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Bethany Beach seeks Independence Day Parade volunteers

June 21, 2022

The Bethany Beach Independence Day Parade will begin at noon, Monday, July 4, taking its traditional two-mile route starting at Pennsylvania Avenue and Garfield Parkway, and processing through downtown Bethany. The 2022 theme is Timeless Bethany.

“The town has survived a pandemic, beach erosion and flooding, but remains a favorite resort to visit and call home,” said Julie Malewski, events director. Anyone wishing to enter a float is encouraged to get creative with the theme and show support for the community. For guidelines, go to townofbethanybeach.com under Activities, Fourth of July.  Floats are entered the day of the parade from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the registration desks located at Route 1 and Central Avenue. Judging will take place before the parade begins.

Bikers may pick up their decorating kits at the table on the Christian Church grounds while supplies last. Bikers and walkers will not be judged.

Former Mayor Carol Olmstead will be grand marshal. In addition to the floats, bikes and a procession of VIPs, the annual tradition includes a combination of marching bands and bands on trucks. These include the 287th Army National Guard Band, 1st Delaware Regiment Fife and Drum Band, First State Detachment Marine Corps League, Delmar District Pipe Band, Honeycombs, Oxford Brass and Tidewater Brass. New to the parade this year will be WWIIunes, a quartet reproducing the sounds of the USO shows that entertained the troops behind enemy lines during World War II.

This parade would not be possible without the the support of community volunteers. The committee seeks volunteers in a variety of capacities, including marshals who prevent gaps in the parade and ensure it runs smoothly, helping with traffic control and keeping the crowd off the parade route. They also help to protect children and bystanders by making sure there is no throwing of candy or other objects from the floats or vehicles. Handing out candy is permitted. To volunteer, contact Bruce Frye at bfrye@townofbethanybeach.com.

The award ceremony will take place at 7:15 p.m., at the bandstand. Boat House Row will perform yacht rock favorites from the ‘70s and ‘80s beginning at 7:30 p.m., before the fireworks.

Official Bethany Beach Parade T-shirts are on sale now from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the bandstand concerts. Cost is $10 for youth and $15 for adult short-sleeve shirts. The adult long-sleeve shirt is selling quickly and available in limited supply for $25.

Since the success of the parade depends heavily on the scheduled availability of police, emergency medical services personnel and bands, there is no rain date.

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