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Lewes holds second community bonfire

A cool evening is the backdrop for fun on the beach
Howard Schroeder warms his hands by the bonfire on Johnnie Walker Beach in Lewes April 11. The city hosted its second annual community bonfire, aimed at bringing neighbors together. BILL SHULL PHOTOS
Bill Shull
April 16, 2026

A cool, cloudless evening was the setting for the second annual community bonfire hosted by the City of Lewes April 11, on Johnnie Walker Beach.

“There’s just something magical about a bonfire on the beach in Lewes,” said Ellen Lorraine McCabe, Lewes city manager, in her welcoming address to the crowd.

McCabe said the goal of the gathering was to bring neighbors together for a free beach event before meter season starts Friday, May 1.

She also recognized the volunteers who serve on the city’s boards, committees, commissions and working groups.

The bonfire was set up by Quest Kayak. There were a variety of food trucks in the parking lot. A DJ played music.

The Lewes Fire Department brought trucks to stand ready if they were needed during the evening.

 

People gather around the bonfire at Johnnie Walker Beach on a cool, cloudless evening.
Councilwoman Trina Brown-Hicks enjoys the sunset vibes at Johnnie Walker Beach.
This group enjoys the nice weather by the bonfire. Shown are (l-r) Nicole Saunders, Stephanie Collick, Sherry Thomas and Shorel Clark.
People from several city department join citizens around the beach bonfire. Shown are (l-r) Lt. Jamie Locklear, City Manager Ellen Lorraine McCabe, Councilwoman Trina Brown-Hicks, Mayor Amy Marasco, Board of Public Works member Bob Heffernan, Shannon Martin of Quest Kayak, Councilman Tim Ritzert and citizen Bill Gehron.
Franklin and Riley Philbrick of Lewes play in the sand at sunset on Johnnie Walker Beach.
As the shadows grow long, this group enjoys an evening by the bonfire. Shown are (l-r) Mark Valesey, Brigitte Valesey, Jean Read, George Read, Bert Hennessy and Sue Ann Hennessy.
Lewes firefighters parked on the beach in case they were needed at any point during the evening. Shown are (l-r) Jonathon Shevock, Alex Anderson, Preston McCall, Jackson Curatola, Ted Pfirrmann, Jason Reader and Brian Bennett.

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Bill Shull has been covering Lewes for the Cape Gazette since 2023. He comes to the world of print journalism after 40 years in TV news. Bill has worked in his hometown of Philadelphia, as well as Atlanta and Washington, D.C. He came to Lewes in 2014 to help launch WRDE-TV. Bill served as WRDE’s news director for more than eight years, working in Lewes and Milton. He is a 1986 graduate of Penn State University. Bill is an avid aviation and wildlife photographer, and a big Penn State football, Eagles, Phillies and PGA Tour golf fan. Bill, his wife Jill and their rescue cat, Lucky, live in Rehoboth Beach.

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