It is an immense pleasure to thank the volunteers, participants, businesses, families and residents for the successful Bloomin’ Lewes event Aug. 17 in our downtown gardens and Zwaanendael Park.
All who walked throughout the parks and gardens were immersed in educational events and fun for the entire family. This Celebration of Public Gardens and Art, sponsored by Lewes in Bloom and its Art in Bloom committee, was made possible by more than 50 enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers.
Attendees strolled through downtown Lewes’ beautiful gardens while observing local plein air artists. LIB Garden Patrons were on hand to identify plants and offer gardening tips, while musician Bill Kenego performed at Mary Vessels Park and Broadkill Folk played in Zwaanendael Park.
Also in Zwaanendael Park, booths for creating art, arranging floral centerpieces and learning about the importance of bees in our lives were all swamped by enthusiastic participants both young and old.
Special thanks to these active participants who had booths or events in Zwaanendael Park: the Lewes Beekeeping Club, the Salvation Army’s Creative heARTs program for adults with developmental disabilities, the Zwaanendael Women’s Club, and 2 Dips Ice Cream. Mosaic artists Terry Lake and Lorelei Meanor, as well as face painters Hallie Keyser, Isabel and Isla Tomko and Julianna Ferraro were engaged with children and adults.
Judge for the Plein Air Art competition was Dennis Young, and painters for the event were Anne Buck, Siobhan Duggan, Raymond Ewing, Diane Laird, Melanie Moser, Marybeth Paterson and Jim Rehak. Artists’ awards were provided by downtown Lewes merchants, Deanna’s and Blooming Boutique.
We wish we could name every single entity that contributed or donated to the successful event. But we will name a few that always support many local groups, and have been particularly sustaining of Lewes in Bloom: Mayor Ted Becker, Sen. Ernie Lopez, Betsy Reamer and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, Ken Norman of Floral Inspirations, Alison Kirk, Parks and Marina administrator, Schell Brothers, the Cape Gazette, WBOC, WRDE, Radio Rehoboth and of course, our supporters among the merchants in downtown Lewes.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all the residents and visitors who make positive comments about our gardens and public art and enjoy them throughout the year.
Thank you, Lewes, for your continued caring support.
Lewes in Bloom Board of Advisors
Art in Bloom, a committee of Lewes in Bloom