Visitors and locals alike fall in love with 'second season'

Although Bethany Beach still celebrates the “death” of another summer season each year, complete with a Jazz Funeral celebration, the season is really far from over at Labor Day.

Quite the contrary.

“Word has gotten out that September and October are two of the greatest months around here,” said Carrie Subity, outgoing executive director of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. “We get many visitors in September, including younger families who don’t have school-aged children.”

Just a week after the Labor Day holiday, on Saturday, Sept. 8, the “second season” kicks off with the 34th annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival, complete with more than 100 artisans who showcase their creations to the more than 7,500 visitors that come that day.

Farther inland, the featured event is the Nanticoke Indian Powwow, held on Saturday and Sunday of that same weekend, near Millsboro, off of Route 24, offering Native American dancing, foods, music and crafts.

In addition, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, is the Ryan Scott Kappes Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, held at DiFebo’s Bistro at Bear Trap Dunes. The event includes food, wine and entertainment, and all proceeds benefit the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of critically ill children during extended hospitalizations.

On Saturday, Sept. 15, the Arts & Jazz Festival will be held at the Freeman Stage at Bayside in the West Fenwick area, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees can preview artwork of some of the area’s finest artists and take in the performances of a number of jazz musicians. This year’s entertainment includes Joe Baione, Grace Kelly and Ron Carter.

Also on Sept. 15, the last of the new Fenwick Flicks will be shown on Bayard Street at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.). They will be screening “The Zookeeper.” Beachfront moviegoers can bring their blankets or beach chairs and enjoy an evening on the beach in Fenwick Island. Seating is first-come, first-served.

According to the Chamber, “Movie-goers are encouraged to spend the afternoon in Fenwick prior to the movie and visit the great shops, attractions and restaurants before coming to the Flicks. Don’t forget to pick up your ‘movie tickets’ at the Chamber office, town hall and other locations throughout the town prior to the movie to take advantage of Fenwick Flick discounts on movie days.”

On Sept. 23, the inaugural Bethany Beach First Responders Triathlon will start at 7:30 a.m., benefitting the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company and other area first-responders. The triathlon is being presented by Meris Properties.

“It’s very exciting,” said Subity of the triathlon. “It is replacing the Make-a-Wish triathlon that was at Sea Colony. Some local folks put it together.” A full list of sponsors and more information is available online. Registration is available online at bethanybeachtri.com. Registrants must register beforehand, though, as no “day-of” registrations will be taken.

For those in the area mid-week, on Tuesday, Sept. 18, Good Earth Market will be hosting one of its From the Farm Dinners, catered by Plate Catering at Good Earth Market and Organic Farm in Clarksville. The event will benefit the Global Delaware Fund. Tickets cost $95, and the rain date is the following day. For reservations, call (302) 537-7100, or for more information, visit goodearthmarket.com online.

In addition, on Saturday, Sept. 29, East Coast Garden Center will host its Harvest Festival in Millsboro off of Route 24. The day features beer from 16 Mile, country line dancing, hayrides and children’s activities. New this year, they will also be holding their inaugural Corn to Run 5K run/walk to benefit the newly formed Cordrey Center Charities.

October brings the sidewalk sale in Bethany Beach, on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6 and 7, and the annual Artisan Festival at the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire House, on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9a.m. to 3.p.m. Admission is free, and shoppers can peruse the wares of more than 40 vendors, displaying jewelry, artwork, glass, metals, fiber arts, pottery and more. Lunch and baked goods will also be available.

Millville will host its annual “Great Pumpkin Festival” on Oct. 13, with fun for the whole family. The end of the month will feature the Wags, Witches & Warlocks children’s and pet parades, in downtown Bethany Beach on Oct. 27.

And that is just a taste of all the fun on tap in the coming months, of all the activities that happen in this “second season” at the beach and in the surrounding area. With fall also come high-school sports, Punkin’ Chunkin’ and holiday parades. There’s fun to find almost every weekend and many days in between. For more information on area events, visit thequietresorts.com online.