Family Fun

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No Tricks, All Treats

It’s almost that time of year again, and Coastal Delaware no longer slows down in the Fall like it once did. We appreciate living in Delaware all year long, but there is something special about Fall in Delaware. After most of us spend all summer at the beach, the cool ocean breeze, corn fields and farmland that makes Delaware perfect for the Fall. We love to share the word about the best places and the most fun amusements you can enjoy in Delaware, so here we go! No matter what you like to do, whether it’s enjoy a cold drink or spend time with your kids, there is a ton you can enjoy in October.

We’ll start off by providing you the links to the most comprehensive October activity lists that already exist, and then below that hit on a few of our Lessard Builders favorites for October 2018 Fall Fun. The two links below are exceptional websites that have compiled all the October fun going on in Delaware and on Delmarva.

Visit Delaware’s Complete Fall and Halloween Event List

Delaware Haunted House’s Delaware 2018 Halloween Event Calendar

Those of us at Lessard Builders may not be full fledged Halloween experts, but we know a thing or two about Reese’s Cups, Snickers bars, trick or treating and Fall fun. Here are three local October events that are our:

October 2018 fun favorites

Boast The Coast, Saturday October 6th &  Coast Day, Sunday October 7th

Coast Day has been a University of Delaware Fall tradition for decades. It’s sibling event, the Boast the Coast celebration, is occurring for the 23rd year in conjunction with it. These back-to-back local festivals celebrate Delaware’s relationship with the ocean and Coastal Delaware’s centuries of nautical heritage. If you are looking for some first weekend of October fun, look no further!

We recommend you start off the festivities on Saturday exploring Downtown Lewes and Canalfront Park for Boast the Coast. Boast the Coast is a psuedo festival where many local businesses set up for a huge sidewalk sale with the very best of their ocean spirit: so, you can expect tons of food (seafood in particular), vendors, and activities. There will also be an Oktoberfest celebration from 2pm to 6pm in Canalfront Park for the second year in a row.

The next day, Sunday, University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp (Pilottown Road) campus hosts their traditional Coast Day event! Coast Day is magnificent because it provides a fun, engaging, hands on event where people of all ages can learn about the ocean, modern ocean research, and our ocean history. Coast Day activities include seafood cooking demonstrations from local chefs, ship tours, touch tanks filled with ocean creatures for kids to learn about, food vendors, shopping, and over a dozen rooms filled with different talks and presentations. 

Bottom line: Boast The Coast and Coast Day are worth a definite earmark for the 6th and 7th!

 

Rehoboth Beach Sea Witch Parade Oct 26th-28th 

Sea Witch Festival Program- https://www.beach-fun.com/images/SWProgram2018.AsOf9.14.18.pdf

We love the Sea Witch Festival and Parade! The Sea Witch Festival is one of Coastal Delaware’s biggest Fall attractions and has continued to improve and grow with each year. 2018 should be more fun than ever. Residents and visitors alike flock to downtown Rehoboth on Saturday to watch as hundreds of local businesses and residents parade down the Rehoboth avenue in extravagant costumes and on ornately crafted floats! The parade and parade float/costume contest is one of the highlights, but there are also dozens of other activities. From a “witches cackle” contest, to dog costume competitions, to face painting and trick or treating you won’t want to miss this crown jewel of Fall Fun in Coastal Delaware.

Oh, be sure to keep an eye out for us and our Lessard Builders float in the parade on Saturday!

 

Cape Henlopen State Park’s 30th Children’s Halloween Fantasy Trail

Saturday October 26th 6pm – 8pm,  Sunday October 27th 6pm – 7:30pm

One of the best child-friendly Halloween activities in Delaware. Cape Henlopen State Parks transforms into a Halloween Fantasy Trail wonderland the weekend before Halloween. The State Park sets up their Fantasy Trail as a walking trick-or-treat trail filled with candy, toys, and it’s lined with all your kids favorite storybook characters along the way. Once your kiddies are finished trick or treating there is also entertainment, games and activities taking place under their big tent each evening. It’s a great way for you to take your kids whether you’re solo or you have a huge group of their friends. If you have questions about Cape Henlopen’s Fantasy Trail, call 302-645-6852.

 

We hope you all enjoy your October! 

 

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Have you ever thought to yourself, ‘Labor Day and Fall are here… Summer and the year are coming to an end…’? Yeah, me too, guilty-as-charged. For those who  haved lived in coastal areas, Labor Day traditionally signaled an emptying of the beach and what feels like an end to the ‘year’. What many come to realize is, there is something very different about the end of Summer in Sussex County.

The fable of the quiet Delaware beaches in Fall and Winter 2018 are far from reality. Instead, the end of August in Delaware signals the beginning of a new season- the Fall Fun season. Each month this Fall we will spotlight a few of the Fall Fun activities taking place throughout Sussex County. We want to welcome you to our new local spotlight blog series which will highlight the ins and outs of social events in Sussex County. 

