Lewes volunteers plan masterful July 4 celebration

The Cape Region offered a spectacular show July 4, starting with old-fashioned games, parades in Milton, Millsboro and Henlopen Acres as well as a car show, boat parade – and the famous Doo-Dah parade in Lewes.

It marked a great holiday with flags flying high and decorating bikes, floats, homes and businesses in all our towns.

Fireworks drew thousands to our towns. Go Fourth Lewes Fireworks is only in its second year, yet this volunteer-led effort developed a masterful traffic plan that got everyone in and out of town safely and relatively quickly.

Stopping vehicular traffic on Freeman Highway bridge and Savannah Road drawbridge encouraged thousands of people to arrive early and enjoy the evening. With no cars trying to get through, the drawbridge became a popular post to enjoy the fireworks.

From Canalfront Park and 1812 Park to Lewes Beach and the ferry terminal, there was plenty of space for people to mingle, enjoy ice cream and still command a great view of the spectacle.

After the show, the roads remained closed for half an hour, allowing massive crowds to safely walk to their homes or cars.

Thanks to outstanding planning by indomitable Go Fourth volunteers, state agencies and police, the road rage that erupted a year ago was replaced with friendly greetings as neighbors made their way home. Congratulations to all on a job well done.

Meanwhile, people using Route 1 after fireworks in Dewey Beach and Bethany say they also experienced less congestion than in other years.

Some may credit Rehoboth’s decision to have fireworks on July 3 with easing Route 1 congestion on July 4. At the same time, our region’s unusually wide, flat vista allows people to see fireworks light the sky across the entire region as our towns celebrate our nation’s independence.

As Lewes volunteers expertly demonstrated, with careful planning, traffic can be accommodated and everyone can have fun.