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Doo-Dah Parade tradition continues in Lewes
This year’s event honors those who paved the way for the unique celebration
As tradition goes, Diane Hoenen leads the annual July 4 Doo-Dah Parade along Kings Highway in Lewes. The parade was started by Phyllis Hoenen and Carolyn Shockley in 1968. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
July 5, 2022
In 1968, Lewes friends Phyllis Hoenen and Carolyn Shockley gathered a few people together for an impromptu July 4 parade. It didn’t take long for the Doo-Dah Parade to become a unique tradition. Family and friends of the founders continue to carry on by spreading word about the parade and taking part in it. This year’s parade was held in memory of the founders and many others who have supported the parade over the years.
People decked out in red, white and blue on bicycles, pushing and pulling wagons and strollers, and in decorated vehicles and flatbed trailers line up along Manila Avenue for the 5 p.m. parade, which travels down Kings Highway to Second Street, then back around on Third Street and up Savannah Road.
Lady Liberty Julie Sing smiles at the large crowd gathered for the Doo-Dah Parade.
Ashley Hoenen Tanis, Phyllis’ granddaughter, left, and Kathy Hoenen-Enevold, Phyllis’ daughter, carry a banner in memory of the founders of the Doo-Dah Parade, Phyllis Hoenen and Carolyn Shockley.
Red, white and blue are the colors of the day to celebrate the Fourth of July the Doo-Dah way.
Mary Quirion pulls Brady in a USA wagon during the annual Doo-Dah Parade.
Only during a Doo-Dah Parade can you find Hilda Adams, left, as a lightning bolt, and Lori Soligo as Ben Franklin.
Jack Quirion’s appearance as an Independence Day cupcake is becoming a Doo-Dah Parade tradition.
Ed and Mike Shockley join with family and friends to play patriotic songs along the parade route. The late Carolyn Shockley was one of the founders of the parade.
Jackson Pfirman may not have his license, but he has no trouble driving an antique mini-car in the parade.
Although not shown here, this group of young parade participants used water guns to wet down people they recognized along the parade route.
Erika Caldwell of Lewes pushes her dog, Jesse James, in his own decorated wagon.
Tom Hartley of Lewes has perfect balance as he pedals an antique bicycle along the parade route.
Members of the Lewes Base Ball Club take part in the annual Doo-Dah Parade.
Photos posted on a van pay homage to the founders and longtime participants and supporters of the Doo-Dah Parade.
All it takes is a lot of flags to take part in the annual Doo-Dah Parade.
Superheroes, why not? It takes all kinds to make up the Doo-Dah Parade.
Decorated Jeeps are the most popular vehicles taking part in the annual parade.
Kat Hartley of Lewes continues a family tradition of pedaling vintage bicycles in the parade.
