Wine, Cheese and Beer Tasting set Oct. 19 in Lewes

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park group will host its eighth annual Wine, Cheese and Beer Tasting from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Officer’s Club in the park. Friends President Edna Lemiska has announced that the proceeds from this event will go to the park’s Seaside Nature Center.

The Wine, Cheese, and Beer Tasting has developed a following of people who enjoy good wine, cheese, and beer. Last year’s event was one of the Friends’ best ones, but this year, Chair David Szumski expects, will be even better. Vendors whose wares will be on hand this year include R & L Liquors, Dogfish Head Craft Breweries, Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties, Food by Design, Giant, Superfresh, Food Lion, Panera Bread and the Philly Pretzel Factory.

Tickets are available for $20 in advance and can be purchased at R & L Liquors, 207 Second St. in Lewes, at the main park office or the Biden Center in Cape Henlopen State Park, or the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. They may also be purchased at the door for $24. The ticket price includes the cost of entering the park, as well as a commemorative wineglass for use in tasting.

The Officer’s Club has a spacious public area with a commanding fireplace. There is plenty of parking. The club was built before World War II as part of Fort Miles, now Cape Henlopen State Park. Its fireplace is said to be made of stones salvaged from the original 1767 Cape Henlopen Lighthouse that collapsed in 1926. The Officer’s Club is at Youth Camp No. 3.

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State park is a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers who donate their time to promote one of the crown jewels of Delaware’s state parks. Members are strongly committed to public education about the park and believe that education leads to appreciation, conservation, and preservation. In addition to their educational activities, Friends volunteers participate in a monthly Trails Day and a variety of other direct activities within the Park.

Finally, Friends raise money for specific park projects such as the Bike Barn, restoration of the Hawk Watch, the playground, and their current project, placement of benches. People interested in more information about current and past projects and for information about joining or volunteering may go to www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org, email fochsp@gmail.com or call 302-858-6127.