April 21st, 2010
Lewes, Delaware, Historic Town, Events, Activities, Lewes Tulip Festival, Delaware Beaches, 4/23 and 4/24
Knowing that the Lewes Tulip Festival was coming up, I decided to take a drive into this charming and historic town. Besides the historic designation of Lewes, what makes this town is its residents. They are the guardians of its preservation and it shows. One way or another, they are all involved; they basically energize the town and it’s contagious.
In the past weeks, I had noticed all the tulips in bloom. I did not know that they had planted over 4,000 tulips last fall. They also created a tulip library located at the Lewes Public Library with about 28 different varieties.
As the season gets into gear, Lewes is already having plenty of events for visitors and residents alike. For more information on what the Lewes Chamber of Commerce has to offer, please visit their website www.leweschamber.com. You may also call them at 302-645-8073. Toll free number is 877-465-3937.
If you are in Lewes, and would like to visit the Chamber, they are located on Kings Highway, in the historic Fisher-Martin House, right next to the Zwaanendael Museum. You cannot miss it. Betsy Reamer is their President and you may contact her at the above mentioned telephones.
For anyone that is wondering what is the historic Fisher-Martin House, I would like to inform you that this charming gambrel-roofed home was moved from the country at Coolspring (on Rt. 9) back in 1980 as part of the 350th anniversary of the first European settlement. It was built around 1730. The Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau’s Information Center make this beautiful building their home.
Being that Lewes was the first Dutch settlement in Delaware, it is the perfect place to hold a tulip festival. Afterall, we associate tulips with the Dutch. The town is full of them, showcasing red, white and blue, among the colors; these which are the Dutch and American flags colors.
Another part of the festival is the Photography Contest. 4 categories: Lewes Architecture, Lewes Landscapes, Quitessential Lewes (iconic Lewes images) and tulips photograped in the Lewes georgraphic area. Two divisions: 17 and under and Adult. Already the winners have been chosen and the photographs will be on display during the Tulip Festival at the Zwaanendael Park, under the white tent. I saw the Grand Prize winner’s photograph and you could almost touch it. Its name is “Satin & Velvet.
On Saturday, 4/24, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Plein Art artists from the Cape Artists will be painting in Mary Vessels Park on Market Street, Stango Park at the Lewes Library and Zwaanendael Park on Savannah Rd. and Kings Highway.
So much to enjoy, so please join the festivities which include: Tiptoe to the Trolley Tours, Historic Preservation Awards, Photo Contest, Delft Exhibits, Plein Air Artists, Bonnet Stroll Contest. Workshops: Historic Preservation Sustainability, Photography, History of Tulips. All this info. can be found by visiting www.leweschamber.com.
As I was leaving Lewes I noticed that I was smiling. What can I say? This is what this town does to you….it makes your day. I hope you attend the festival and have a great time….talk to you later.
Note: Information about the Fisher-Martin House was t aken from www.visitdelaware.com. Information on the Tulip Festival was taken from different press releases, and by visiting the Lewes Chamber of Commerce.
Tags: Activities, Delaware Beaches, Events, Festival, Historic Lewes, Historic Town, Lewes, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, Lewes Tulip Festival, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
Great job on covering Lewes & with wonderful photos! That must be why Money Magazine has selected Lewes the top place to retire in the Northeast. (May issue)
I am not surprised. Lewes looks great and thanks to all the residents like you that are working so hard. Always your comments are welcomed and appreciated on the blog.