News Briefs 7/4/25
HLFM celebrates 20th birthday July 5
The Historic Lewes Farmers Market is officially turning 20 Saturday, July 5, with vendors open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at George H.P. Smith Park, Lewes. The very first market opened for Fourth of July weekend in 2006, so this Saturday will mark 20 years of bringing local farmers, fresh food, family fun and community gathering to Lewes. The July 5 market will celebrate this milestone with a special tractor-led Opening Bell Parade at 8 a.m., photo memories around the market, birthday cake cutting at 10 a.m. with friends of the market, and much more. For complete details, go to historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
UUSD to meet July 6
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, July 6, with “Interdependence Day… Embracing True Freedom,” as the topic. Julie Keefer, UUSD director of music ministries, said, “While July Fourth celebrates independence, what if the deeper spiritual calling is not to stand alone, but to live in mutual connection? On this Sunday after Independence Day, we’ll explore what it means to celebrate a vision rooted in love, justice and the shared web of life.” Learn more at uussd.org.
Nina West to bring ‘Sugar in the Tank’ to Rehoboth July 6
Clear Space Theatre Company will kick off its summer cabaret series with Nina West and her show “Sugar in the Tank,” with performances set for 2 and 6 p.m., Sunday, July 6, at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach. A fan favorite from “RuPaul's Drag Race,” West delivers an over-caffeinated celebration of queer culture packed with catchy tunes, hilarious stories her signature sparkle.
The series continues with “Hot Flashbacks: The Golden Girls Musical” at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 13; and “Brilliant Bacharach” at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 20.
Mainstage summer repertory season musicals continue with performances of “Hairspray,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Rent.” Appearing in roles across all three productions is a group of 39 artists from coastal Delaware and across the country.
Two Saturday morning children’s theater productions are “School for Little Mermaids” and “Alice Mouses in Wonderland.” To learn more, go to clearspacetheatre.org or call 302-227-2270.
Lewes public hearing, special meeting July 7
Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m., Monday, July 7, at the Rollins Center.
The panel will discuss and possibly take action on a request from Lewes Waterfront Preserve to change fence material.
Council will then hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on proposed code revisions regarding HVAC/mechanical equipment and aboveground tanks and on a proposed home occupation ordinance.
Council will meet in executive session immediately following the public hearing.
The full agendas and meeting links can be found at lewes.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth Beach workshop set July 7
Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a workshop at 9 a.m., Monday, July 7, in city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.
The agenda includes presentations and discussion about the future of beach replenishment in Delaware and Rehoboth.
A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.
Only in-person attendees may make comments. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Pastel art reception set July 13 at Lewes library
The Lewes Public Library will host a reception highlighting works from its recent Whimsical Masterpieces: Creative Empowerment with Pastels workshop at 5 p.m., Sunday, July 13, at 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.
During the eight-week course, professional teaching artist John Donato guided participants through the process of creating original artwork while exploring themes of storytelling and abstraction. The series was funded by the Delaware Division of the Arts through the Access Creative Aging program, a community-based arts education program designed for adults ages 55 and above.
The reception is free and open to the public with light refreshments served. No registration is required.
The works will also be featured in the library’s lobby gallery throughout the month of July.
Sussex Preservation Coalition to meet July 15
The Sussex Preservation Coalition will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, at Lewes Public Library and online via Zoom.
Attendees will hear how land conservation plays a critical role in climate adaptation, enhancing climate resilience and promoting stronger ecosystems.
Presenters Michelle Koenig, conservation director at the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, and Will Helt, ocean and coasts director at the Nature Conservancy, will share insights on the Delaware Land Protection Coalition, as well as the recently released Bayshore Coastal Resilience Roadmap and Delaware Conservation Blueprint. These resources will highlight strategies and identify conservation opportunity areas to help build a more resilient Delaware in the face of rising seas. Emily Knearl, Delaware director of government relations and external affairs, will also provide a legislative wrap-up.
The Sussex Preservation Coalition consists of individuals and local environmental groups dedicated to preserving and protecting local ecosystems.
For more information, go to sussexpreservationcoalition.org.
RBHA candidate forum July 19
The Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association will host a candidate forum to include individuals running in Rehoboth Beach’s 2025 municipal election at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 19, at the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, 219 Rehoboth Ave.
The city has made parking in the municipal lot behind the fire company free until noon. RBHA cannot guarantee free parking after noon.
For more information, go to rbhome.org.
The city’s municipal election will take place Saturday, Aug. 9. There are three candidates for two seats – Chris Galanty, Jeffrey Goode and Susan Stewart. Sitting Commissioners Edward Chrzanowski and Francis “Bunky” Markert are not running for re-election.
St. Peter’s VBS to kick off July 28
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will host Vacation Bible School with the theme Step Right Up – Faith Under the Big Top, from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, July 28 to Friday, Aug. 1, at Second and Market streets in Lewes.
Registration is open now for youngsters ages 4 to 12 to enjoy games, crafts, storytelling and faith-filled fun. Through scripture and engaging activities, participants will experience Christian values like kindness, justice and inclusion.
Enthusiastic volunteers are also needed to help bring the Big Top to life. Roles include group leaders, storytellers, kitchen helpers and game coordinators. To register or learn more, go to stpeterslewes.org or email Jessica Potter at jessica@stpeterslewes.org.
