Boast the Coast celebrates Lewes’ maritime heritage

After a year off due to the pandemic, Boast the Coast Maritime Festival returned Oct. 2, celebrating Lewes’ historic connection to the sea. 

The 25th annual event featured a pair of hour-long boat rides on Cape Water Tours; each was narrated by local historian Mike DiPaolo. Freedom Boat Club was also available to take visitors on shorter cruises on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For the kids, Copy Cat Paint Parties offered free face painting, while Chuckles the Pirate put on a fun-filled show with balloons and other activities. 

Local vocalist Jgar Helwig serenaded visitors in 1812 Park, often asking folks to join in as well as presenting roses to those sitting around or offering mementos for young children. 

Food from Full Belly Bistro was available in the park. 

On Second Street, many merchants participated in the weekend Sidewalk Sale, while a few blocks away, the Lewes Historical Society held its annual fall craft fair. 

Boast the Coast was created in 1996 to showcase Lewes’ nautical heritage and to feature activities that complemented the already long-established annual University of Delaware Coast Day event. This year’s Coast Day was mostly virtual, but a few in-person events were held throughout the state Oct. 3.