Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral canceled for 2020
This year’s Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral has been canceled.
“It is in the best interest of those who visit Bethany Beach and those who live in the greater Quiet Resorts area, that this year’s Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral scheduled for Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7, will be postponed until next year due to the continuing spread and the contagious nature of the COVID-19 virus,” said Paul Jankovic, executive director.
The family-friendly event is a lighthearted celebration with attendees participating in a fun boardwalk parade. A procession of mourners will carry a casket with a mannequin representing summer from the north end of the Boardwalk to its final resting place at the bandstand. Music will be provided by the combined efforts of three Dixieland jazz bands, evoking the spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz funerals.
“Our sincere thanks go to all those who have volunteered to helped make the jazz funeral a fun family celebration on the Bethany Boardwalk for the past 35 years,” Jankovic said. “A special thanks goes to the members of the three bands that pleased so many jazz funeral enthusiasts over the years.”
The once-a-year fun-filled event regularly attracts 1,600 to 2,000 people. This is the first time the jazz funeral has been cancelled in its 35-year history.
“We also invite our guests and participants to visit the Quiet Resorts again during the fall, winter and spring,” said Jankovic.
