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First Town’s Independence Day Boat Parade does not disappoint

Perfect weather for annual cruise down Lewes-Rehoboth Canal
A Simba moment occurred with this beagle aboard the JR Squared of Capt. Jim Rivette, grand prize winner of the 2022 Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade. NICK ROTH PHOTOS
Nick Roth
July 5, 2022

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Thanks to those who help us celebrate July 4
Friday, July 8, 2022

Ben Franklin, former presidents, an American bald eagle, and plenty of stars and stripes highlighted the 2022 Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. 

Nearly two dozen registered boats and a few parade crashers showcased decked-out vessels for hundreds of spectators lined up along both sides of the canal. 

An awards ceremony was held at the Lightship Overfalls later in the afternoon. 

Grand prize - JR Squared, Capt. Jim Rivette

First prize - Red, White & Booze, Capt. Eric Beck

Second prize - Lady Hilda, Capt. Hilda Chaski Adams

Third prize - Sea Sisters, Capt. Lee Ann Augustine. 

 

 

Nearly a dozen members of the Lewes Historical Society dressed in period attire are ready to row their boat back up the canal.
Aboard the Grandkids’ Ride of Capt. Thomas Shinn are Beth Shinn and Jessie, Zach, Charlotte, Oliver and Jack Roach.
Lightship Overfalls volunteers row the Monomoy lifeboat down the canal.
The Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club boat cruises past the judges. The club was one of the parade sponsors.
The boats round the bend near the Lewes Little League fields.
Capt. Clem Legates’ steamboat is always a fan favorite. Joining him on the Phoenix are Kristie, Jaycob, Byron, Cassie and Kristen.
“Top Gun: Maverick” is a hit at the box office and on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. Capt. Larry Lindy cruises past Fisherman’s Wharf.
The Freedom Boat Club leads the parade past Fisherman’s Wharf. Membership Director Rob Sweeney holds the flag, while owner Bev Rosella scans the crowds ashore.
Joining the flag-carrying American eagle aboard the Red, White & Booze are Elle Beck and Sarah Beck.
The Lewes fire boat shows off for the large crowd in Canalfront Park.
Every available spot along the canal is taken.
Mayor Andrew Williams emcees the event from the dock in front of The Wheelhouse.
Alexandra Schmidt holds a flag and the boat number on the Lightship Overfalls’ Monomoy lifeboat.
The crew of the Lady Hilda rows through the parade every year. This year, Lori Soligo aka Ben Franklin with a kite waves as Hilda Chaski Adams aka the lightning bolt rows.
Maddie and Ellie ride aboard the boat of their grandfather Ralph Scott.
Luckily for these people, no boats were tied up at the Lewes public dock.
The Happy Our’s is usually in the parade. Although the boat didn’t register this year, it still made an appearance. Shown is Laurel Dasher with a furry friend.
David Schofield of New Hope Outrigger Canoe Club acknowledges the judges and spectators.
Is there a better seat than one where you can put your feet in the water?
Apollo is ready to go aboard the Top Gun-themed Contender II of Capt. Larry Lindy.
The Freedom Boat Club’s Sea Sisters are excited for their moment in the spotlight.
Capt. Dick Christopher and his crew show off their patriotism.
Capt. Dan Bachtie brings his crew past the judges.
The crew of Capt. Dan Dorsey’s Salty Hooker sails through the canal.
A rogue entrant cruises back up the canal.
Riding on Capt. George Finn’s Salty Girl are Margarett and Amanda Finn with others.
The JR Squared entry was for the dogs.
The crew of the Leopolis shows some love for Ukraine.
A pilot boat was one of the parade favorites this year.
Alexandra Reed Baker took advantage of the exposure to announce her candidacy for Sussex County recorder of deeds.
Riding the Red, White & Booze of Capt. Eric Beck are Sarah, Anna, Max and Elle Beck; Russ and Debbie Wolf; and Amy and Maverick Strong.
Lori Soligo and Hilda Chaski Adams took home second place for their Ben Franklin/Lightning Bolt exhibition on the Lady Hilda. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTO
The Beck family’s Red, White & Booze boat captured first place. Shown are (l-r) Anna Beck, Max Beck, Sarah Beck and Eric Beck. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTO
The father-son duo on the JR Squared laid claim to the grand prize of the boat parade. Jim Rivette, left, holds the plaque with Scott Rivette. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTO
Judges and sponsors of the event pose with the grand prize winners. Shown are (l-r) Jeff Kitchen of the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club, Maggie Bauer of the Overfalls Foundation, Bev Rosella of Freedom Boat Club, Jim Rivette and Scott Rivette of JR Squared, and Tom Rosella of Freedom Boat Club. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTO

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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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