Fall-ing in Rehoboth
I said last issue that September has become my favorite month living in Rehoboth. While some summer friends don’t quite get that, I’ll likely continue raising eyebrows by saying that October is a close runner-up. Perhaps it’s the notion of holding on to the last warmth and the most daylight before the dreary and dark winter rears its chilly head. More likely it’s simply because I much prefer flip-flops to boots.
Fall is also the time of year I often reflect on the number of people who frequently ask “what’s it like living here year round?” I’m always struck by that question and, quite honestly, it usually requires a good deal of self-discipline to not respond in a near defensive tone.
I’ve been so moved by this sentiment that I’ve gone so far as to add a question to the Volunteer Spotlight asking other locals how they respond to the “year-round” question. While I’ve written about this several times, it’s a point I never tire of making. How do we feel about it? We love it!
And why shouldn’t we? As the seasons change, what’s not to love about fall in Rehoboth? Where else does a saxophone, a mask, and a bag of popcorn have so much in common? In a span of five weeks, we locals, and those who venture back to join us, experience the Jazz Festival, the Sea Witch Festival, and the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival.
By any definition, that’s a lot of festivity! In typical Rehoboth fashion, the trio of events accurately reflects the diversity and culture that helps to make this the special place it is. Each has helped to establish Rehoboth as a premier destination in the Mid-Atlantic region during the fall.
Being a central PA native, I miss the beauty of the fall foliage. Eric and I always hope for good weather when we make our annual trek north to Penn State Homecoming. But as Rehoboth has been our home now for over five years, we’ve established a newfound love for fall right here in our own backyard.
As these words first hit the streets, we will already be in the midst of the 22nd annual Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival. Occurring October 12-16, the five-day event features nearly 100 performers from all over the country in shows at three venues—the Rehoboth Convention Center, the Rehoboth Theatre of the Arts, and Epworth Church. Many bars and restaurants also host additional entertainment from the genre.
Two weeks later (Oct 28-30), the Sea Witch Halloween Festival takes center stage, bringing an estimated 150,000 people to Rehoboth over the course of the annual weekend event. Also in its 22nd year, the event was recently recognized in the nationwide “Top 100 Best Events.”
It may surprise some to discover that Sussex County hosted three of the Top 100, as Bridgeville’s Apple Scrapple Festival (Oct 14-15) and the World Championship Punkin-Chunkin Festival (Nov 4-6) were also recognized. No offense to my scrapple and chunkin-loving friends, but the Witch (Sea, not Christine) is my pick!
Sea Witch is a non-stop festival of events—a Costume Parade (for people and pets), fiddlers, hayrides, pony rides, a 5K race, and more.
For our family, Sea Witch has become a tradition. Two years running, Eric and I have adorned our beloved Boston Terrier, Abbey, and entered her into the Pet Parade, held on the boardwalk before several thousand onlookers. In pageant-mom-like fashion, I’m proud to say she’s received a “Best Dressed” award both years. Hopefully her third time will be a charm, as well.
My 11 year old godson, Calder, has also caught the Sea Witch bug. He, along with his Uncles Chris and Eric, entered the Costume Parade last year for the first time. With several hundred entries, we were one of 16 trophy winners, dressed as Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Calder’s reaction as our names were announced as a winner was a precious memory we will always cherish. And that’s saying nothing about how excited he was taking that trophy home. Should you see a clan of Smurfs in the parade this year, you’ll know who they are.
The last of our trio is the award-winning Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, held this year from Nov 9-13. Since its inaugural event in 1998, the five-day festival has developed into a premiere, Mid-Atlantic cultural event. It showcases approximately 100 of the best American and international films including features, documentaries, and shorts.
All films are shown at the Midway Theaters on Route One, and the festival also offers informative seminars, opportunities to converse with celebrity guests, as well as special events including a Children’s Cinema Corner.
CAMP Rehoboth is proud to have supported and partnered with the festival since its inception and traditionally serves as an event sponsor. Throughout the festival a buzz is in the air about the films-to-see, creating a near frenzy to purchase tickets.
The moral of this story is that life is truly good here in Rehoboth, not only in the summer but also in the fall and all year long. If I haven’t sold you on attending any of these special events by now, I haven’t done my job. So come join us, and see exactly why I love answering that “year-round” question!
Chris Beagle, a realtor in Rehoboth and former mortgage officer, serves on the Board of CAMP Rehoboth. Email Chris Beagle