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Boardwalk Buddy Walk a strutting success

Tom Greenwood, left, and Connor Watson are ready for the Boardwalk Buddy Walk Oct 11. The 20th annual event celebrated the lives and accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
October 17, 2025

A little rain didn’t hamper the smiles and motivation of the 20th annual Boardwalk Buddy Walk Oct. 11 at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. The event celebrates the lives and accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome.

The Philadelphia Mummers Aqua String Band stepped off the procession from the Bandstand, headed south and returned to the Bandstand for music and dancing.

The event featured face painters, balloon twisters and craft activities. 

Nonprofit groups on hand with informational booths included the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware and Special Olympics Delaware. 

Teams with the most donations were Charlie’s Angels and Rory’s Rockstars.

“This was a great Buddy Walk despite the rain,” said co-creator Sharonlee Diehl. “Everyone enjoyed the Mummers, and we are thankful for all the support we have had from the community for the past 20 years.”

 

Faye Koslow checks off T-shirt pickup by team captains.
Dennis and Sharonlee Diehl created the Buddy Walk to raise support and create awareness for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Cape grad Zane Coulbourne hoists his buddy Charlie Honeysett of the Charlie’s Angels team before the annual Buddy Walk.
McKayla Veith, left, and Haley Yeich of Mariner Middle School distribute clappers before the Buddy Walk.
Sharonlee Diehl, left, has a moment with her friend Cailee Layton.
Braxtyn Burger, left, and Kinsley Murray of Braxtyn’s Crew assemble a necklace at the craft activities booth.
Jim Watson, executive director for the Boardwalk Buddy Walk, welcomes walkers and visitors to the 20th annual Buddy Walk.
Luke Archer, left, poses with his friend Delmarva’s Little Miss Lewes 2025 Margo Zmuda.
Working the check-in booth are (l-r) Lisa Samson, Thomas Weeks and Mark Evans.
Rory Jenkins gets a smooch from his dad, Matthew, before the walk.
Buddy Walk creator Dennis Diehl welcomes walkers and visitors to the walk.
Friends and veteran walkers Jerry McNesby, left, and Tom Jones prepare for the walk to begin.
The Cape JROTC marches down the boards to lead the 20th annual Boardwalk Buddy Walk.
The Philadelphia Mummers Aqua String Band performs the strut up the Boardwalk during the Buddy Walk.
Friends carry the commemorative banner for David Samson, who inspired the Boardwalk Buddy Walk before his death in 2018.
Connor Watson, left, carries his banner for the Connor’s Crew team.
Cheyanne Shrieves made the trip from Delmar to participate in the Buddy Walk.
Lizzie Miley applauds the walk with her team (l-r) Lorrie-Beth Miley, Gina Boczkowski and Jean Miley.
Charlie Honeysett, center, leads his Charlie’s Angels team during the Buddy Walk.
Cape dance team members (l-r) Scarlett Farrell, Willow DiMichelle and Addison Varney lead the Vikings’ marching band during the walk.
Braxtyn Burger of Braxtyn’s Crew claps for his team.
The Westminster Presbyterian Church team walks down the Boardwalk.
Arlo Carey walks the boards with his dad, Scott.
The Dewey Beach Lions Club are staunch supporters of the Buddy Walk.
Elroy and Sean Barefoot lead the Extraordinary Elroy team.
Kira Miller, right, cheers for her team Kira’s Krew with her mom Deanna.
Kayla Kosmalski, center, was Miss Delaware’s Teen USA last year and is the first woman with Down syndrome to hold a state title.
Noah Wenteler, second from left, is the leader of the Noah’s Arkhitect team.
The Dewey Beach Lions Club lion marches in the Buddy Walk.
Ace walks the boards for the Buddy Walk.
Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills participates in the Buddy Walk each year.
The Mummers and walkers crowd into the Bandstand during a heavy downpour as the walk finishes up.
The walkers and Mummers enjoy a musical treat with dances.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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