Everhart honored with Southern Delaware Tourism Legacy Award
Southern Delaware Tourism honored outgoing Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO Carol Everhart with its Legacy Award Dec. 10.
Hired in 1989, Everhart helped create the annual Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach, which grew from 5,000 people its first year to a weekend-long event that draws 200,000.
“What a legacy,” said presenter Ben Gray, chief operating officer of Mercantile Processing. “Today, we celebrate someone whose name has become practically synonymous with the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach community. We are grateful for the legacy you leave behind.”
Under Everhart’s watch, the chamber grew to be the largest in the state with 1,300 members, as well as creating a year-round administrative office and a visitors center.
“This has been a wonderful experience for me,” Everhart said. “Two things: one is persevere. And the other is love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Best attraction
The award for Best Attraction went to Cape Water Tours and Taxi, founded by Michelle and Dave Green.
Operating from Lewes to Rehoboth, the water taxi provides 20 different tours, including scenic cruises, eco-tours, private charters and themed experiences, hosting 600 guests per day.
“With outstanding visitor engagement, strong community collaboration and a proven record of economic impact, Cape Water Tours exemplifies the best of Sussex County tourism,” said presenter Betsy Reamer, executive director of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce.
In accepting their award, Michelle Green said the couple was honored and humbled by the tribute, and she thanked her husband for taking what was a crazy dream and making it a reality.
Other award winners
Wings and Wheels took home the award for Best Event. One of Sussex County’s most popular festivals, the Georgetown-based event features vintage airplanes, classic cars, military tributes and live entertainment. Wings and Wheels has an economic impact of more than $1 million, according to Southern Delaware Tourism.
The award for Best New Event was given to Ben Voyage: Yacht To The Future - The Retro White Party hosted by Beachin Bash, which was held at the Hyatt in Dewey Beach. The event was headlined by celebrity chef Ben Robinson and featured musical performances and coastal dishes with funds raised benefiting the Skeeter Strong Foundation.
The Philanthropic Award went to the Lingo, Bayard and Townsend families with John, Bill and Bryce Lingo, Paul Townsend, and the late Derrick Lingo and Gene Bayard singled out for their contributions to the Cape Region, through both financial assistance and volunteer hours.
The keynote speaker for the event was Patty Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, who spoke of the economic benefits of the arts in Sussex County. Grimes also gave an update on the ongoing $40 million renovation of the Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville, which is planned for a grand opening in July.
Ryan Mavity covers Milton and the court system. He is married to Rachel Swick Mavity and has two kids, Alex and Jane. Ryan started with the Cape Gazette all the way back in February 2007, previously covering the City of Rehoboth Beach. A native of Easton, Md. and graduate of Towson University, Ryan enjoys watching the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Capitals and Baltimore Orioles in his spare time.