September in Sussex: 

Bethany Beach Labor Day Jazz Funeral-

Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral Fall 2018
2018 Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral 5:30 p.m. September 3rd 2018

Feeling the itch to get out and enjoy every last drop of Summer 2018? Check out Bethany Beaches’ annual Labor Day weekend Jazz ‘Funeral’ parade! We love this incredible little festival which bids adieu to the Summer gone by with a ‘funeral’ parade, three bands of rockin Jazz music, games, food and a beach celebration all their own! This year’s kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Labor Day, Sept 3rd, at the North end of the Bethany boardwalk. For more event details visit their website at www.jazz-funeral.com/

 

Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest-

Labor Day and the Summer months come and go but the fun at our Delaware Beaches doesn’t stop in September. If you’re in town the weekend after Labor Day check out the Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce’s annual Sandcastle Sculpture contest! The contest is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year and is known for the massive, intricate sand creations that consistently wow spectators. This year’s event starts at 10 a.m. on Sept. 8th and wraps up with awards at 5 p.m. For additional information about the 2018 contest, visit https://www.beach-fun.com/events/event/2954-sandcastle-sculpture-contest.html 
 
 

22nd Annual Dewey Beach Triathlon-

Dewey Beach Triathlon Fall 2018
22nd Annual Dewey Beach Triathlon 8:00 a.m. September 15th

Delaware Beach athletes, rejoice! As the warm weather subsides we get the closer to Dewey Beach’s annual Sprint Triathlon! The event is one of the largest Triathlons on the East Coast and takes place this year on September 15th. The Triathlon was formed in 1996 as a grassroots way for local Triathletes to support the community and hone their skill. The event has now grown to about 1000 annual participants. Information on the race and sign-up forms can be found directly on their website, www.deweybeachtriathlon.com On-line sign ups close on September 11th at 7:30 a.m. 

 

SoDelFest, The Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival-

2018 SoDelFest Fall 2018
2018 SoDelFest 12:00 p.m. September 29th

The Fall activities start off strong on September 29th with SoDelFest 2018: The Southern Delaware Wine Food and Music Festival. SoDelFest is a fundraiser which brings the very best of Southern Delaware food, wine, and music together to experience under one roof. The event gives attendees an all-they-can-sample taste of food from 20+ of the best local restaurants and over 40 exceptional wines, beers and spirits. The festival’s other main event will be a LIVE mystery-ingredient Chef Throw Down that pits some of the best local Chefs from Lewes restaurants against their counterparts from Rehoboth Beach! For more information about this fantastic foodie fundraiser and to order tickets, visit https://www.sodelfest.com 

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed the first post in our new local spotlight blog series! Check back with us next month for the second entry about events in October! 

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The community that plays together, wins together! Middletown Community Has Fun at 24 Hour FundraiserIf you haven’t heard about the hardworking Middletown community organization M.O.T. Big Ball you should keep reading! The annual 24 hour Big Ball Marathon supports the Middletown, Odessa, Townsend community year round through various avenues. I’ve had the opportunity to meet the hardworking group of people that go above and beyond to support to their community year round – they are amazing!

 If you don’t have plans for Labor Day weekend, keep that calendar clear! Sign up for a team or stop by Silver Lake Park in Middletown, Delaware August 29th & 30th for family fun, live music, face painting, games, good food and sportsmanship for a good cause. 

Middletown Community Includes Dogs
Big Ball: Fun For All!
Middletown Community Helps Delaware
Fun for all ages!
Middletown Community Labor Day Fundraiser
Even Chimps can play!

  24 Hours of Fun For Everyone! This very unique fundraising event draws thousands of people from the Delaware community to watch softball games, participate in family fun activities and raise money for the Middletown Community. The actual softball tournament was the most fun I’ve ever had at any fundraiser. Ever. Playing in the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon was like being in gym class again and the length of gym class depends on how many games you want to play! I played in three games last year with three different teams. It was actually the first time I’ve ever played in a softball game so I was pretty happy that it truly is a ball the size of a grapefruit. Teams are from all over Delaware – companies, radio stations, schools, sports teams, friends, clubs and there are even teams that play with their furry friends – dogs and horses! It is a great way to get the whole family involved in giving back to the Middletown community – children of all ages can participate and I even brought my dog Wolfgang along with me who loved playing in the outfield!   Middletown Community Softball Tournment

Marathon Teams A significant piece of the tournament is the four marathon teams that play for 12 hours straight against the hourly individual teams. I’m not sure how they do it but they were positive and upbeat the whole time.    

