Lewes Maritime Day celebration set May 17

The public is welcome to experience and celebrate maritime history and its impact on the Cape Region during the annual Lewes Maritime Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 17, at the Lightship Overfalls and Canalfront Park.

Lewes, known as the First Town in the First State, enjoys both a rich seafaring history and diverse current maritime interests.

The event, co-organized by the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and the Overfalls Foundation, and supported by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lewes, includes displays, boat rides, vessel tours and activities, all free and open to the public. 

A brief opening and remembrance ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. to kick off the day and reopen the Lightship Overfalls (LV-118) for the season. The program will include remarks by local officials and induction of honorees into the Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame, as well as a remembrance of local mariners and Overfalls Foundation members who have crossed the bar.

The Coast Guard Cutter Heron, based in Cape May, N.J., will be a special guest vessel open for tours at the city dock, where there will also be a pilot boat and a description of its mission offered by the Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware.

A ticketed maritime history cruise is set for 1 p.m. To learn more, go to capewatertaxi.com. 

Sussex County Shanty Singers from Historic Lewes will perform maritime music, and the group Minus 2 Plus 1 will entertain during the remainder of the day.

“Lewes has a unique place in the annals of American maritime history, of which the ferry is a part,” said Heath Gehrke, CMLF director of ferry operations. “The festival is a fun and interactive way to learn more about our maritime history, industry and its many vocations. Come and join us for a great day of activities and exhibits as we celebrate the U.S. Merchant Marine, its historic support of the nation’s military and the many careers it offers.”

“The community’s rich maritime history includes that of the U.S. Lighthouse Service and U.S. Lifesaving Service, precursors to the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Michael Safina, Overfalls Foundation president. “Lightships played a major role in the safe navigation of ships throughout our nation’s history. We look forward to having the community help us reopen the ship for the 2025 season.”

The Lightship Overfalls and museum property will be open for free tours throughout the day. Various maritime participants will have displays at Canalfront Park adjacent to the ship. It is a great way for scout groups, school groups, and parents and kids of all ages to spend the day.

Other Maritime Day activities include a life-raft demonstration by the ferry and a water cannon display by the Lewes Fire Department fire boat.

In 1933, the United States Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day. The designation honors the contributions of the American merchant marine – civilians who have defended the freedom of the United States since 1775 and who executed the largest sealift the world has ever known during World War II. Observance of National Maritime Day also honors the maritime industry and the benefits it brings Americans in terms of transportation, jobs, goods and recreational opportunities.