festive with live music, lovely gardens, food, refreshments and shaded picnic tables. More than 4,000 people attended the event in 2009. The fair is open 9-4. Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free. Call the historical society at 645-7670 or visit historiclewes.org. October 2 BOAST THE COAST MARITIME FESTIVAL AND LIGHTED BOAT PARADE Celebrate the nautical heritage of Lewes, the first town in the first state, with family and friends. Starting at 11am, the day’s events include musical entertainment, story-telling, lectures, takeaway craft projects, a tall ship, award-winning musical science adventure show and delicious seafood specialties that ensure this daylong event is one not to be missed. The day ends with the awes-inspiring evening parade of boats with the reflections of their lights glistening off the water. For more information call 645-8073 or go to www.leweschamber.com. October 3 COAST DAY Celebrate the wonders of the sea and witness the importance of Delaware’s coastal treasures as you tour research ships, take a close look at dogfish sharks and other marine life, compete for prizes and enjoy fresh-cooked seafood and other culinary delights. Families put this 34-year Delaware tradition that offers something for everyone at the top of their things-to-
Shadowed from the summer sun at the edge of Silver Lake
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Take a stroll King PAGE xxiiidown THEleafy SUMMER CAPITAL SUMMER 2010 Charles Avenue in Rehoboth Beach
Take a break the beach andCAPITAL spend PAGE xxivfrom THE SUMMER SUMMER a day on the ocean watching dolphins
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Biking gives you the chance to see all that Cape Henlopen has to offer
do list. Cooks especially delight in the annual Crab Cake Cook-Off competition to discover Delaware’s best crab cakes and the annual Seafood Chowder Challenge – a friendly competition between two local chef’s associations. Admission is free to the event that runs from 11am to 5pm at the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. For more information visit www.ceoe.udel.edu/coastday/ or call 831-8083 or 645-4346. October 3 CELEBRITY CHEFS’ BEACH BRUNCH Feast on the cuisine of top area chefs and enjoy fine wines, cocktails and a fabulous silent auction at the eighth annual Celebrity Chefs’ Beach Brunch to benefit Meals on Wheels Delaware. Visit www.beachbrunch.com. October 8 to 10 REHOBOTH CHRISTMAS SHOP Share in the Christmas spirit of giving early at the 48th Annual Rehoboth Christmas Shop. Under one roof at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, shoppers enjoy raffles, a bake sale, home-cooked lunch from 11:30am to 2pm, a fabulous selection of items including gourmet food gifts, fashions and accessories, jewelry, home accents and holiday decorations. Hosted by the Episcopal Church Women of All Saints Church in Rehoboth Beach and St. George’s Chapel in Harbeson, this event typically raises over $15,000 for area charities that help families and veterans in need. For information call 2277202 or visit allsaintsparish-rehoboth.org. October 7 to 10 GREYHOUNDS REACH THE BEACH This is the weekend Dewey and Rehoboth Beach really go to the dogs as nearly 1,000 greyhound
owners arrive to celebrate their 15th annual trek to the beach. Though headquartered in Dewey, greyhounds are everywhere, having supervised park runs and even getting married on the beach as their owners learn about everything from dog care and rescue to how to photograph their beloved companions. For more information go to www.adopt-a-greyhound.org. October 13 to 17 REHOBOTH BEACH AUTUMN JAZZ FESTIVAL Jam with musicians in venues throughout Rehoboth and Dewey as they keep the sound of jazz alive at the beach during the 21st annual autumn jazz festival. From internationally renowned headline acts and Grammy winners at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center to regional favorites and budding luminaries in intimate clubs and restaurants throughout the town, everyone is guaranteed to hear sounds that move them. Information and tickets are available online at www.rehobothjazz.com/ajf/. October 29 to 31 SEA WITCH HALLOWEEN & FIDDLERS FESTIVAL A must for family fun, join thousands, including ghosts, ghouls, families, pets, fiddlers, horses and more as they appear in Rehoboth Beach for its national, award-winning 21st Annual Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddlers Festival. Events take off Saturday at 11am with the costume parade, replete with prizes, trophies, floats and large helium-filled balloons. The Fiddler’s Festival promises traditional foot-stomping, toe-tapping appeal, with prizes awarded for adults and children for the best fiddle, blue grass and banjo playing. Pets have their own parade on Sunday and Rough Riders present musically cho-
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Cape Henlopen Lighthouse offers beautiful views across the bay toward Cape May
