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Moonlit beach party marks end of summer in Dewey

Hundreds attend annual business partnership event
Hundreds attended the annual Dewey Business Partnership end-of-season party Sept. 18. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Ellen Driscoll
September 21, 2021

Hundreds of revelers descended upon the beach just over the dune on New Orleans Street for the annual Dewey Business Partnership end-of-season party Sept. 18.

Residents and guests enjoyed music by the 19th Street Band, a crush bar, food and an evening bonfire, and purchased T-shirts and koozies marking the town’s 40th anniversary of incorporation. Children frolicked in the surf as it crashed over the berm onto the seating area.

Party-goers had another reason to celebrate: Dewey Beach Surf Shop owner Tyler Hudson, who was seriously injured in a June traffic accident, joined in the festivities. Town employees also surprised retiring Mayor Dale Cooke with a print of the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station, where town meetings are held, by artist Rick Cross.

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The party awaits just over the dune crossing. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Volunteers Bobbie Redefer, left, and Karen McMahon accept donations for Dewey Business Partnership. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Assisting with the event are Commissioner Bill Stevens, left, and Commissioner Paul Bauer. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Excited children play in the surf as it crashes into the berm. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Party-goers celebrated the return of Dewey Beach Surf Shop owner Tyler Hudson, who was seriously injured in a June traffic accident. Gathered near the stage are (l-r) The Starboard owner and Dewey Business Partnership President Steve “Monty” Montgomery, Hudson’s girlfriend Maddie Kelly, Tyler Hudson, and Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill owner and Dewey Business Partnership Vice President Jimmy O’Conor. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Dewey Business Partnership Executive Director Kelly Ranieri takes a quick break to chat with Mayor Dale Cooke. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Enjoying the evening are Town Manager Bill Zolper and his wife Kelly Zolper. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
The 19th Street Band entertains the crowd. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
The Starboard owner and Dewey Business Partnership President Steve “Monty” Montgomery, center, enjoys a little downtime with off-duty Dewey Beach Police officers Lt. Billy Hocker, left and Sgt. Cliff Dempsey. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill owner and Dewey Business Partnership Vice President Jimmy O’Conor mans the grill with assistance from Donna Forster. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Volunteers serve up burgers, hot dogs and free snacks for children. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
The ocean sparkles under the moon while the bonfire glows in the distance. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Town Manager Bill Zolper, with microphone, welcomes attendees while (l-r) Commissioner Bill Stevens and Commissioner Paul Bauer await the special presentation. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Commissioner Paul Bauer, right, thanks Mayor Dale Cooke for his many years of service to the town as (l-r) Town Manager Bill Zolper, Mayor Dale Cooke and Commissioner Bill Stevens listen. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Displaying the gift from town employees, Commissioner Bill Stevens, with microphone, addresses the crowd and (l-r) Town Manager Bill Zolper, Mayor Dale Cooke and Commissioner Paul Bauer. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
“Dewey Beach is a helluva town,” Mayor Dale Cooke said to cheers from the crowd. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Backstage after the gift presentation are (l-r) Commissioner Paul Bauer, Mayor Dale Cooke, Commissioner Bill Stevens and Town Manager Bill Zolper. Town employees signed the mat of a print of the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station by artist Rick Cross. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Children and adults crowd the sandy dance floor. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
A view from the stage as the party nears the end of the evening. SUBMITTED PHOTO
To paraphrase former Mayor TJ Redefer, “When the sun goes down and the moon comes up, Dewey Beach will shine.” ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO

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