Rehoboth, Bethany Beaches and Boardwalks Opening this Weekend, Farmers Markets Coming Soon!
After a challenging couple of months, we’re finally beginning to see signs of normal life at and near the Delaware and Maryland beaches. Likely a sign of the “new normal” that we’ll be adjusting to at least over the short term, these small steps toward a return to everyday life are nonetheless encouraging.
Delaware Gov. John Carney has also targeted June 1 as the date he’d like to see the First State begin the first phase of a formal reopening, which will occur in pre-planned stages over a specified period of time.
But for now, at least some aspects of normal life are beginning to come back on-line. We’ll tell you about several of them today in our latest “Weekender Blog,” and also highlight some more virtual events you may like to take part in.
We also encourage you once again to do whatever you can to support our locally owned and operated businesses here in the coastal region. Not all are open to the public yet, of course, but some are and they desperately need your support.
We’ll mention them in some respect below. But if you have a favorite local restaurant or business, give them a ring and see if they’re open for curbside pickup or even delivery.
Remember that we’re all in this together. Coastal Delaware has come together many times over the years in times of need, and this is certainly one of those times.
Okay, on to some fun choices for the next few days at the Delaware and Maryland beaches:
Rehoboth and Bethany Beaches and Boardwalks to Reopen. Beginning on Friday, May 15, the beaches and the boardwalks in coastal Delaware’s two main coastal resorts will once again be open to the public.
Neighboring Ocean City opened its beaches to the public on Saturday, May 9.
Officials in both Delaware municipalities stress that all areas will be open for walking and exercise only at the present time, and social distancing and face mask use must be practiced at all times.
In Rehoboth, benches will be kept off of the boardwalk in order to help enforce the new rules.
Bethany Beach will be opening with similar rules, with town officials reminding residents and visitors that the town’s prohibition against dogs on the beach between May 15 and Sept. 30 remains in effect.
Farmers Markets to Open. Due in part to public outcry, and after a detailed plan submitted to the Delaware Department of Agriculture by the Delaware Farmers Market Coalition, local farmers markets will be allowed to open anytime on or after Friday, May 15.
State issued protocols will be required during the farmers markets, however, and officials stress that they will not be the social gatherings visitors have become accustomed to in recent years.
Still, the return of these popular markets are an important step in our return to normalcy and are crucial to helping support Delaware’s farmers during the current health crisis.
Click here for the full set of state mandated rules that will need to be followed at local farmers markets. And plan on supporting our local farmers as soon as opening dates are announced in the coming days.
Freeman Stage Virtual Concert Series. In lieu of live entertainment, the organizers at the popular Freeman Stage are seeking local musical talent to showcase on a “virtual stage” of sorts.
Part of what they’re calling “The Stage is Yours!,” Freeman Stage officials are selecting two deserving acts per week to feature on their social media platforms.
If you have a band and are interested in participating in the program, download and complete the entry form and include a three to five minute video performance for review.
Learn more at the Freeman Stage’s Facebook page.
