Fourth of July fireworks are returning to Lewes Beach this summer.
Lewes Mayor and City Council unanimously voted May 17 to move ahead with the event, which is slated for the evening of Sunday, July 4. The 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This will be a tremendously positive thing for the community,” said Mayor Ted Becker.
The move comes less than a week after Rehoboth Beach officials decided to bring back its annual Fourth of July fireworks festivities Saturday, July 3.
Lewes Police Chief Tom Spell said he’s already initiated discussions with state, county and city agencies regarding traffic and crowd control. Becker noted the event will need to be approved by the state’s Division of Public Health.
While one tradition is returning, another will have to wait until next year. The old-fashioned children’s games on Second Street will not be held this year. Becker said he decided to cancel the Fourth of July tradition because social distancing would not be possible.
The Lewes Boat Parade will happen this year. The Lewes-Rehoboth Beach Rotary Club, City of Lewes and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce will serve as hosts.
Freedom Boat Club will underwrite the event by being the sole sponsor. The parade will start at approximately 1:30 p.m. and end around 3:30 p.m. with a presentation of a trophy and citations for first, second and third place at the Lightship Overfalls.
Mask mandate lifted
Mayor and city council also unanimously voted to rescind the city’s outdoor mask mandate that’s been in place since last July. Effectively immediately, residents and visitors are no longer required to wear a mask outdoors in the downtown business district or at the beach parking lots.
The move brings the city in line with Gov. John Carney’s latest modification that will become effective Friday, May 21.
Becker noted the 19958 ZIP code has the highest vaccination rate in the state.
“Our folks have been diligent about wearing masks,” he said. “Anyone who is uncomfortable can still wear a mask.”
