LEWES, Del. - The Independence Day Boat Parade in Lewes is back after the 2020 parade was canceled. The parade will begin at Roosevelt Inlet and make its way down the canal. At Fisherman's Wharf, parade entrants will be judged by members of City Council, the Lightship Overfalls Foundation, and President of the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach Rotary Club.
The year's long tradition is also about giving back.
The Freedom Boat Club is our main sponsor, and the sponsor. They've donated $1,000 and that will be split halfway between the Overfalls Foundation, and we will dispense it to various charities throughout the greater Lewes area,” said Chuck Ward, former president of the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach Rotary Club.
All boats in the parade will be eligible for prizes which includes a grand prize trophy.
"I’ve been in the parade several years ago, and so many people gather along the edge of the canal, up and down the Roosevelt Inlet, and all the way down here,” said Ward.
Once the boat parade ends, the party continues with the Doo-Dah Parade at 5 p.m.
"Anybody is welcome to come. People will decorate bikes, they'll decorate wagons, they'll decorate cars, and tractors, and everything and they all just have their unique little spin on a patriotic 4th of July parade,” said Betsy Reamer, executive director of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce.
This year's children's games on 2nd street are canceled. To end the day, fireworks will be launched off the barge at Lewes Beach at higher altitudes for everyone to see.
"Gills Neck road elevations are higher than Lewes Beach. I's very possible you could be up on Gills Neck road, on Kings Highway, we heard people could see them from Crooked Hammock, all along the canal on Pilottown road on Lewes,” said Debra Evalds, spokesperson for Go Fourth Lewes.
Reamer wants to remind people to come early and stay late, and enjoy the celebrations.
To be eligible for prizes you have to register by 10 a.m. on Sunday, and the parade begins at 1:30 p.m.