Relaxing in the shade with a cool CAPITAL PAGE xxvii THE SUMMER drink in historic, downtown Lewes
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Watch where you step your way to Silver Lake’s gazebos
PAGE xxix THE SUMMER CAPITAL fall 2010 reographed performances and drills with their horses on the beach Saturday and Sunday. With competitions including the wacky broom-tossing contest, the peanut on the nose race and the Sea Witch Hunt – horse drawn hayrides, a children’s treasure trail, scarecrow making, crafts, trick-or-treating and more, this Halloween celebration cannot be beat. For more information call 227-2233 or visit www.beach-fun.com. October 31 SEA WITCH 5k FALL CLASSIC RACE Have fun and enjoy the 21st annual run of this 5k race in costume. Cows, witches and ghoulishly creative creatures regularly gather at Rehoboth Beach’s Grove Park line up for a 9am start. Trophies are given for the run and for the costumes! For information visit www.seashorestriders. com or call 644-8952. November 6 REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE HOLIDAY FAIR Burst into holiday spirit, support the arts and find unique gifts for friends and family at the Rehoboth Art League’s 23rd annual Holiday Fair. The one-day exhibit of works in all styles and media features approximately 40 artists. The $5 admission gives visitors a chance for the Chinese auction items donated by each artist. Lunch is available at the event, which runs from 10am to 4pm on the art league grounds. Call 227- 8408 or visit www.rehobothartleague.org. November 5 to 7 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PUNKIN CHUNKIN Starting back in 1986 when four men challenged each other over who could throw a pumpkin the farthest, Punkin Chunkin has become a national phenomenon and the sub-
ject of books, film and PBS specials. Greeted by signs and banners warning everyone to watch out for flying pumpkins, people come to Delaware’s beaches in droves to enjoy the event that, in 2009, drew more than 20,000 people and grossed more than $100,000. More than $70,000 of the money raised will be distributed in scholarships. From four men and a winning shot of 126 feet in 1986, the event has grown into more than 72 teams competing and a winning shot that flew more than 3,000 feet into the wind in 2009. With pumpkin-flinging catapults and contraptions that defy imagination, music, food, and all-around fun, this competition turned festival should not be missed. The event located in nearby Bridgeville Delaware opens daily at 7:30am. Admission is $9 per adult and $2 parking per vehicle. Children under 10 are admitted free of charge. Find more information at www.punkinchunkin.com. November 10 to 14 REHOBOTH BEACH INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Share the passion for the art as you join film aficionados gathering from around the country within one multi-screen location for the 13th Annual Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. A premier Mid-Atlantic cultural event, the festival features approximately 100 American and international films, including full-length features, documentaries, shorts and a variety of other events. These other events include informative seminars, opportunities to meet and speak with celebrity guests, activities for new and young filmmakers, cultural events, good food and drink, and even a Children’s Cinema Corner for elementary school-aged children. Visit www.rehobothfilm.com or call 645-9095.
November 26 HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND SING-A-LONG Become part of Rehoboth’s tradition as everyone gathers at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand Pavilion for the annual tree-lighting ceremony. As the tree lights shine in the winter darkness, voices join in holiday songs. Caroling begins at 6pm and the tree is lit at 7pm. For additional information, call 227- 2772 or 644-2288. November 27 RUN FOR THE ROSE 5k Race for local charities in this event that attracts 200-300 participants to Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach for a post-Thanksgiving gathering. For information visit www.seashorestriders.com or call 644-8952. December 2 LEWES MERCHANTS’ HOSPITALITY NIGHT Herald in the holidays with a special night of festivities as Lewes merchants in the historic commercial district surrounding Second Street open their doors from 6pm to 9pm to offer holiday food, drink and holiday discounts. Second Street is closed to traffic during the event that features beautiful decorations, musical performances and carolers. Visit www.leweschamber .com or call 645-8073 for more information. December 3 to 5 CHILDREN’S BEACH HOUSE HOLIDAY ART SHOW Music and art set the stage for the region’s top holiday fundraiser at the Children’s Beach House in Lewes – a non-profit organization that helps children with special needs reach their highest potential as family and commu-
