Running of the Bull to fill streets of Dewey July 12

The Starboard Restaurant and all of Dewey Beach are once again gearing up for the Dewey Beach event of the summer, the Running of the Bull. Thousands are expected to turn out for the quirky Pamplona-style party to hit the beach town as the Bull Run celebrates its 18th year. Marrying the concepts of good old-fashioned fun and raising money for a cause, Steve “Monty” Montgomery has perfected the art of throwing a party with purpose.

The revelry will kick off Saturday, July 12, bright and early with eager Bull Run fans filing into The Starboard Restaurant about 9 or 10 a.m.. The actual run will begin at 2 p.m. The run begins at The Starboard, and the crowd will run from the bull across Route 1 and down Houston Street onto the beach, eventually making their way back to The Starboard where the bull and matador will face off. This is all done with great ceremony as patrons, often dressed in all white with red bandanas and other festive garb, skip, jog, or fumble through the run, cheered on by the enthusiastic crowd.

The bull, with two people in a bull costume, will take on the matador, both of whom use unconventional methods to win the battle. Last year, the matador emerged victorious after he distracted the bull with a bucket of cold beer, and then stabbed him in the gut for the win. Who will win this year is anyone’s guess.

In traditional Starboard style, Lauralea and Tripp Fabulous will be on the premises providing killer sound from the stage erected in the parking lot. The Washington Nationals mascots will also be on hand to offer extra entertainment. Montgomery will have extra help from the staff of both Bethany Blues locations who will line the streets of Dewey to help hand out water, pick up trash and help with public safety.

This year, 100 percent of the money raised will go to the Rehoboth Beach Fire Department. Typically, Montgomery has donated to the Dewey Beach Police Department, helping them obtain much-needed equipment such as police dogs, vehicles and a Gator. This year, because of a change in the town’s donation policy, The Starboard is barred from donating to the police force. The event raises over $5,000 annually for charity, with a total of over $85,000 donated to the police and fire departments over the previous 17 years.