The 2021 Running of the Bull took place at the Starboard in Dewey Beach Aug. 21 when over 1,000 people stripped off their pandemic blues and partied hard for the day in Dewey.
The event is reminiscent of the town of Pamplona’s celebration when revelers dress in traditional white outfits with red bandanas.
The annual event raises funds for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
This year’s matador was local celebrity and beer brewer extraordinaire Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head Brewery.
Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot and Washington Nationals mascot Screech also made appearances for the event.
Kristen & the Noise entertains the crowd at the Starboard. DAN COOK PHOTO
Even a bridal party joined in on the fun. Shown are (l-r) Devon Patton, Stacey Quick, bride-to-be Jamie Rutkowski, Kaitlin Rutkowski, Colleen Kramer and Kaylee Raudenbush. DAN COOK PHOTO
Mike Helwich throws out free Starboard cozis to the crowd. DAN COOK PHOTO
Matador Sam Calagione and referee Ken Garfinkel pose with the bull after the post-run fight. DAN COOK PHOTO
Matador Sam Calagione rips off his condiment-stained traje de luces during the bullfight. DAN COOK PHOTO
Matador Sam Calagione menaces the bull with his red flag. DAN COOK PHOTO
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Molly McVety, Macie McCarthy and Lindsay Monigle. DAN COOK PHOTO
Before the adult Running of the Bull, there was the kids Running of the Bull in the morning. These kids forgot it’s not a real bull and raced to the end. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
After the running, the kids gathered for a group shot. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Nationals mascot Screech tries to protect the bull from those pesky kids. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Mom Natasha Zech helps daughter Avery, 8, pick out a commemorative T-shirt. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot, Washington Nationals mascot Screech and Starboard owner Steve Montgomery pause for the national anthem. This is not a political statement - the flag they’re saluting is on the lifeguard stand on the beach. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Screech gets the kids’ dance party started. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Nico Muscara, 3, and Christopher Muscara, 6, wouldn’t be so smiley if mom Tiffini Muscara were taking a picture in front of a real bull. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Dewey Business Partnership Executive Director Kelly Ranieri tells the kids the rules before the race. Most importantly - no jumping on the bull, right? Right? CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
When the bull returns, so do the funny T-shirts. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Taking Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company donations at the event gate are members (l-r) Miranda Harper, Lindsey Gordy and Mali Belcamino. DAN COOK PHOTO
Friends enjoying the event are (l-r) Merideth Miller, Brendan McNulty, Robbie Duke and Brooke Ricks. DAN COOK PHOTO
Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company member Lindsey Gordy throws out free T-shirts to the crowd. DAN COOK PHOTO
Patriotic friends at the event are (l-r) Lynn Carpenter, Ishu Krishna, Scott Anderson, Shandy Pumphrey, Paul Hahnen, Randy Priest and Kenneth Augustin, with Lex Davis down in front. DAN COOK PHOTO
Washington Nationals mascot Screech approves of the good time. DAN COOK PHOTO
Washington Nationals mascot Screech connects with the people around the stage while Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot entertains with Kristen & the Noise. DAN COOK PHOTO
Getting ready for the run are Mariah Draper Calagione, Michael McDonnell, Steve “Monty” Montgomery and Sam Calagione. DAN COOK PHOTO
Goofing around during an interview are Sam Calagione, left, and Steve “Monty” Montgomery. DAN COOK PHOTO
Kristen & the Noise shares the stage with Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot and Washington Nationals mascot Screech. DAN COOK PHOTO
Running of the Bull founder Michael McDonnell, center, reviews the directions for the run. DAN COOK PHOTO
The bull picks up some runners on the way along the beach. DAN COOK PHOTO
The crowd gets excited for the run. DAN COOK PHOTO
Having fun before the run are (l-r) Leah Smyk, Scotty Bunting and Ellie Wakefield. DAN COOK PHOTO
The crowd gets warmed up for Kristen & the Noise. DAN COOK PHOTO
