Delaware towns bring on the fun for July Fourth

An abundance of Independence Day celebrations are happening up and down the Delaware coast. Most events take place on July Fourth, but the fun begins Saturday, June 30, and major fireworks displays are on tap Sunday, July 1, and again Wednesday, July 4.

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach begins its July 4 celebration at noon, Wednesday, July 4, with a parade that begins at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Garfield Parkway. There are 12 bands expected to participate and parade floats can be entered into the parade from 9 – 11:30 a.m., near the Christian Church grounds, 7 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

There will be an awards ceremony at 7:15 p.m., followed by a performance from local rockers Love Seed Mama Jump.

The day ends with fireworks at dusk. For more information go to townofbethanybeach.com.

Dewey Beach

In Dewey, fireworks will be hosted by Highway One, set off Wednesday, July 4, from a barge in the Rehoboth Bay. The show is visible from any bar or restaurant along the bayside in Dewey.

Henlopen Acres

Henlopen Acres will have its fourth annual Independence Day Parade, beginning at 9 a.m. July 4. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the marina. Participants are invited to decorate bikes, wagons, scooters, strollers, floats, pets and homes. Judging, prizes and refreshments will follow at the marina.

The parade route begins at the marina on Tidewaters Road and heads toward the beach. It takes a right on Zwaanendael Road, a right on Rolling Road, a right on Dodds Lane and concludes back at the marina. Pets that enjoy crowds, excitement and small children are welcome to participate, but they must be leashed, and owners are responsible for their behavior.

A rain date is set at 9 a.m., Thursday, July 5. For more information or to volunteer, call town hall at 302-227-6411.

Lewes

Lewes will celebrate July 4 with something old – old-fashioned games for children, the Doo-Dah Parade and the Independence Day Lewes Boat Parade – and something new – the city's inaugural Go Fourth fireworks display.

Old-fashioned games for children begin at 9 a.m. on Second Street, which will be closed while games are in progress.

Following the games, the Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade will wind down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal from Roosevelt Inlet to Fisherman's Wharf.

Parade entrants will leave from the inlet at 1:30 p.m., passing in front of the reviewing stand about 2 p.m. Lewes Mayor Ted Becker will announce the parade in the area of Fisherman's Wharf.

All pre-registered boat entrants will be eligible for prizes that include a unique hand-carved figurine by local carver Bert Long, a member of the organizing committee. The figurine will be awarded to the most creatively decorated boat. First, second and third place ribbons will also be awarded. To be eligible for a prize, the vessel must be registered no later than 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 3.

Registration forms are available at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in the Fisher-Martin House in Zwaanendael Park and the Lewes Harbour Marina Bait and Tackle at the end of Anglers Road. For information, call the Lewes Chamber of Commerce 302 645-8073. Late, unregistered entries are invited to join the parade by arriving at the Roosevelt Inlet at 1:30 p.m.

The Doo-Dah Parade forms in the vicinity of Lloyd's Market on Savannah Road. No pre-registration is required and everyone is invited to participate. The parade is expected to begin around 5 p.m., but is always unpredictable.

In Lewes, the day caps off with the inaugural fireworks display. The best visibility is from Roosevelt Inlet to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Information is available at GoFourthLewes.org.

Also happening in Lewes is the annual 4th of July Celebration & Classic Car Show at Trinity Faith Christian Center, 15516 New Road. Beginning at 11 a.m. and lasting until 6 p.m., the free event will offer food and games. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, July 7. For information, contact 302-645-5446 or 302-745-7295.

Millsboro

Millsboro has planned several July 4-themed events.

The Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration, Saturday, June 30, at Cupola Park in downtown Millsboro. Festivities for the free event begin at 6 p.m. with food trucks, music and loads other fun, with the fireworks show at approximately 9 p.m. A rain date has been set for Sunday, July 1.

The Clubhouse at Baywood, a restaurant and event venue in Millsboro, will hold an Independence Day Party from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, July 1.

The Baywood event has no admission fee and will be held on the paver patio area overlooking immaculately maintained gardens. It will feature a cash bar and a bevy of barbecue. Menu items also include hot dogs and hamburgers.

