The following letter was sent to Mayor Him Ford and honorable members of the Lewes Town Council, with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
Our family wanted to express our absolute gratitude to you all for allowing the Dragon Boat Festival to come to Lewes. The decision to allow this festival to happen at Canalfront Park was a win for all involved and the town should be commended for a wise choice.
The event was well structured and having the event free for residents and visitors alike allowed folks to wander through the park and the event itself had a festive, but familial feel. In working with folks from the Town of Lewes, they were gracious and accommodating; nothing more could have been asked of them.
Having the pleasure to work on the docks with all the rowers and the Dynamic Boat folks, as well as the event organizers from the Delaware River & Bay Pilot's Association showed me the level and commitment to the safety and security of all the participants.
There was nothing but positive energy and team building being done - and experienced. The event planners worked for months and in the days leading up to the event itself, every safety contingency was gone over in long 14 hour days.
The result was what we saw on Sunday, a well-oiled machine, that allowed for Lewes to be showcased, it's maritime history again being reinvented, seats in restaurants, bodies In hotel rooms, T-shirts ordered, local businesses patronized and families coming together around a single, unique event.
We as a family hope that the town allows this to continue. Many children got the opportunity to acquire community services hours and their parents to also participate. This even will be discussed long into the winter, and I will bet some teams are already forming for next year - maybe even a team from the town of Lewes, with the honorable mayor drumming their way to victory - a victory for the team, a victory for the town, and a victory for Sussex Academy.
Please consider allowing this amazing opportunity to continue into the future.
The Reyes Family
Lewes
P.S. Dear Mr. Mayor - sorry for stopping you at the safety line. Safety was a priority, and thank you for your graciousness about it.
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