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Sea Witch fest slated for Oct. 28-30

Events celebrate Halloween, fiddlers
October 6, 2011

The 22nd Annual Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddler's Festival in Rehoboth Beach will feature new acts on the Bandstand, including Jimi Smooth & Hit Time and the Delaware School of Rock. The festival will take place Friday-Sunday, Oct. 28-30.

Also near the Bandstand, strolling balloon artist Wes Holly and his twisted balloon creations will offer fun for all ages.  Sponsored by Kiwanis of Coastal Delaware, the kids' Pirate Treasure Challenge will offer kids the chance to complete challenges and earn treasure they can barter for rewards.  Participants can pick up challenge supplies between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Bandstand.

Festival-goers can also enjoy a leisurely ride through The Grove Park in a horse-drawn wagon. Wagon rides will be available from noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 29 and 30.  Tickets can be purchased at the Visitors Center at $2 for children under 12; $5 for adults.

Monster Art will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, in The Grove Park pavilions.  Jack Noel will perform magic from 1 to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, and from 2 to 2:30 and 3 to 3:30 p.m., Sunday in the same location.

The Artisan and Heritage Crafters Area will remain open an additional two hours on Sunday, Oct. 30, and will close at 5 p.m.

All Hallow's Revenge happens on the grounds of Sports at the Beach in Georgetown. All Hallow's Revenge is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 23 to Nov. 5 including Halloween.

“The Pirate Coast” will be presented by Clear Space Theatre Company Friday to Sunday, Oct. 21-23 and 28-30 with performances every half hour from 5 to 9 p.m.

Returning to Sea Witch is Barney of Mayberry, who will be strolling around downtown Rehoboth to keep all of the monsters in line.  In addition, the Woodland String Band, a mummers group, returns to the Costume Parade and will be performing on the Boardwalk between Rehoboth and Wilmington avenues at 2:30 p.m.

Free events for Friday, Oct. 28, include Choo Choo Express train rides in The Grove Park, which will run from 3 to 7 p.m.  The movie "Shrek Forever After" is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.  Donations are appreciated for these events; limited parking is available at The Grove Park.

Join the Woodland String Band mummers, thousands of costumed participants, local bands, decorated cars and the Nur Shriners at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, for the 22nd Annual Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddler’s Festival Costume Parade. The parade will proceed east on Rehoboth Avenue, from the convention center to the Bandstand. The parade will then continue on the Avenue westward, finishing at Village by the Sea. This event is weather dependent; there is no rain date.

The Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddler’s Festival is Delaware’s Official State Fiddler’s Festival.The  Fiddler’s Festival has been billed as top string.  Fiddlers and banjo players alike provide a full day of foot-stompin’ entertainment.

With a cash prize contest, the audience becomes the recipient of some of the best pickin’ possible. There is both an adult and children’s competition for best fiddle, blue grass and banjo playing. The Fiddler’s Festival is held from 1 to 5 p.m.,  Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.  There are no fees for the Fiddler’s Festival; donations are appreciated.

Live entertainment is scheduled throughout the day at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Sunday, Oct. 30 This year’s entertainment includes Spooky Spats Family Show, The Funny Guy, Delaware Comedy Theatre and more.

Children are invited to participate in the Old Fashion Beach Games held on the beach at Rehoboth Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 2:30 p.m. All participants will be given event ribbons.  Events include the pumpkin dash, hula twist off, slippery swords and more.  A broom-tossing contest will be held at 3:30 p.m.

The annual hunt for the Sea Witch begins at 1 p.m.,  Saturday, Oct. 29. Participants must check in with the official clue keeper and pick up a clue site location list.  Hunters must turn in their best guess by 5 p.m. The earliest correct guess wins a cash prize. The winner will be announced at the Bandstand at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30.

The Sea Witch 5K Fall Classic and 1 Mile Fright Walk begins at The Grove Park at 9 a.m.,  Sunday, Oct. 30; registration begins at 7:30 a.m.. Many of the more than 500 runners, including entire families, arrive in costume. Prizes are presented not only for time, but also for the best costumes. Past winners have included cartoon characters, cheerleaders, various farm animals and monsters.

Looking for a slower pace on Sunday? Take part in the First State Webfooter Walks. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; latest starting time is 2 p.m.. Walks begin at the Henlopen Hotel; visit the Webfooter registration starting point for walk information.

Sponsored by Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital, the Best Costumed Pet Contest is set for Sunday, Oct. 30. Dogs and owners will parade down the Boardwalk letting the crowds get an eyeful. Former bow-wow critters have included those outfitted as lifeguards, Egyptians, chickens, cowboys, chefs and police.

Lineup begins at noon and judging will begin at 12:30 p.m.. Dogs and their owners will register on Lakeview Avenue, next to the Henlopen Hotel, where they will receive their entry number and parade ribbon. The registration fee is $2 or greater donation per dog. All registered participants will line up at the north end of the Boardwalk parallel to the beach.

The monsters wag their way down the Boardwalk beginning at 1 p.m.. The parade will proceed south on the Boardwalk from the Henlopen Hotel past Funland. Winners will be designated prior to the start of the parade and should return to the Bandstand following the parade at 2 p.m., where they will be showcased on stage.

Trick or treating with merchants occurs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29.  Pony rides, scarecrow making, face painting, and more activities highlight the weekend.

Go to beach-fun.com for complete program information. For more festival or area information, contact the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce at 800-441-1329, 302-227-2233, or by email at rehoboth@beach-fun.com.

 

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