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PAGE xxxi THE SUMMER CAPITAL winter 2010-11 nity members. The show attracts dozens of artists displaying paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture and more. Admission is charged for the Friday night opening reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, raw bar and cocktails, live piano, artist meet and greet, and caroling by Debbie Kee’s children’s choir. For more information about the Children’s Beach House and the 21st annual Holiday Art Show & Silent Auction, or to purchase a ticket to the opening reception call 645- 9184 or visit cbhinc.org. December 4 CHRISTMAS TOUR OF LEWES Share in one of Lewes’s most beloved holiday traditions as you visit private homes and other historical stops, experience the fabric of seafaring history and to learn about great architecture on the Christmas Tour of Lewes, which benefits The Lewes Historical Society. The Society’s museums will be open and decorated for the season, as will the Col. David Hall DAR Chapter, the Zwaanendael Club and historic Local churches. The self-guided tour is from 10am to 4pm and information is available by calling 645-7670 or online at www.historiclewes.org. December 4 LEWES CHRISTMAS PARADE Watch the 78th old-fashioned Christmas Parade. The event starts at 5pm and features many local bands as well as floats and personalities. The parade begins at the Lewes Ninth Grade Academy on Savannah Road and ends at King’s Ice Cream Shop at Second and Market Street. Santa arrives to take up residence in his house on Second Street and immediately following the parade all join in Zwaanendael Park for the Christmas Tree Lighting and Candlelight Caroling. For more information about this and
other events in Lewes, call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com. December 5 COMMUNITY UNITY SPAGHETTI DINNER Make sure that you don’t miss out on this Rehoboth tradition. Share a fantastic all-youcan-eat feast of spaghetti, meatballs, salad bar, beverages and awesome desserts prepared by the famous Nicola’s Pizza and others. Enjoy a craft show, musical entertainment, face painting for children and a Santa for kids of all ages. Running from 4pm to 7pm at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for seniors over 65; $5 for kids 12 and up; and free for kids under 12 with a paying adult. Proceeds from the event benefit Main Street’s programs to protect the future of downtown Rehoboth. Call 227-2772 or visit downtownrehoboth.com. December 6 REHOBOTH BEACH HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE Welcome the first Monday in December with a traditional holiday parade that each year features more music, costumes and fun than the year before! Dozens of local groups, bands and other participants line up at 4pm. Starting at 6pm; the parade begins at State Road and finishes by traveling up Rehoboth Avenue to the Convention Center. For more details call 4418615. December 10 to 12 REHOBOTH HOLIDAY HOSPITALITY WEEKEND Rehoboth shopkeepers stay open until 8pm and fill the streets with music, providing the perfect atmosphere for holiday fun. Meet and greet the
shopkeepers while enjoying special discounts and shopping tax-free. For more information on this event, call 227-2772 and visit www. rehomain.com. December 11 REHOBOTH BEACH SEASHORE MARATHON AND HALF-MARATHON Join in the race that shows you the best Rehoboth Beach and Lewes Beach have to offer. Replete with a pre-race December 10 dinner and an after race party, the race starts 7am at Rehoboth Avenue and the bandstand. While meeting the marathon challenge, you will be benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic and the Rehoboth Beach Fire Company. Visit www.rbmarathon.com for more information. December 12 REHOBOTH BEACH HOLIDAY FARMERS’ MARKET Get fresh wreaths, garlands, cheese and fruit baskets and much more from our regional farmers, noon to 3pm during this special holiday market at Grove Park. More information is available at www.rbfarmersmarket.com.
Winter
Cold weather is no match for the warmth of Rehoboth Beach during the winter season. Winter holidays find the streets bathed in sparkling lights and traditions honored with parades, lit trees and songs in the night. The New Year starts with celebrations ranging from quietly intimate to fun rock and roll frenzy. Including art walks, murder mysteries, coastal concerts and ocean magic beneath a full moon, winter activities abound. Whether looking for
