Enjoy a family-focused July 4th in Lewes. Here's what you need to know.
Independence Day family traditions will be returning to Lewes this holiday, and we've got your guide for your July Fourth itinerary.
Children’s games
For the first time since 2019, Lewes will return to hosting its classic kid games tournament. From 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Second Street will be closed for a variety of classic games for children to take part in including a sack race, egg toss, spoon race, potato race and a hula hoop contest. There will be several age brackets. Prizes will include $1 golden coins with the faces of different U.S. presidents donated by the town of Lewes.
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Street parking will be limited, so attendees should park in town parking lots such as at the Lewes Public Library or use the town’s new bus line, which will be running until 7 p.m.
Boat parade
After the children’s games, everyone is encouraged to watch or participate in the Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade.
At 1:30 p.m., participants will flaunt their patriotically decorated boats from Roosevelt Inlet to the judges’ booth at Fisherman’s Wharf before ending their route at the Savannah Road Drawbridge.
Participants can register their boat for free until noon on July 3 to be eligible for first-, second- or third-place prizes. Judges consist of members of the Lewes City Council, Lightship Overfalls Foundation and the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club. Entries will be judged on the creative use of patriotic decorations at around 3:30 p.m.
Spots along the canal to view the parade will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Canalfront Park will be a popular location for anyone looking for a scenic picnic spot.
Doo-Dah parade
Around 5 p.m., the Doo-Dah Parade will make its way around the town of Lewes starting in all its patriotic and quirky glory. The parade starts near Lloyd’s Market on Savannah Road and winds its way down Kings Highway to Second Street and ends on Savannah Road, heading back towards Lloyds. No preregistration is required and everyone is invited to participate.
The tradition started in 1965 after a multi-family Independence Day yard party that included a simple march around the block with some pots and pans. The tradition grew year after year, and after some pushback from local law enforcement, the parade was codified as an official Lewes event in the early 70s.
Resident Ed Shockley’s family has been upholding the tradition since its inception, and he has watched it grow from a block party to a citywide tradition. However, this is the first year in which none of the founding members of the parade will be present to celebrate, since the passing of two original founders, including Shockley’s father, earlier this year.
While the parade might have a more bittersweet feel to it, the event itself has become somewhat of a well-oiled machine at this point, carried on by the generations of community members who have participated in it throughout the decades.
What’s most impressive is that the parade has never been delayed by weather and makes a point to remain apolitical, staying away from any political and commercial messaging.
“It’s a real slice of Americana,” Shockley said. “A small town at its best.”
Fireworks
End your Lewes Independence Day celebration with another classic tradition – fireworks.
The best spots to catch the light show will be along the beach, but the town has ensured that the fireworks will reach even higher heights, so the display will be easily seen from town.
Staying Safe: Check out Delaware's fireworks laws before you light up your July 4th celebration
For more information on parking, safety and event details, check out the Go Fourth Lewes website.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Independence Day guide: July 4th family events in Lewes
