July 3rd, 2015

Destination? Bethany Beach, Delaware, The Quiet Resort, Independence Day Celebration, Saturday, July 4th, Let Freedom Ring, Fireworks, Parades, Entertainment, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches

I like putting on the heading that Bethany Beach is The Quiet Resort.  Maybe it was known to be that quiet many years ago, but no more!!  This is a sought after coastal town in Southern Delaware….perfect for summer vacations, and to get away during the fall and winter.

Bethany was founded by members of the Christian Church; the Disciples of Christ.  They came from Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.  It was not supposed to be a town.  They wanted it to be a permanent yearly seaside assembly for the Christian churches of the country.

But quite a little town it is.  Families have been coming for so many years, creating many summertime memories.

The Fourth of July is celebrated big time in Bethany Beach.  This is the 32nd year.  There is usually a theme to every Fourth of July celebration.  This year’s theme is Let Freedom Ring.

Please note that on Friday, July 3rd, the Beach will be closed between Oakwood Street and Hollywood Street beginning at 5 p.m. in order to get ready for the Town’s 4th of July fireworks displays.  Make sure to pick all your beach items in this area.  The beach will re-open on Sunday, July 5th.

Fourth of July:  Registration

You may register your floats and bikes the day of the parade from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the registration desks as follows:  Floats-Route 1 and Central Avenue; Bikes-Christian Church grounds.

Fourth of July:  Schedule

Noon…The parade will begin at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Garfield Parkway and take its traditional 2 mile route through the town.  It will feature 5 marching bands and 6 entertainment groups on trucks with marching units.

After the parade, enjoy the following activities:

2 p.m.  Try your skill at the horseshoe-throwing contest at the southwest corner of the Christian Church grounds.

7:15 p.m.  Award Ceremony

7:30 p.m.  The Vigilantes band performs popular dance music on the Bandstand.  The 2015 Summer Concert Series continue all summer long.  On Sunday, July 5th the entertainment will be The Reagan Years, and 80’s Tribute.  All concerts begin at 7:30 unless otherwise noted.  These concerts are popular and perfect for summer evenings at the beach.  For more info., please visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com.  Click on Activities and scroll down to Bandstand.

Dusk:  FIREWORKS!!  No July 4th event would be complete without them!!!

Around 40,000 people attend the celebrations all day long with the culmination of the Fireworks.  As you can imagine traffic and parking can be a hassle.  Best deal in town are the Trolleys.  They run continuously between 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.  You can flag down the trolley anywhere along the route for pick-up or discharge, except on Rt. 26 and Rt. 1.  No pick-up or drop-off on Jefferson Bridge or Rt. 26.  The fare is $.25.  The driver does not make change  Please note that the trolley no longer stops at the Lake Bethany entrance or the South Coastal Library.  For more information, please call 302-539-1996, or visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com.  Click on Services and scroll down to Trolley.

Sunday, July 5th, is the Bethany Beach Farmers Market, from 8 a.m. until Noon at Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue.  More info?  Please visit http://www.bethanybeachfarmersmarket.com.

Have a great holiday week-end!!

July 3rd, 2011

Bethany Beach, Delaware, The Quiet Resort, Activities, Events, Bethany Beach Celebrates the 4th!!, A Slice of True Americana at the Delaware Beaches

This is small time living in a coastal town.  I remember so well taking my kids to the 4th of July parade so many years ago in Bethany.  That was our home for many years.  It is, definitely, much bigger and more organized now.  The town has grown so much and Bethany is a destination for families.

The events in Bethany Beach are a slice of true Americana.  Bring on the parade and the fire engines.  At the time, candy was thrown to all of us watching.  Countless flags and the predominant colors; Red, White, and Blue. 

Bethany Beach personifies true Americana because the town’s events have remained rooted in the heart and soul of  the American past.

A fun day in Bethany, if you are staying there this week-end.  Remember that this town is going to be bursting at its seams.  Go early and stay awhile, is my recommendation to you.

If you can, use the trolley.  You can visit www.townofbethanybeach.com for a complete schedule and routes or you can call 302-539-8011.

Sunday, 7/3 – Concert at the Bandstand by the U.S. Army Band Downrange.  It is a rock chorus. It starts at 7:30 p.m. 

Check the weather and if you have questions, plese call the hot line 302-539-5484.  The concerts at the Bandstand are outdoor events and they can be re-scheduled or cancelled because of the weather.

Monday, 7/4 – Start your day with Yoga at Sunrise, from 6 to 7 a.m. at the Bandstand.  Bring your mat and towel.  Drop in fee of $5.  Website? www.bethanybeachyoga.org.

Monday, 7/4 – Boardwalk Tai Chi from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. at the Bandstand.  $5 drop in fee.  These are gentle exercises to promote good health and well being. Jim Mace is the instructor and you can reach him at 302-363-4509.

If you want to take a peak of what’s going on the boardwalk in Bethany, then try www.bethanycam.com.

You will have to wait for this quietness a few more months.

This year’s theme for the 4th of July Parade in Bethany Beach is “The United States Constitution”.  It also pays hommage to the State of Delaware; the first state to ratify the Constitution.

If you have the opportunity to buy the t-shirt for this year’s parade, do so since it raises funds for the parade’s committee.  You should be able to find them everywhere in town.  You can also check the t-shirts out at www.townofbethanybeach.com.

There is no pre-registration for participating in the parade.

Monday, 7/4 – Happy 4th!! – Registration for all is from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  Parade will begin at Noon.

Horseshoe Throwing Contest – After the parade at the Southwest corner of the Christian Church grounds.

Pie Eating Contest – This is the 2nd Annual Contes and it will be held adjacent to the Christian Church grounds.  Please pre-register at Ruthie’s Bethany Beach Bakery on 115 Garfield Pkwy.

Parade Awards will be given at 7:15 p.m. at the Bandstand.

7:30 p.m. – Concert by the Milford Community Band at the Bandstand.  More info. on the band, please visit www.milfordcommunityband.org.

And, finally, at dusk?

Take notice of the beautiful flowers surrounding Bethany Bethany Beach; great job!!

Have a great time!!!….Remember to adhere to proper Firework Ettiquette….Be polite and have patience, especially when you cannot find parking.