The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays invites the public to its 30th anniversary and volunteer appreciation event, the Grateful Shellabration, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, at Camp Arrowhead near Lewes. The rain date is Sunday, Nov. 3.
The Grateful Shellabration will be a family-friendly festival celebrating the bays and the volunteers who help protect them. The event is free, but donations to support the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays are encouraged.
Event highlights include: presentation of the annual Friends of the Bays and volunteer awards; hands-on environmental education and information tables; live music all day from The Listening Booth Duo, Dragonfly Trinity, and Homestead Bluegrass; delicious eats and treats from Agape Creamery (including a special Horseshoe Crab Tracks ice cream), Bountiful Bowls, Grandpa Mac, Nancy James Oysters and Pretzelvania; an oyster-shucking contest; dunk tank fun with community leaders; refreshments in the beer garden; prize raffles; and hayrides, games and fun activities for the whole family.
An array of local artisans, including Mich & Mon Handmade, Daniel Swain Ceramics, Whelk Creative, Miss Millie Ceramics, Willow Creek Soaps, and MEGSEA Shell & Decoupage Artwork, will be on hand offering their creations.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the center’s 30th anniversary with this special event,” said Mark Carter, CIB director of development. “It’s not just about looking back at what we’ve accomplished, but about honoring the vital work of our volunteers and partners who have made our mission possible over the years. This day is about them, the community, and of course, the bays that we’re all here to protect.”
Limited parking is available at Camp Arrowhead. Attendees are encouraged to carpool, and, thanks to support from Casella Waste Systems, a free shuttle will run all day from the Love Creek Elementary School parking area (19488 John J. Williams Hwy, Lewes). Shuttle service will begin at 10 a.m. and run approximately every 30 minutes.
Camp Arrowhead is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus (no smoking, no vaping), and no pets (except service animals) are allowed at the event.
For more information, visit inlandbays.org or contact Caitlin Chaney at cchaney@inlandbays.org.