The Cruzers will perform from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The band plays dance music from the '50s through the '80s. Fireworks will close the evening.

Reservations are suggested for those who wish to dine in The Clubhouse that evening. Call 302-947-9225. For information to go baywoodclubhouse.com.

The final event in Millsboro is the 12th annual Children's Celebration, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 4, at the labyrinth of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, at the corner of State and Ellis streets. Following a brief patriotic ceremony, which will feature the beautiful voice of sussex's own Cathy Gorman, children dressed in patriotic colors and costumes will parade on the church grounds to the parish hall. Each will receive a special gift for participating. There will be a children's activity table. Hot dogs, chips, desserts and beverages will be provided. In case of rain, the celebration and parade will be held in St. Mark's Parish Hall. For more information, call Gale White at 302-644-0777.

Milton

Milton will play host to the annual Bring Mayberry Back to Milton event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 4, in Milton Memorial Park.

The day features old-fashioned fun for all ages, including a dunk tank, pie baking contest, train rides, relay and sack races, chess matches and more fun for children. A bike-decorating contest and bike parade takes place at 11 a.m., sponsored by Irish Eyes Pub and Restaurant. Grand prizes of two new bikes will be awarded to the winners – one each to the best boy and girl entries. All decorated bike contestants must register by 10:45 a.m. at the park gazebo.

The "Milton's Best" Pie Baking Contest has three competitive categories – professional, amateur, and children 12 and under. Bring your favorite pie with a red, white or blue theme to the Hospitality Tent from 9 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 4. All pies must be made from scratch, prepared in a 9-inch disposable pie pan with a cover, and not require refrigeration. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to the winners.

Musical entertainment at the gazebo will feature Milton's own Walt Hetfield, known for his Buddy Holly Tribute performances, and DJ Jerry B from Affordable Wedding Entertainment.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Maryellen Kiernan at mare@irisheyespub.com or call 302-684-5005.

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach will celebrate Independence Day with its annual fireworks display, set to begin about 9:15 p.m., Sunday, July 1. Depending on the weather, the fireworks may launch any time after 8 p.m.

The Funsters will perform at the Bandstand from 8 to 9:15 p.m., and then again after the fireworks until 11 p.m.

The city's June 18 press release strongly recommends using Delaware Department of Transportation's DART Park & Ride to travel into downtown. For more information go to dartfirststate.com or call 302-226-2001.

In-town parking options include the Deauville Beach parking lot for $5, beginning at 5 p.m. Metered and nonmetered permit-parking spaces are available throughout town but fill quickly.

The Jolly Trolley will operate its daily Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach shuttle services, in full schedule, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. During and after the fireworks, in Rehoboth Beach, the Convention Center stop, Village by the Sea stop and the uptown Christian Street stop will be closed. Traffic delays are expected. For more route information, visit jollytrolley.com or call 302-644-0400.

There are a number of traffic advisory and road closures related to the Rehoboth fireworks:

The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 p.m. to midnight. Vehicles will not be able to cross Rehoboth Avenue at the Circle beginning at 7 p.m.

Rehoboth Avenue eastbound and Church Street from Route 1 will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 8:30 p.m. All vehicles will have to enter through State Road or Bayard Avenue.

All traffic north of Rehoboth Avenue should exit Rehoboth Beach using Columbia and Rehoboth avenues.

All traffic south of Rehoboth Avenue should exit Rehoboth Beach using Bayard Avenue southbound or use Hickman and Munson streets westbound to State Road to access Route 1 northbound and southbound.

DelDOT recommends the use of DART Park and Ride to travel into downtown.

Residents in Henlopen Acres and North Shores as well as Henlopen Avenue will access their residences by using First Street beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Only bus and resident traffic will be allowed on Henlopen Avenue beginning at 6 p.m. Only bus traffic will be allowed on Surf Avenue, beginning at 6 p.m.

For more information go to cityofrehoboth.com or call 302-227-6181 ext. 522 for more information.