Along the Delaware coast, Independence Day marks the unofficial start of summer’s peak season. As a result, the beach is the perfect place for picnics, parades, fireworks and other celebrations. Here’s what’s happening over the next several days.
Rehoboth Beach will start things off with a boom on Sunday, July 2, with a fireworks display on the beach. There will be music before and after the event, which starts at 9:15 p.m.
You can also watch Rehoboth’s display at sea, thanks to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which is sponsoring a cruise on July 2. Boarding begins at 6:45 p.m. The ferry returns to the dock at 11 p.m. The band Glass Onion will play in between, and you can purchase libations in the Lido Bar.
The Lewes celebration on July 4 starts at 9 a.m. with kids’ games on Second Street. (Note that the street will be closed during the event.) Then head to the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal for the boat parade, which begins at 1:30 p.m. Decorated vessels will sail from the Roosevelt Inlet to Fisherman’s Wharf near the bridge. Judges will vote for the boats with the best look; the awards ceremony will be at 3:30 p.m. The famous Doo-Dah Parade starts at 5 p.m. The city does not sponsor a fireworks display, but if you walk on Lewes Beach, you’re likely to see more than a few amateur efforts, despite the state and city laws that prohibit them.
Milton starts its party at 10 a.m. with the festival “Bringing Mayberry Back to Milton,” which will run until 4 p.m. in Milton Memorial Park. Activities will include sack races, games, a pie-baking contest, a bicycle-decorating contest, a bike parade, train rides in the park, food and music.
In Dewey Beach, Highway One is sponsoring a fireworks display at 9 p.m. on July 4 at Northbeach Restaurant, which is on the bay. Nationally renowned Zambelli Fireworks, based in New Castle, Pa., is creating the production.
The town of Bethany Beach will also hold its celebration on July 4. The traditional parade will start at noon, followed by a 7:30 p.m. concert at the bandstand and fireworks at dusk.
