The Summer of 2020 Comes to a Close with Living History, Fireworks, Running Events and More

Happy Labor Day Weekend Everyone!

We realize this greeting takes on a bit of a different meaning in 2020, when we bring one of the more unique summers ever to a close at the Delaware and Maryland beaches.

But we do feel we’ve made the best out of a less than ideal situation this summer. The weather’s still been great, for the most part, and there’s been plenty of great outdoor events and activities to focus on.

All that said, we do have some sad news to report this week. The official summer season is still going to come to a close next Monday, with the official Labor Day holiday, but it won’t be marked this year with the Jazz Funeral in Bethany Beach due to current health mandates and restrictions.

This is the first time in the 35 year history of this popular local event that it’s had to be cancelled, but it was really unavoidable due to the large numbers of people who always crowd the Boardwalk for a view at the procession and the events that follow.

So while coffins, mourners adorned in black and dozens of R.I.P. signs won’t be seen in the “Quiet Resort” this year, the Summer of 2020 will still officially come to an end on Monday, September 7.

But before we get there, we do have some fun things to tell you about that are happening this holiday weekend at the Delaware and Maryland beaches.

Let’s begin in the “First Town in the First State” and a fun outdoor event planned for Saturday, September 5…

Marine Living History Festival (September 5). Held in combination with the 56th edition of the Lewes Historical Society’s Outdoor Antiques Show, this family-friendly local festival promises maritime historians, antiques dealers, historical displays and much more.

The location is the historical society’s main campus on Shipcarpenter Street in downtown Lewes, and will run between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., on Saturday, September 5.

Attendees are invited to engage with interpreters and historians to learn more about the history of Lewes, including the lives of local sailors and their families.

Tickets are $5 each, with children 12 and under admitted for free. Or you can purchase a $10 ticket, which not only allows you entrance into the festival, but also access to visit the new “Breaking Britannia’s Grasp” exhibition that’s opening on Friday, September 4, at the nearby Cannonball House downtown, as well as entrance to the Lewes History Museum on Adams Avenue.

To learn more about the Marine Living History Festival and the Outdoor Antiques Show, call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.

Labor Day Fireworks in Ocean City (September 7). Close out the Summer of 2020 with a bang in Ocean City, where the resort will be hosting a fireworks display on the evening of Labor Day, September 7.

Fireworks will be shot off from the Talbot Street beach beginning at 10:30 p.m., providing a perfect way to conclude the weekend, and the summer, in Maryland’s most popular resort city.

Just please remember to follow current health protocols issued by the State of Maryland, to allow for a safe experience for all attendees.

Call 410-289-2800 for more information on this year’s Labor Day fireworks display.

Eighth Annual Summer’s End 5K (September 6). This year’s end of summer race is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 a.m., on Sunday, September 6, at 125 McKinley Street in Dewey Beach. Registration begins an hour before the race.

As with other race events held this year at the Delaware beaches, organizers will again be utilizing wave starts that allow for a certain number of runners to begin the race at one-minute intervals.

Face masks are required when picking up your race packet and when registering for the event, but may be removed when you’re out on the course.

The 2020 Summer’s End 5K will again benefit three worthwhile organizations and charities, the Dewey Beach Patrol, the Lewes Consortium and the Tyanna Foundation.

There won’t be an on-site awards ceremony this year due to health protocols, but there will be an after party held at the North Beach Restaurant in Dewey Beach following the race.

Visit www.raceroster.com for more information on this year’s Summer’s End 5K in Dewey Beach.

Click here for the rest of this holiday weekend’s events and activities