There are a boatload of FREE activities in downtown Lewes, Delaware on Independence Day weekend.  Cross your fingers that we get some sun, it seems like its been raining non-stop for the last two months. 

The City of Lewes will sponsor old fashioned children’s games on 2nd Street on Saturday morning. See my photos on here from last July’s event for some idea of the fun. Last year they had a tire roll race, burlap sack races, wheelbarrow races, and egg races… It’s a real hoot to watch and any kid can show up and participate.  Registration starts at 8 AM. The Races run from 9 Am to 1:30ish.

The Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade will follow – beginning at Roosevelt Inlet at 1:30 p.m. (ish) and will wind its way down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal to Fisherman’s Wharf for judging. Expected time of arrival at the city dock area is 2 p.m.(ish) 

To be eligible for a prize, the vessel must be registered by 10 a.m., Saturday, July 4. Registration forms are available at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in the Fisher-Martin House located next to the Zwaanendael Museum, Lewes Harbour Bait & Tackle at the end of Anglers Road next to Irish Eyes, Ole Salt Bait and Tackle Shop on New Road or at Pilottown Marina on Pilottown Road. Boats not registered by 10 a.m. are invited to join the parade by arriving at Roosevelt Inlet by 1 p.m., and following the numbered boat entries. All boats will be monitoring Marine Channel 65 and must comply with Coast Guard standards for safe boating. There is no charge to participate.  The boat parade is rain or shine.

The Lewes Doo-Dah Parade is also on Saturday and starts at 4:00 PM or 5 PM or maybe 5:30 and goes until 7 PM(ish).  Anyone who owns a convertible, a pickup, a bicycle, a flatbed, a tricycle, a wheelbarrow or a push cart will be in this parade and so will their mother. It’s casual. It’s not formally backed by any organization (none would admit to it, ha!) and its fun. You just show up with your face paint or your ribbon festooned bike or your bejeweled pet and get in line… Its an uncoordinated event – runs down Kings to 2nd or 3rd and back up Savannah.  Usually starts around Beebe Hospital, I think. Or maybe the Middle School Campus ? Somewhere around there.

Also on Saturday July 4th – Lewes downtown will host the annual sidewalk craft show on the streets surrounding around St. Peter’s (2nd, 3rd, etc). That’s an all day event.

And last but not least, the Historic Lewes Farmer’s Market will also be open Saturday morning down at the Lewes Historical Society Complex across from Shipcarpenter Square. Get there before 9 AM  if you want to get the best baked breads and other baked goodies. They usually sell out early even on a non-holiday weekend.  Come shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs,  flowers and more.

Concerts start at 7 PM. Don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket (and some bug spray)

Here’s the schedule:

May 26th – Buddy Holly Tribute – Rock & Roll
June 2 – Honeycombs - 50-60s Pop 
June 9 – Barry & Michelle – Light Pop
June 16 – Flashpoint – Variety
June 23 – Navy Commoddres – Variety
June 30 – 287th NG Band – Concert Band
July 7 – Chesapeake Brass – Brass Band
July 14 – Annapolis Bluegrass Coaltion – Bluegrass
July 21 – Copper Sky – Light Jazz/ Folk
July 28 – Milford Community Band – Concert Band
Aug 4 – Zydeco A-Go-Go – Creole & Cajun
Aug 11 – Tydewater – Country
Aug 18 – Navy Sea Chanters - Choral
Aug 25 – Dirty Kitchen Bluegrass- American Roos, Bluegrass
Aug 28 – Vinyl Shockley – Pop, R&B

For more information visit www.rehobothartleague.org

Fireworks to be launched from the beach and seen from the foot of Rehoboth Avenue and all up and down the Boardwalk & shoreline. Fireworks time is approximately 9:15pm. Come into town the easy way – take the Shuttle from Route One at County Bank, beginning at 6pm. Following Fireworks: a concert at the Rehoboth Beach Pavilion. www.downtownrehoboth.com. How to get there: www.jollytrolley.com.

On Wednesday July 16th the annual Kinfolk Wine Tasting and Art Auction at the Nassau Valley Vineyards will be held from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.  For more info call 302-645-6971 or visit www.kinfolkkids.org.

Join us on Tuesday July 8th or Wednesday July 9th for the 59th Annual Cottage Tour sponsored by the Rehoboth Art League. Houses are open from 10 AM to 3 PM and tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at the Art League or from local Rehoboth merchants. Call 227-8408 for information or visit  www.rehobothartleague.org.

The Best of Delaware Party sponsored by Delaware Today magazine will be held Thursday July 17th at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. The preview party is 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm and the main event is from 6:00 pm  to 9:30 pm.  Food, Entertainment and a Silent Auction. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, Delaware Guidance Services for Children & Youth, and the Delaware Children’s Museum. Tickets are $55.00 in advance and $70.00 at the door. For more information go to Best of Delaware.

Looking for some serious antiques? They are all here at…. Bethel United Methodist Church (129 W. 4th Street in downtown Lewes) hosts their 50th Annual Antique Show from Friday July 10th thru Sunday July 12th. Admission was not listed at press time but last year it was about $5.00 for adults…?  

On Saturday July 5th From 9 am to 4 pm, St. Peter’s Historic Chapel in the heart of downtown Historic Lewes will be encircled by artists from all over the East Coast. Admission is free. Stroll the booths on the sidewalk and streets surrounding the church at the St. Peter’s Annual Art and Artisan Show in Lewes, Delaware.

Join us in the downtown area of the Historic District of Lewes on Friday July 4th. We’ll have activities for children on Second Street and a Patriotic Boat Parade on the canal. Activites run between 10 AM and 2 PM.

10 AM to 5 PM – Bring the kids and stroll through the outdoor booths of the craft fair on the grounds of the Lewes Historical Society Complex on 2nd Street. Admission is $3.00 for Adults. Children under 12 are free.