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Boast the Coast celebrates Lewes nautical heritage

Ava Streiff, 8, shows off her mermaid face paint done by Cat Flaherty during festivities at Canalfront Park. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
October 8, 2025

Lewes celebrated its 29th Annual Boast the Coast event Oct. 4, when visitors to the First Town in the First State gleaned information on its maritime history and recent development as a coastal resort. 

The festival was sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and included the Lightship Overfalls groundbreaking ceremony and tours, Historic Lewes Farmers Market, merchants’ sidewalk sale, free boat tours, face painting and much more. 

“The weather on Saturday set the stage for a wonderful turnout this year at Boast the Coast,” said Betsy Reamer, Lewes Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Boat tours were a popular attraction along with tours of our other maritime treasures, the Lightship Overfalls and Cannonball House.”

Historic Lewes volunteer Alan Jensen displays a communication from the Titanic at the wireless station in the Cannonball House museum.
A real historical figurehead from a ship graces the hallway of the Cannonball House Museum.
Capt. Madie Voshell of Cape Water Tours gives a commentary before leaving the dock.
Russell Ary takes advantage of the beautiful day by getting in a little fishing on the town dock.
Tiffany Lionetti, left, and Leeann Augustine from the Freedom Boat Club get signatures on the tour waiver from visitors Eric and Sue Cohen.
Working the Cape Water Tours booth at Canalfront Park are (l-r) Michelle Green, Kelly Dunt, Betsy Reamer and Anita Vollmer.
Freedom Boat Club and Cape Water Tours offered free narrated historical rides to Boast the Coast attendees.
Cat Flaherty face paints an anchor for Jeanne Shook as her husband Dave looks on.
Ted Hack, Overfalls board member and volunteer director, gives a tour of the famous lightship.
Autumn Martin from Hershey, Pa., looks through the Twila Farrell sidewalk sale items.
Lynette Babb, left, and Lynn Tinacli shops for some sidewalk sale bargains.
Zwaanendael Museum lead interpreter Devon Filicicchia shows off the famous Merman exhibit.
This exhibit at the Ryves Holt House museum on Second Street showcases War of 1812 hero Jacob Jones.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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