Delaware’s Cape Region will be making up for lost time this weekend as visitors and residents don their red, white and blue to celebrate the Independence Day holiday weekend. Last year, the coronavirus pandemic forced cancellation of almost all traditional July 4th activities. The absence of starred and striped masks this year will be among the many reasons for celebration.
Traditional events are back along with unprecedented levels of traffic and intermittent rain expected to add to the logistical challenges of safely handling crowds itching for normalcy.
This Cape Gazette includes a listing of weekend events commemorating our nation’s Declaration of Independence on a hot day in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Those planning to attend major public fireworks events would be wise to make themselves aware of traffic planning. Getting into Lewes and Rehoboth for parking will be a challenge. Getting back out even more so. Making plans to sit tight for an hour on the beach, check out the local shops, or hang around for live music at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand or a walk on the Boardwalk after the fireworks will help avoid getting stuck in mass exoduses.
With Rehoboth Beach hosting the only area fireworks show on Saturday, July 3, crowds may be even heavier than in past years. Eastbound Rehoboth Avenue and Church Street from Route 1 will be closed starting at 8:30 p.m. Those leaving after the show north of Rehoboth Avenue will be funneled to Columbia Avenue to make their exit. Those leaving from south of Rehoboth Avenue will be routed on Bayard Avenue to Silver Lake Bridge toward Route 1.
In Lewes on July 4, Savannah Road bridge will close to vehicle traffic at 7 p.m., and Freeman Highway Bridge at 8. They will remain open for walkers and bicyclists. After the show, the bridges will be closed to car traffic until pedestrians and cyclists have made their way off the beach. Then they will be opened westbound for drivers and passengers to make their way home.
Memorable fireworks shows are in the works. Planning, preparation and patience will make them more enjoyable.
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Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood.
