THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2008
VOL. 13 NO. 13
Riverfest 2008 new features are big success
NEWS HEADLINES ECONOMY - While rising gas prices and a slump in the national housing market have hurt many, the outlook for Sussex remains positive. Page 6 VETERAN - He was prepared for battle, but instead of being called to fight, he spent his time training others. Page 8
By Daniel Richardson
ARSONS - Two more fires in vacant homes in the Laurel and Delmar areas. Page 38 WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW - What should you do when the cat licks the pies? Page 39 HEALTH THREAT - Reduce the risk of serious tick-borne or mosquito-borne diseases. Page 33 ON TRACK - The sound of cars racing around a track will be heard near Georgetown. Page 49 GIBSON - Going pro- Seaford’s Derrik Gibson recently reported to Fort Myers where he’ll play professional baseball in the Red Sox organization. See story on Page 41. Photo by Gene Bleile DISTRICT CHAMPS - The Woodbridge Major League softball team won the District III championship last Sunday in Greenwood and will advance to state tournament play this week. Page 41 Woodbridge Major League softball manager Chris Andrews is covered in silly string in celebration of his team’s win in the District III title game last weekend. Photo by Mike McClure
INSIDE THE STAR BUSINESS BULLETIN BOARD CHURCH CLASSIFIEDS EDUCATION ENTERTAINMENT FINAL WORD FRANK CALIO GOURMET HEALTH LETTERS MOVIES OBITUARIES
6 17 22 34-38 14 28 55 39 20 31-33 50 7 24
50 cents
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ON THE RECORD 26 OPINION 54 21 PAT MURPHY PEOPLE 30 POLICE JOURNAL 38 PUZZLES 26 SNAPSHOTS 52 SPORTS 41-48 TIDES 7 TODD CROFFORD 51 TONY WINDSOR 39 VETERANS OF WWII 8 Float-in participation was up by more than 100 this year, bringing the total number of floaters to 500. In the top photo is a view of some of the floaters enjoying the water. In the middle photo, a woman and her dog share a leisurely trip along the river. In the bottom photo a jet ski rider patrols to keep watch on the safety of the floaters. Photos by SD Smith.
Public participation was a key element to the success of this year's Riverfest, according to Amy Walls, co-chair of the Riverfest Committee. Walls said that registration for every event was up this year. Float-in participation was up by more than 100, bringing the total number of floaters this year to 500. The youth fishing tournament was also up and participation in the 5K run nearly doubled from last year. Even two more mayors participated in the mayor's challenge. “We were definitely pleased with the turnout,” said Walls. New to the Riverfest this year was the survivor challenge. Eleven teams of six people took part in the obstacle courselike event. “We got so many compliments on the survivor challenge,” said Walls. “I couldn't believe how many people showed up just to watch.” The Riverfest Committee plans to bring the event back next year. Riverfest has traditionally been held on Friday and Saturday, but this year Thursday night was added to the schedule. “We wanted to reach people that might not go to Riverfest on Friday or Saturday because it is too hot or the parking was too far away,” said Walls. The Seaford Ministerial Association put on a gospel show on Thursday night and the Nanticoke River Arts set up a display in Gateway Park. The Chesapeake Brass Band, a 35-piece all-brass band, presented a free concert at Gateway Park. A smaller section of downtown was blocked off so that closer parking would be available and the carnival also opened on Thursday night. “We were pleased to see a more mature crowd,” said Walls. Thursday night will be a part of next year’s Riverfest schedule as well and Walls believes that there will be an even larger turnout next year. Information on next year’s Riverfest as well as highlights from this year’s event can be found by going to nanticokeriverfest.com. See page four for a list of winners from Riverfest 2008.