Squeezing in a trip to the Delaware beaches this weekend? What to know before your visit
It's the time of year when we all glance over at our calendars and exclaim, "What in the world happened to the summer?!"
There's still some good news, though: We've still got one more August weekend to make the most of beach season.
If you're headed to the Delaware beaches this weekend, you may want a refresher on what to know before you go. But don't worry: We've got you covered.
Delaware Online/The News Journal has been following the latest news at the Delaware beaches all summer, and we've rounded up a few things to know, ranging from the latest weather report to information about beach festivals and an update on travel trends.
For anyone looking to visit the Delaware beaches during the weekend of Aug. 26, check out this guide for the latest information.
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What's the beach forecast like this weekend?
So far the risk of rain still seems very slight this weekend, so there's a good chance that it could be a beautiful beach weekend to soak up the last of those summer days.
As always though, don't forget to check the weather before making your way onto the sand. The National Weather Service even has a tool that shows people what the UV index and water temperatures are expected to be at several beach locations: www.weather.gov/beach/phi.
Here's a breakdown so far of what the National Weather Service is predicting for the Rehoboth Beach area.
First, if you're looking to take a dip in the ocean, know that the water temperatures are getting warmer this month and should be in the mid-70s. (As many people point out on social media, warmer water temps also often bring out some more creatures like jellyfish!)
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On Friday, the forecast is mostly sunny with a high near 84 degrees. There was only a 20% chance of rain after 2 p.m. as of the forecast Wednesday.
The evening cools off a bit with a low temperature around 73 and partly cloudy.
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The sun should then make a grand return and stick around for the rest of the weekend.
On Saturday, beachgoers will be pleased: the forecast is mostly sunny with a high near 83 degrees, and the evening only brings a few clouds and a low around 72.
Sunday should again be sunny with a high temperature around 81. The evening stays clear with the low hitting around 72.
Join the State Parks for a beach festival
On Saturday, people will be paddling their hearts out at Delaware Seashore State Park but − even though tickets are sold out for joining the group hitting the water in kayaks and canoes − the party continues throughout the day.
The "after party" is open to all park visitors, not just those who participate in the annual event known as Paddlefest. The beach festival will include live music from Unity Reggae Band, food vendors ranging from TacoReho to Dogfish Head to Smash Mouth Burgers, as well as many other exhibits and family activities.
To get your party on, head to the beach entrance at Tower Road near the observation tower any time between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more, visit www.paddlefestde.com/after-party.
Don't forget your rubber ducky for this festival in Milton
This weekend would definitely be worth a trip into Milton for the very small-town tradition of the Great Duck Race. (Yes, that means a race among rubber duckies down the river.)
On Saturday, people can visit the Milton Memorial Park for this summer festival called Bargains on the Broadkill, including more than 35 vendors, food, and entertainment.
Throughout the day, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., people can purchase rubber ducks to participate in the signature event at 2 p.m.
They can also contact the Milton Chamber of Commerce to buy a duck any time before Saturday.
Hey, it's probably worth a shot since you could even have a chance to win a cash prize of up to $500!
While you're in town, you might also want to check out the Broadkill River Canoe & Kayak Race at 10 a.m., which is hosted by Irish Eyes and starts and ends behind the restaurant.
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Rock out to Elton John and Billy Joel … sort of
Looking for an outdoor concert this weekend? Then it may be wise to check out the Freeman Arts Pavilion.
On Saturday at 7 p.m., the Selbyville venue will give the stage to "Face 2 Face," a tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel. A favorite returning show, the two musicians take turns trading the spotlight in this show that honors the best of the two icons.
For tickets, visit www.freemanarts.org.
Staying safe at the beach during COVID-19 spike
While the Delaware Division of Public Health reported that COVID-19 cases were declining compared to the report in July, the public health officials reminded people that the virus is still making its rounds through the community.
Community spread of COVID-19 was still high in Sussex and Kent counties, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data tracker, which was last updated Aug. 11.
Because of this, the state is encouraging people to wear masks in "indoor public settings" to help prevent further spread.
The average of tests coming back positive as of Aug. 19 was 17.5%, according to DPH data, which does not include at-home testing that is not reported to the state. The state reported that 177 people were hospitalized with COVID at that point.
Public health officials remind Delawareans that vaccines are now available for all persons starting at 6 months old, and vaccination is highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death.
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Beyond staying up to date on vaccines, outside activities and get-togethers are still safer than cramming into indoor spaces unmasked, according to DPH.
However, if you do have plans to be indoors or around a lot of people, DPH is suggesting people wear masks, distance as much as possible and keep up a good hand-washing regimen. And if anyone starts to feel sick or knows they were exposed to someone with COVID-19, they should get tested and stay away from others in the meantime.
Here is a roundup of advice to stay vigilant and avoid COVID this summer:
Get vaccinated and boosted when you’re eligible. And don't wait until the fall when the updated vaccines are expected to be available. You will likely still be eligible for those boosters then.
Stay home if sick and get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Wear a mask indoors in public and if you are at higher risk for illness.
Stay informed and turn to reliable sources for data, information, and treatment options.
Visit de.gov/coronavirus to schedule free vaccines and/or boosters.
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What to expect at restaurants, beach businesses
After a record-breaking summer in 2021, business owners were bracing for what this season would bring. So far, business owners and chamber of commerce leaders say this summer has been busy: People are booking hotels, buying ice cream and eating out.
Early signs show that travel trends seem to be returning to expected pre-pandemic levels, and multiple hotel managers said more visitors are spontaneously planning trips to the beach this year, rather than planning a long way out.
And this month is looking to be one of the busiest Augusts in recent history, according to data from the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce.
With these crowds comes the same but ever-important advice: Have patience, folks.
Some restaurants, bars, and others in the service industry are still facing staffing shortages and limiting their hours to preserve the staff they do have. This is especially true as many businesses are making do with thinning staff as students head back to school or sports camps in August.
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It may be wise to make early reservations, follow your favorite spots on social media or call ahead to stay updated on any changes.
As far as outdoor dining, many beach towns found ways to continue that in the 2022 season, but that popularity may mean you have to wait longer for those coveted patio seats, too.
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Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware beaches: Your guide for the last weekend in August