an ocean plunge for charity, Mardi Gras-style gourmet delights or a romantic night by firelight, Rehoboth, Lewes and Dewey Beach are perfect retreats for an unforgettable winter getaway. December 31 RACE INTO THE NEW YEAR 5k & YOUTH RACE Wrap up 2010 with a final race through Rehoboth Beach and its environs with the Rehoboth Beach Running Club and the Seashore Striders. The race starts at noon at the Rehoboth Beach Running Company at 251 Rehoboth Avenue. For information visit www.seashorestriders. com or call 644-8952. January 1 LEWES POLAR BEAR JUMP Join Lewes Polar Bear plungers in their 29th annual jump into the ocean at Cape Henlopen State Park. For more information visit www. plungede.org or call the park at 645-8983. January 1 NEW YEAR’S NATURE HIKE AROUND THE POINT Search for beach treasures as you join a naturalist to hike the Cape Henlopen Point. Learn how the point was formed and why it closes during the spring. For more information call Cape Henlopen State Park at 645-8983 or visit www. destateparks.com. January 15 THOMPSON ISLAND TRAIL HIKE Join a park naturalist and search for birds and other wildlife during a hike through the Thompson Island Nature Preserve at Delaware Seashore State Park. Learn about Native
Coast Breakwater fromCAPITAL the Cape May-Lewes PAGEofxxxii THE Harbor SUMMER SUMMERFerry 2010
PAGE xxxiii THE SUMMER CAPITAL winter 2011 Americans who lived on the inland bays. Space is limited, so pre-register by calling 227-6991. There is a charge for each participant. January 15 BATTERY 519 MUSEUM TOURS Explore Fort Miles on a tour led by a historic re-enactor in period uniform. Learn about the site and the role of Fort Miles in coastal defense during World War II. Pre-register by calling 645-6852 or 644-5005. Admission is charged. January 22 REPTILES AND BIRDS AT CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK Beginning and intermediate birdwatchers are welcome to visit the park’s most popular birding spots with a naturalist from 8am to 10am. The bird walk is free. Meet Cape’s reptiles at 2pm. Check out live snakes and turtles as you learn about their winter survival. There is a charge for participants and pre-registration is required. For more information call 645-8983 or visit www.destateparks.com. January 19 FRIDAY UNDER THE FULL MOON Experience the magic and mystery of Cape Henlopen State Park as you learn about its nocturnal inhabitants during this full-moon tour. There is a charge for participants, pre-registration is required and hot chocolate provided. For more information call Cape Henlopen State Park at 645-8983 or visit www.destateparks. com. February 4 to 8 REHOBOTH BEACH DOWNTOWN MARDI GRAS WEEKEND Can’t make it to Louisiana? No problem! Come
savor the flavor of the beach Mardi Gras style as downtown Rehoboth restaurants present New Orleans inspired food, Bourbon Street beverages, incredible parties, raffles and beads! Check it out online at www.downtownrehoboth.com or call 227-2772.
third annual Winter Gala. Hosted by the iconic Starboard Restaurant and by Dewey Beach Enterprises, the event recognizes and benefits local police and lifeguards. More information is available online at TheStarboard.com or by calling 226-1680.
February 5 FRIENDS SEMI-ANNUAL BIRD SEED AND BOOK SALE Visit the Cape Henlopen State Park Nature Center from 9am to 3pm to pick up orders of premium birdseed and buy gently used books from the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, with all proceeds to benefit the park. For more information call 644-4923 or 645-8983, or visit www.destateparks.com.
February 12 LEWES WINTERFEST Valentine specials, a Hunt for the Hearts contest and outdoor pet pageant highlight the fourth annual Lewes Winterfest Block Party. Staged by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, more information is available at www.leweschamber.com or by calling 877-465-3937.
February 5 and 6 POLAR BEAR PLUNGE WEEKEND Turn the weekend into a polar bear festival as you lead up to a 1pm February 6 Polar Bear Plunge off the Boardwalk at Delaware Avenue, where 2,923 people took the plunge in 2009 and raised $490,000 to benefit Special Olympics. Saturday’s events for everyone traditionally include an ice-sculpting contest and a Chili Contest. Throughout the day, children can build and decorate a polar bear and all participants will receive Polar Bear Discounts around town! Kick off the event with a Saturday 5k Run to the Plunge. For more information visit www. plungede.org or call Special Olympics Delaware at 302-831-3480. February 12 WINTER GALA Brighten up the winter as you enjoy fabulous food, excellent beverages and dance the night away with top entertainers at Dewey Beach’s
February 12 VALENTINES COUPLES 5k RUN Treat your sweetheart to a 5k run at beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park. Run individually or team up with your partner in male, female, or co-ed categories. Visit www.seashorestriders. com for race information. February 12 SAILOR VALENTINES Learn the craft developed by sailors in the 1800s as you use items found on the beach to create valentines with a beautiful and intricate mosaic of seashells mounted in a wooden frame or box. A fee is charged for materials and instruction. Pre-register by calling 227-6991. February 18 FRIDAY UNDER THE FULL MOON Experience the magic and mystery of Cape Henlopen State Park as you learn about its nocturnal inhabitants during this full-moon tour. There is a charge for participants, pre-registration is required and hot chocolate provided.
