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Doo-Dah Parade tradition continues in Lewes

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. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
July 4, 2025

Lewes friends Phyllis Hoenen and Carolyn Shockley gathered a few people together for an impromptu July 4 parade in 1968. They didn’t know it, but it wouldn’t take long for the Doo-Dah Parade to become a Lewes tradition. Family and friends of the founders continue to carry on that tradition on by spreading word about the parade and taking part in it. This year’s parade paid homage to those who have supported the parade over the years.

The parade assembles on Manila Avenue for the 5ish parade. The parade route travels down Kings Highway to Second Street, then back around on Third Street and up Savannah Road before returning to Manila Avenue. 

People decked out in red, white and blue on bicycles, golf carts, gators, pushing strollers and pulling wagons and riding in decorated vehicles and flatbed trailers made 2025 one of the biggest parades ever. 

 

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.
Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco leads the parade in a Lewes Police car.
Kathy Moon drives a car that displays photos that pay homage to the founders and longtime participants and supporters of the Doo-Dah Parade.
Members of the Lewes Base Ball Club take part in the annual Doo-Dah Parade. Shown are (l-r) Mike Dowd, Alex Langley, Eric Watland, Russ Huxtable, Amelia DiPaolo, Mike DiPaolo and Mark Evans.
Even giant rubber duckies can be patriotic.
One of many bicycles decorated for the Fourth.
The Lewes Fire Department participants have a little water fun on Little Reds. Shown are (l-r) Trey Von Ellis, Anthony Koot, Liam Stabner and Josh McCready.
Longtime Doo-Dah Parade participant Dickie Bryan drives a flatbed full of revelers.
Viktoriya Hoenen waves to the crowd as she walks up the parade route on Kings Highway.
Carolyn Shockley’s sons Eddie and Michael pound out the beat during the Doo-Dah Parade.
Helping to hold down the beat are Tom Lombardo, left, and Michael Daisey.
The percussion flatbed pays homage to the first Doo-Dah drummer Edward Shockley.
Delmarva Young Miss Lewes Alanno Mayo, left, and Delmarva Junior Miss Lewes Erin Mayo wave to their fans along the route.
MaryAnn Riesch sprays bubbles from her duck.
Patriot Jesse James likes the parade from his stroller.
Leah Hoenen portrays Lady Liberty in the annual Fourth of July Doo-Dah Parade. Shown with Hoenen is her daughter Linnea Hoenen-Arnberg.
Jason Hoenen helps toss candy to the crowd.
Patti Riffle rides her decorated bike.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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