LEWES, Del. — The annual Lewes Maritime Day celebration will return to the Lightship Overfalls and Canalfront Park on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., honoring the area's rich seafaring history with a day of activities, ship tours and live entertainment.
A highlight of this year's festivities includes the appearance of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter HERON from Cape May. The ship will be docked at the City Dock and open for public tours. Visitors will also be able to tour the historic Lightship Overfalls, which reopens for the 2025 season during a special ceremony at 11 a.m.
The opening ceremony includes proclamations from local leaders, a remembrance of Overfalls Foundation members who have “passed over the bar,” and induction of local mariners into the Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame.
There will be boat rides from the Freedom Boat Club, a pilot boat demonstration from the Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware and a life raft display by the Ferry. Canalfront Park will host maritime-themed exhibits and displays from more than 30 organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Sea Tow Delmarva, Cape Water Taxi and the Lewes Yacht Club say organizers.
Entertainment will feature the Sussex County Shanty Singers and the band Minus 2 Plus 1, performing maritime music throughout the event. Local eatery Grandpa Mac will also be on site to serve food. Cape Water Tours will offer a ticketed Maritime History Cruise at 1 p.m.
“Lewes has a unique place in the annals of American maritime history of which the Ferry is a proud participant,” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations. “The festival is a fun and interactive way to learn more about maritime history, industry, and its many vocations. Come join us as we celebrate the U.S. Merchant Marine, its historic support of the Nation’s military, and the many careers it offers.”
The event coincides with the upcoming National Maritime Day on May 22, which honors the American merchant marine and the maritime industry’s historic and ongoing contributions to the nation.
The event is co-organized by the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and the Overfalls Foundation and sponsored by local organizations including the Freedom Boat Club, Henlopen Bait and Tackle and the City of Lewes.