For more information call Cape Henlopen State Park at 645-8983 or visit www.destateparks. com. February 18 and 20 PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND FINE ART SHOW AND SALE View the works of more than 40 extraordinary regional artists during this fine art show and sale sponsored by the Lewes Historical Society. A preview party will be held Friday evening with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. More information is available at www.historiclewes. org or by calling 645-7670. February 26 MERCHANT’S ATTIC I Be part of the largest two-part indoor garage sale at the Beach as vendors selected by the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce sell antiques, collectibles, secondhand household items and handmade goods from 9am to 1pm at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Hall. Call 227-2233 or visit www. beach-fun.com. March 5 CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Chocolate lovers unite at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center for the 20th annual Chocolate Festival! The cost of admission allows you to abandon caution and taste all the chocolate you wish from 11:30am to 3:30pm – or until the chocolate runs out. Contests and great prizes for professionals and amateurs ensure ample selections created by some of the finest restaurants, chefs and homegrown chocoholics on the Delaware Coast. Call 227-2772 or visit www. downtownrehoboth.com.
The Lighthouse welcomes CAPITAL SUMMER 2010 PAGE xxxiv Circle THE SUMMER you to Rehoboth Beach
PAGE xxxv THE SUMMER CAPITAL Spring 2011 March 11 STARRY NIGHT Meet at the Cape Henlopen State Park Nature Center and head to the hawk watch. Hot chocolate is provided during this evening full of constellations and stories. Pre-registration is required and a fee is charged for participants. For more information call 645-8983 or visit www.destateparks.com. March 13 SHAMROCK SHUFFLE 15k /5k Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with the Seashore Striders on the Breakwater-Junction Trail of Cape Henlopen State Park. Visit www.seashorestriders.com for race information. March 18 FRIDAY UNDER THE FULL MOON Experience the magic and mystery of Cape Henlopen State Park as you learn about its nocturnal inhabitants during this full-moon tour. There is a charge for participants, pre-registration is required and hot chocolate provided. For more information call Cape Henlopen State Park at 645-8983 or visit www.destateparks. com. March 19 WELCOME SPRING AT CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK Start at the Nature Center for a free beginnerintermediate bird walk with a naturalist to visit the park’s most popular bird watching sites. Later, join the free Hooray For Spring hike on Pinelands Trail to check out returning wildlife. Finally, meet at the Orientation Building in the Fort Miles Historical Area for a lantern-lit tour of the Fort Miles Gun Battery. There is a perperson charge for the Lantern Battery Tour,
which is limited to 30 people and requests preregistration by calling 645-6852 or 644-5005. For more information call 645-8983 or visit www.destateparks.com.
Spring As the weather warms, the beaches spring to life. Runners, walkers and bicyclists take to the beach, trails, streets and Rehoboth’s famous boardwalk. Kites fly, rockets soar, and musicians rock. The excitement is palpable as people prepare for the summer and merchants open their doors and move onto sidewalks for sales. The Starboard opens on St. Patrick’s weekend and all of Dewey Beach comes to life. The prelude before the crowds of summer descend, spring is the perfect time to come and watch the artists painting, taste chocolate, and fall back in love with being outdoors on the beach again. March 26 MERCHANT’S ATTIC II Be part of the largest two-part indoor garage sale at the Beach as vendors selected by the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce sell antiques, collectibles, secondhand household items and handmade goods from 9am to 1pm at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Hall. For more information about this event you can call 227-2233 or visit www. beach-fun.com.
March 27 SPRING BEACH RIDE AND WALK Bring a horse for a beautiful ride on the beach at Cape Henlopen State Park or your walking shoes for the 13th Annual Spring Beach Ride
and Walk to benefit Southern Delaware Therapeutic and Recreational Horseback Riding, Inc., which provides equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with disabilities. Entrants receive lunch, desserts, awesome prizes and commemorative tee shirts. Fees are charged for participation and the parks regular entrance fees apply. More information is available online at www.sdtrhr.com or by calling 644-1920. April 1 GREAT DELAWARE KITE FESTIVAL Join people of all ages as Kite-flying reaches new heights for spectators and competitors at the 43rd annual Great Delaware Kite Festival. Celebrate spring; enjoy kite-flying contests, kite and craft vendors, food and fun. Registration begins at 9am, and events open with the youth competition and awards ceremony. Prepare to be awed by the adult, stunt kite, novice individual and open individual ballet competitions that follow. The kite festival is held at the Cape Henlopen State Park from 9am to 4pm and the park charges an entrance fee for vehicles. More information is available by calling 877-465-3937 or online at www.leweschamber.com. April 1 and 2 DELAWARE MUSIC FESTIVAL Officially kick off another summer of music in Dewey Beach and prepare to dance all weekend without paying a cover as 30 Delaware bands on four stages rock Dewey Beach during the Delaware Music Festival. The Rusty Rudder, overlooking the bay at 113 Dickinson Street, hosts the rock extravaganza. You can view a complete schedule of events by visiting www. deweybeachfest.com and for more information call 227-3888.
