Delaware coast booms with back-to-back fireworks

Independence Day celebrations are happening up and down the Delaware coast, with major fireworks displays on tap Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5.

Bethany Beach
The 41st Annual Bethany Beach Independence Day Parade will step off at noon, Friday, July 4. The parade will take its traditional 2-mile route through downtown Bethany starting at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Garfield Parkway.

The awards ceremony will take place at Bethany Beach Bandstand at 7:15 p.m., where Rick K will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. 

The day’s festivities will conclude with fireworks at 9 p.m. For more information and updates, go to townofbethanybeach.com.

Dewey Beach
In Dewey, fireworks will be hosted by Highway One and set off Friday, July 4, from a barge in Rehoboth Bay. The show will be visible from most establishments along the bayside in Dewey.

Lewes
Lewes will celebrate July 4 with old-fashioned games for children, the Independence Day Lewes Boat Parade, the Doo-Dah Parade and the Go Fourth Lewes fireworks display.

Old-fashioned games for children begin at 9 a.m. on Second Street, which will be closed while games are in progress and reopen after the Doo-Dah parade has concluded.

Following the games, the Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade will wind down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal from Roosevelt Inlet to Fisherman's Wharf.

Parade entrants leave from Roosevelt Inlet across from the Coast Guard Station at 1:30 p.m., and at approximately 2 p.m., they will pass in front of the judges’ reviewing stand at Fisherman’s Wharf and turn before reaching the Savannah Road drawbridge. Boat parade judges are members of Lewes City Council, Overfalls Foundation and Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club. Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco will announce the parade with amplification in the area of Fisherman’s Wharf and the city dock. 

For more information, call the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 302-645-8073. There is no charge to participate in the boat parade or to be a spectator. Good viewing spots line the canal on both sides and fill on a first-come basis.

The Doo-Dah Parade forms in the vicinity of Lloyd's Market on Savannah Road. No preregistration is required, and everyone is invited to participate. The parade is expected to begin around 5 p.m., but is always unpredictable.

In Lewes, the day caps off with the fireworks display presented by Go Fourth Lewes. The best visibility is from Roosevelt Inlet to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Details are available at GoFourthLewes.org. 

Also happening in Lewes is the annual 4th of July Celebration & Classic Car Show at Trinity Faith Christian Center, 15516 New Road. Beginning at noon and lasting until 3 p.m., the free event will offer food and games. For more information, contact 302-645-5446 or 302-752-8112.

Milton
Milton will play host to the annual Bring Mayberry Back to Milton event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, July 4, in Milton Memorial Park.

The day features old-fashioned fun for all ages, including kids' games, crafts, a water balloon fight, and a bike decorating contest, presented by Irish Eyes Pub and Restaurant. 

Rehoboth Beach
The City of Rehoboth Beach will keep the Independence Day party going with a fireworks display Saturday, July 5. Fireworks will launch at around 9:30 p.m.  The display will be visible from along the beach and Boardwalk.

Festivities will begin with a free concert by the Funsters at the Bandstand, and they will continue performing after the fireworks.