During the summer months, we’re all busy enjoying our Delaware beaches, but in December, someplace a little warmer might be on your mind. The beaches of Maui, Hawaii might be just what you’re craving. And, should you travel to the island paradise only to find you yearn for a little taste of home, check out Adele Rugg’s Delaware Day celebration on December 8, a long-standing tradition she started in 1989.
Rugg is many things. As founder of the Hawaii chapter of the Red Hat Society, she was crowned Queen Diva Dell-Luscious of the Red Hot Mamas of Maui. She has musical skills, playing baritone sax for her community band. Paddling through the idyllic Pacific waves with other Kihei Canoe Club members keeps her active. She is one of two 2024 Kupuna Advocates of the Year named in an event held by Maui Economic Opportunity. A kupuna is a term used by Hawaiians to denote an honored elder and community leader, and those who the MEO is proud to serve.
Rugg was delighted to be recognized by the MEO. The wildfires that devastated Maui left many in need, and the MEO’s actions to support the community were deeply appreciated. Says Rugg, “It’s an amazing, amazing organization.” Thirty red-hatted Mamas came out to show their support both for Rugg and the organization the helped their island home.
Though the Hawaiian islands are about as far as you can get from Delaware in the United States, Rugg has still made connections with other Delawareans there. “So many,” says Rugg. “One day, I met a guy playing guitar in our community center, and when I stopped to talk to him, I asked him where he was from, and he said Delaware, and I said, ‘So am I.’ He said, ‘Maybe you know my dad, Bob Short,’ and I had campaigned for his father, who was the Insurance Commissioner.”
These surprising connections on Maui, she says, “made me want to reach out to other Delawareans. In Florida, I knew there was an annual Delaware Day celebration started by Doug Buck, former Delaware governor, and I thought why not do that on Maui? That’s how this started.”
In 1933, by the proclamation of Governor C. Douglass Buck, December 7 became Delaware Day, a celebration of the state’s ratification of the Constitution. To Rugg, it’s a big deal, and she has a party every year on December 8. She says, “When people ask me, ‘Why are you doing this on the eighth?’ I tell them we do things slower in Hawaii. That’s why I have this party on my birthday. I always tell people who fly into Hawaii, the first thing you do is turn off your jets.”
This December 8, 2025, Rugg’s Delaware Day celebration will be the 36th year running, and will be very special, she says, “because I have a birthday that ends in zero. We will have some of my favorite home state treats, like Dolle’s saltwater taffy, Casapulla’s subs, Wise potato chips, Entenmann’s, and more.”
TastyKakes hold a special place for Rugg. She says, “I have people who send me the Peanut Butter Candy Kakes, which I love. I did call TastyKakes one time to see if they could donate any for my party, but they said they were too small a company.” Don’t worry, she’s still collected enough box lids to make a large signboard of her treasured TastyKake favorites. Attendees will also get some great Delaware swag. Says Rugg, “Years ago, I called the State of Delaware Economic Department, and they sent me pens, pencils, and stickers. I’m always looking for Delaware swag.”
Rugg says, “By the way, Capriotti’s does have a place in Honolulu now. I called them up and asked if they deliver.” Sadly, the Oahu Island location, more than 100 miles away, does not deliver to Maui by ferry or plane. Still, it goes on the list of excuses for Delawareans to visit the Hawaiian islands.
If this year doesn’t work out for you, Rugg has plans for the future. For a previous party, she invited then Vice President Biden to attend, and his office called to apologize that he couldn’t make it. Says Rugg, “In the future, when the president returns, I’d love to have him come.”
Turns out the owner of Three’s Bar and Grill on Maui is another Delaware transplant, so who knows? Maybe some upcoming December, you can head to Hawaii, hang out with Rugg, and possibly see Joe while enjoying paradise. And even if he can’t make it, Rugg will be happy to have you. Aloha!
Related: Former Delaware Rower Justin Best Won and Olympic Gold Medal