April 2 WELCOME BACK OSPREYS Explore the Cape Henlopen State Park Nature Center with its live-cam coverage of an osprey nest and learn about Delaware’s fantastic birds of prey. There will be a fantastic selection of crafts for children and other interactive opportunities will be available, with osprey viewing hayrides with a naturalist starting at 11:30am and 1pm. An admission fee is charged. For more information call 645-8983 or visit www. destateparks.com. April 7 to 10 CAMP REHOBOTH WOMEN’S WEEKEND Celebrating more than a decade of fun and service, this annual conference for women is replete with educational workshops addressing women’s health, legal, financial and spiritual interests. Concerts, a golf outing, entertainment and social events ensure the weekend promises something for women of all ages. Information, registration and tickets are available by calling 227-5620 or at beachwomensweek.com. April 10 COUNTRY CHILI COOK-OFF Prepare your taste buds to enjoy the best chili Southern Delaware has to offer in the seventh annual Country Chili Cook-off, a family-oriented event that is free to the public. Variety is guaranteed with two chili categories, one for restaurants and another for families, and more than 30 competitors. The Cook-off starts at noon at the Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson Avenue in Dewey Beach. Benefiting the American Cancer Society Relay For Life program, it features continuous live entertainment until the event closes at 6pm.
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Mid-afternoon is a great time to stretch your legs on the boardwalk
PAGE xxxvii THE SUMMER CAPITAL SPRING 2011 April 16 BUILD & FLY A KITE AT DELAWARE SEASHORE STATE PARK Learn to build your own kite and launch it from the beach. The cost of the program includes all materials, instruction and a perfect seashore kite-flying location. Space and materials are limited so pre-register by calling 227-6991. April 21 to 24 DELMARVA BIRDING WEEKEND Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach are prime locations to participate in this unique opportunity to celebrate the migration of thousands of warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors with more than 35 different trips and tally rallies. The weekend combines boat trips, canoe treks, and expeditions by foot. Delmarva Low Impact Tourism Experiences and others sponsor the event. Call 800-521-9189 or visiting delmarvabirdingweekend.org. April 22 and 23 LEWES TULIP FESTIVAL Celebrate Lewes’s historic Dutch heritage with a tour of public gardens and private homes filled with colorful tulips. Additional events are slated at the Zwaanendael Park, surrounding the Zwaanendael Museum, which was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the first European settlement in Delaware and adapted from the old town hall in Hoorn, Holland. For more information call 877-465-3937 or visit www.leweschamber.com. April 23 FORT MILES THE WAR YEARS Re-enactors in World War II period uniform bring Fort Miles alive as you experience the sights and sounds of the gun demonstration
The trees and bushes of northern Rehoboth Beach blossom in beautiful colors throught the spring and summer months and tour Fort Miles. For more information call Cape Henlopen State Park at 645-8983 or visit www.destateparks.com.
lish soft drinks. The admission includes a tour of the historical society’s buildings. Call 6458073 or visit online at leweschamber.com.
April 30 BRITISH MOTOR CAR SHOW Check out classic British motor cars! The show begins at the Lewes Historical Society Complex at Second and Shipcarpenter Streets, and concludes with the Winners’ Circle Parade down Second Street. One of the show’s poplar features is the “Hiram’s Pub” concession serving traditional British pub food, ales, tea and Eng-
April 29 to May 1 LEWES SPRING MERCHANTS’ SALE Stroll the streets of historic Lewes and enjoy the quaint shops and merchandise offered for sale by merchants in the commercial district surrounding Second Street. The three-day event runs from 10am to 5pm. Call 877-465-3937 or visit www.leweschamber.com for information about this and other events in Lewes.
May 1 THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET Honor the tradition of watermen through the ages at the 24th annual Blessing of the Fleet at Fisherman’s Wharf on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Lewes. Entertainment includes music for all, local clowns and balloon art. During the ceremony, “Taps” is played and a wreath dropped from the stern of a fishing vessel into the waters in memory of watermen and anglers who have died. A boat parade follows in which each vessel is blessed to keep watermen safe. For more information call 745- 0717.
The northern beaches Rehoboth CAPITAL Beach are SUMMER 2010 PAGE xxxviii THEofSUMMER a great place to relax and avoid the crowds