Fall Festivals

Whether you are a permanent resident or a visitor, if you are bored spending time this fall in and around coastal beach towns, then you just might be living under a rock. Post Labor Day used to be “slowdown season” but not anymore. The fall is chockablock with festivals and events designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The majority feature food, beverages, and music.  

A few events have already slipped by, but there is plenty more to come starting next weekend with the 24^th Annual Milford Riverwalk Freedom Festival scheduled for Saturday, September 21 beginning at 9am. This is Milford’s largest annual outdoor festival, hosted by Milford’s Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001. Festivities span the entire downtown Milford area from Walnut Street to Bicentennial Park. The Lewes Artists Studio Tour is same day starting at 10 am (and detailed in last week’s article https://delawareretiree.com/fall-fun/ ) but the Riverwalk Freedom Festival is geared more toward families with kids/grandkids if for no other reason than it includes fireworks.  

The following week, we look forward to the Second Annual Lewes Apple Cider Festival on Saturday, September 28 from 10 am – 3 pm at the Lewes Fire Department, Station 2 on Janice Road, right around the corner from the Nassau Winery. In addition, to apple cider and apple cider donuts from Fifer’s, participants can browse through displays from 50 local venders. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo. Food trucks will also be on hand. 

The first weekend in October is jam packed with interesting things to do starting with Rehoboth’s Annual Sidewalk Sale spanning all three days starting weekend, October 4-6. Bargain racks will adorn Rehoboth Avenue and side streets, ready for you to browse as you enjoy our gorgeous fall weather on your weekend stroll.

Georgetown is spreading its wings with its 15^th annual Wings and Wheels on Saturday, October 5 from 10 am – 4 pm. History buffs would enjoy this free event that displays vintage cars and planes and also showcases WWII re-enactments. A unique feature of Wings and Wheels is the U.S. Naval Academy parachute jumps happening throughout the day.  

Dewey Goes Pink also is set for Saturday, October 5. The fundraiser for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition already has raised a noteworthy $1,541,000 up from $324,000 in 2023. The 5K/race walk race kicks off at 11 a.m., More than 4,400 are expected to participate. Afterward, Bethany Blues BBQ and Starboard Restaurant will serve up food, libations and live music by Kristen the &Noise and Bryan O’Boyle  Donations can be made online at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/81530/13th-annual-dewey-goes-pink/fundraising-organization/49437#event-description 

The ninth annual Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival was scheduled for the same day at Schellville (Rehoboth) but the festival has been postponed until Saturday, May 3, 2025 due to unavoidable circumstances. 

Coast Day takes place on Sunday, October 6 from 10 am – 3 pm at the University of Delaware’s Earth, Ocean and Environment campus in Lewes. This educational event attracts more than 5,000 people from across the region. Next week, we’ll feature more on Coast Day and other calendar-worthy events you may want to “save the date” for!  

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 Ophrah 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.