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Lewes highlights connection to the sea

Maritime Day honors Overfalls Foundation members who have died
The Lewes fire boat shoots its hoses into the sky during a display at the beginning of Lewes Maritime Day. NICK ROTH PHOTOS
Nick Roth
May 27, 2022

Lewes’ special and historic relationship to the sea is the city’s No. 1 core value, and it was on full display at the annual Lewes Maritime Day May 21 in Canalfront Park. 

Dozens of vendors joined the public for a celebration of all things marine. Tours of a the Lightship Overfalls, Lewes fire boat and a pilot boat were offered, while Freedom Boat Club provided free boat rides in the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. 

The Overfalls Foundation held its opening ceremony as part of the event, with brief remarks from President Michael Safina, the Rev. Dr. William Crossan III of Groome Church, Heath Gehrke of Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Lewes Mayor Ted Becker and Dan MacElrevey of the Pilots’ Association for the Bay & River Delaware. Cathy Gorman provided entertainment before and after the event and sang the national anthem and God Bless America. She also performed the Eternal Father during a wreath-laying ceremony that honored Overfalls Foundation members Wayne Kirklin, Alan Klineburger and Hugh “Frosty” McDaniel as well as merchant mariners who have died. 

Vendors at the event included: Freedom Boat Club, University of Delaware, Henlopen Bait & Tackle, Fort Miles Historical Association, Sea Scout Ship 198, Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Association, Overfalls Foundation, Lewes Historical Society, Bowers Beach Maritime Museum, Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, Groome Church, Pilots Association for the Bay and River Delaware, Quest Adventures, Lewes Fire Department, Cape Water Tours and Taxi, U.S. Merchant Marines, U.S. Coast Guard, Cape May-Lewes Ferry and Delaware State Parks.

The event was held one day before National Maritime Day. In 1933, Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day to honor the contributions of the American merchant marine – civilians who have defended the freedom of the U.S. since 1775 and who executed the largest sealift the world has ever known during World War II. An estimated 1,554 merchant ships were sunk during the way and more than 11,000 merchant mariners lost their lives. 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. 

Members of Sea Scout Ship 198 present colors to open festivities. Shown are (l-r) Ben Koly, Nicholas Parsons, Kiki Labayo and Ellie Cerchio.
Cathy Gorman sings the national anthem.
The Rev. Dr. William Crossan III of Groome Church offers the invocation.
Wreaths stand in front of the Lightship Overfalls to honor those who’ve died. Honored were Wayne Kirklin, Alan Klineburger, Hugh “Frosty” McDaniel and merchant mariners.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Director of Ferry Operations Heath Gehrke thanks everyone who attended the event.
Henlopen Bait & Tackle set up in the shadow of the Lightship Overfalls.
Letha Wilson’s “Double Arc Leaves and Lava” stands out among the Maritime Festival tents.
Carrying the wreath honoring Frosty McDaniel are Overfalls Foundation member Dave Beck, left, and Nick Ward, McDaniel’s grandson.
As one of his final acts as mayor, Ted Becker talks about the importance of maritime commerce to the United States.
Although it was well over 90 degrees, Bill Hicks, left, and Rachel Lynch remained in period attire to promote Lewes Historical Society and its Seaport Saturdays program.
A group gathers to begin a tour of the Lightship Overfalls.

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Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams. 

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