Fall is upon us and that means the start of the “special events” season, in many cases also known as fundraisers (but very often FUNraisers, too!). Traffic should be more tolerable now that the summer tourist bulge is winding down. So let’s get out to enjoy the gorgeous, cooler days with still PLENTY to do!
The Milton Garden Club hosts its annual Garden Tour on Sunday, September 15 from 10am – 3 PM. Eight gardens will be on display. The tour also features an array of artists and musicians selling their work and performing at the various stops along the way. Tickets for the tour are $20 pre-tour and $25, the day of the tour. Tickets are available at Peppers Nursery, the Mercantile at Milton, Bella Terra Nursery in Ellendale, Titanic Pizza in Paynter’s Mill and Lewes Gourmet/Puzzles in downtown Lewes.
The Garden Club describes itself as a group of volunteers, men and women, who are dedicated to the beautification of the town of Milton through horticulture. Club members plant, weed and water the gardens and planters throughout the town and raise money to do so. The tour is one of its fundraisers that also include the Milton Farmers Market and the Horseshoe Festival. The Milton Holly Fest, held the second Saturday in December, is the group’s largest fundraiser. Money raised also goes to fund scholarships for students who are pursuing educational programs that are aligned with the club’s mission.
Right on the heels of the Garden Tour is the Lewes Artists Studio Tour scheduled for the following Saturday – September 21. This is a unique opportunity to see where 14 local artists live and work as most studios are in or connected to the artists’ homes. Masks may be required since the studios are indoors.
The variety and quality of work is striking. Featured artists include silk screener Nina Michelsen, realist painter Steve Rogers. Quiltmaker Sarah Pavlik, ceramicist Jeff Watson, jeweler Mary Louise Lauffer and woodcut printer Fred Dylia. Five artist studios are in the Historic District of Lewes. The rest are scattered nearby and bordered by New Road, Pilottown Road, the Lewes Beach and Wolfe Point.
A map detailing each location is available online. The map also shows a sample of each artist’s specialty so tour goers can get an inkling of what to expect at each stop. Many of the artists participated in the Rehoboth Art League’s Summer Outdoors show but the Lewes Tour offers a glimpse into how and where the artists produce their works.
With careful planning and attention to time, it is possible to hit all 14 locations by starting early and plotting a strategic route. Admission to the tour is free but tour-goers will be able to purchase raffle tickets for selected works by the artists.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum just staged its annual Beach Ball at King’s Creek. Philanthropic souls who missed it and who have a love for the theater might consider the Clear Space Theater Company’s 20th anniversary gala Barefoot and Bowtie from 6-9 pm on Friday, September 27 at the Sands Hotel. “Regular” individual tickets are $200. The theater company recently concluded a successful summer season and is now launching its fall and early winter selections.
Of the Delaware State Parks, there are many local ones offering great events like the wagon rides each weekend at Killens Pond and Trap Pond, or the lantern tour at Fort Miles. Check out the list of activities by park on this page: http://DE State Park / Programs
Great festivals and more are planned like the Big Kahuna Sea Witch, so keep your eyes peeled and we’ll keep you covered!
