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.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
