It’s that time of the year when minds start to wander off to balmy beach walks, blue skies, warm temperatures and the, sometimes, boisterous sounds of summer. It’s probably not too early to plan family and friend outings before, during and after the busy tourist season. There are plenty of options to consider since summer will be here before we know it.
The Lewes Canal Front Concert Series kicks off in June. Several acts already have been posted including The Gatsby Gang on June 19, The Funsters on July 3, Mike Hines and the Look on July 17, Williams Brothers on July 31, Charlie and the Cooltones on August 14, Lower Case Blues on September 4 and The Funsters again for the concert series finale on September 18. Most acts will be announced as they are finalized calendars will be filling up fast. The free concerts at the Canal Park typically start at 6:30 and run for about two hours.
The Milton Music Series organizers have just begun to post their free events at the Milton Memorial Park but only one has been posted so far. The Funsters appear at the gazebo in the park on June 25 at 7 pm. All summer concerts take place on Wednesdays and most acts will be posted as contracts are finalized.
The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand schedule will be posted on April 1. Performances start at 8 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Rehoboth Beach has been offering free entertainment since 1963.
Of course, summer means easy outdoor access to numerous recreational activities like hiking, biking, pickleball and tennis, but cooler temperatures are no deterrent for recreation enthusiasts regardless of the season. Sussex Cyclists maintains a year-round schedule of rides that attract a more dedicated and hardier group of cyclists. Delaware Easy Striders organizes hike/walks on Sundays during the fall, winter, and spring months. Typically, they take place at state parks in Sussex County.
Pickleball and tennis players can continue to hone their skills indoors at the Dave Marshall Tennis, Pickleball and Fitness Club in Lewes. Lessons are available for all skill levels and especially for newbies who want to learn the basics before the summer season begins.
Foodies can revel in the many restaurant deals offered along the Delaware coastline in the “off season”. Delaware Beaches Online maintains an extensive list of choices. Ranging from Buy One/Get One (BOGO offers to specialty of the night offerings.
Clear Space Theater just opened its new season with the production of Dial M for Murder. At least four of its 13 show line up are featured through mid-April when warmer temperatures start to take hold. The entire show season ends in mid- December. Possum Players in Georgetown has also started its season and Milford’s Second Street Players starts its season in early February with a production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
Of course, travel to an exotic or even domestic location is always an option for those waiting for summer but not everyone leaves town. There is no excuse for hibernating since there is plenty to do locally. The days are getting longer now, and summer will be here before we know it.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