  What does the M.O.T. Big Ball do?  Middletown Community MOT Big BallThe M.O.T. Big Ball Committee is dedicated to supporting those who need it most in the surrounding areas of the Middletown community. In addition to supporting other initiatives within the community, the funds raised from the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon efforts provide a safety net fund to help families throughout the year who might experience an unforeseen job loss, illness or other startling life change. Over the past 16 years, the M.O.T. Big Ball tournament has raised over $500,000 for the Middletown community.

In 2013 alone, the annual Labor Day tournament raised over $63,000! Proceeds from the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon supports many local organizations including: – The M.O.T. Big Ball committee has provided over $75,000 to the New Castle County Habitat for Humanity – M.O.T. Big Ball helps provide the roofs for the Habitat for Humanity homes built in Middletown. – Supports Positive Behavior Support (PBS) in the area’s schools. – Provide school supplies for the Appoquinomink School District – Neighborhood House, Freedom Center for Independent Living, Kellen Poultney Scholarship Fund, M.O.T. Special Olympics, The Everett Theatre, The Gibby Theater, Boys & Girls Club, Youth for Christ, Amazing Grace Ministries and the M.O.T. Senior Center. How You Can Help: – Tell your friends! Show support for M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon by connecting with them on Facebook – Donate directly to the community fund online. Every dollar counts. – Play! Join a marathon team (you brave soul)! – Play! Put a team together to play August 29th or August 30th for one game. M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon Starts: August 29th at 6:00 pm Location: Silver Lake Park 200 East Cochran Street Middletown, Delaware 19709

For more information, visit the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon website or contact: Kate Rokosz Email: [email protected] Phone: (302) 379-1531 Middletown Community Labor Day Marathon

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Did you know that the first Friday of every month, the downtown Dover shops pretty much throw a big block party with refreshments, fun activities and live music for the whole family? Stop searching for inexpensive things to do with your family on a Friday night! Get outside, walk around and enjoy what downtown Dover has to offer. It is a much better way to spend your time (and money) than two hours at the movie theater or in front of the television on a beautiful summer night.

Check out everything there is to do for all groups of age or interest at First Friday Downtown Dover:

August Theme: Downtown Dover Beach Party! First Friday, August 1st: from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Frankfurt Bakery on S. Governors Ave – Arts in the Alley, face painting, cupcake decorating, and an origami demonstration for the kids! DJ & live performance from the Blecher Trio, a family of kids singing the Disney Hits.

Bayard Pharmacy on Loockerman St. – Free refreshments from Frankfurt Bakery & a free summer gift basket for the first 15 kids who stop in.

Bel Boutique on Loockerman St. – Throwback Party Vintage Style! Fun for all – stop by to check out the real, vintage hot rod in front of the shop and check out the Alex & Ani Vintage ’66 collection. If this were me – it would be a great way to get the fiancé to shop with me! I could check out the Alex & Ani bracelets for as long as I wanted! Clever setup here, ladies.

Dover Art League on W. Loockerman St. presents “Shades of Georgia O’ Keeffe”, talented local artists will be able to demonstrate their appreciation for the works of this famous, accomplished artist. The criteria for submitted artworks it that the art works be in a style inspired by the works of O’Keeffe. This could mean art works done in modernist style, vibrant color, similar subject matter, or any other way that may show Georgia O’Keeffe’s influence.There will be a reception from 5pm to 7pm.

33 West on Loockerman St. – Live music by Tim Jardon starting at 8:30 pm

Golden Fleece on Loockerman St. – Hors d’oeurves and live entertainment featuring Brian McDaniels followed by Stacks Entertainment

Beyond Dimensions on Governors Ave – Hosting singer/songwriter Rick Hudson & light refreshments

Blue Hen Auction Company on Loockerman St. – Free Antique Appraisals from 5 to 7 pm

Dover News Stand on Loockerman St. – Live music by J.D. Sage

Rouge: 50% all bikinis

Partners In Design: 20% off everything

Additional First Friday participants in downtown Dover: Suds Bar & Essentials, Forney’s & Forney’s Too, Cendel Foundation, Beehive Beauty Shop, Emmanuel’s Book Shop, Amore Bridal, Chereveux Salon, J La Salon, Maxine’s Fashions, Dover Public Library

First Friday Downtown Dover Give Back to the Delaware community The participating First Friday Downtown Dover merchants all donate a percentage of sales to a chosen charity of the month as part of “First Friday Gives Back”. The Downtown Dover Partnership merchants have decided to partner with the local Gals That Give charity which means that the proceeds from “First Friday” in the beginning of each month will go to the corresponding Gals That Give charity of that month. 

The August 1st, 2014 “First Friday” will benefit Foundation for a Better Tomorrow to correspond with the July 17th Girls Night benefit.

Downtown Dover First Friday Gives Back

Time to open up that smart phone calendar and invite your your friends, family or co-workers to stop by downtown Dover the first Friday of each month to enjoy a big party and give back to the community. Enjoy art, face painting, live music, food, community and fun for the whole family. Follow their happenings on Facebook.