Rehoboth fireworks set for July 2

Rehoboth Beach’s fireworks show will be held Sunday, July 2.

The light show is expected to start around 9:15 p.m. and the show, as has become custom, will be based in front of the Star of The Sea condominium at 307 S. Boardwalk.

City spokeswoman Krys Johnson said of the July 2 date, “Safety is the top concern for the fireworks. Based on consultation with the city of Rehoboth Beach Police Department, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, DelDOT and the Delaware State Police, July 2 was determined the date for which emergency service personnel will be available to provide coverage.”

The show is staged by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale. The rain date is Monday, July 3. Visitors are encouraged to get into town no later than 8 p.m.

The Funsters will perform at the Bandstand from 8 to 9:15 p.m., and a second show will begin at 11 p.m. after the fireworks.

Visitors are encouraged to use the DART buses or the Jolly Trolley into town as Rehoboth Avenue begins to shut down at 7 p.m. starting with the Bandstand area. Rehoboth Avenue eastbound starting at Church Street will shut down at 8:30 p.m. All traffic north of Rehoboth Avenue should exit town using Columbia Avenue and Rehoboth Avenue, while traffic south of Rehoboth Avenue should use Bayard Avenue southbound or Hickman and Munson streets to State Road. Traffic signs will be posted.

Additional parking will be provided at Epworth United Methodist Church on Holland Glade Road for $20 per vehicle. A portion of the parking revenue will go toward the Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Rotary Club. Parking can also be found at the Deauville Beach lot until it is full.

This is the first year the show will be run by the city and not Rehoboth Beach Main Street, its longtime sponsor. The city assumed control of the show when Main Street announced its dissolution, although the organization has since reformed.

Main Street had established a fund run by a 501(c)(3) organization to run the fireworks show. While the future of the fireworks has not yet been determined, the fund has $150,000, leading city officials to say the show can be funded for three to four more years. City officials have said the show costs a total of about $50,000, factoring in advertising and traffic mitigation, in addition to the city’s overtime costs for police and emergency responders.