Lights, Sounds and the Mayor!
On Labor Day Weekend, as people flood into the Convention Center for Sundance, they are dazzled by the décor, amazed by the sound and lights, and astonished by the high-energy vibe in the room. What they don’t see is all that went on behind the scenes to produce the event.
“For me, Sundance is the ultimate ‘feel good’ event,” says Glen C. Pruitt, a Sundance Team Captain. “I have volunteered at Sundance almost every year since 1995. I've done lots of different tasks with lots of different people over the years. However, there is always the same joy in the work, the same excitement when the doors open that night, and the same satisfaction in knowing you are making changes in the community for good.”
Sundance 2019—Rainbow XXXII: Ultraviolet Disco Day-Glo Sunrise promises to be the biggest and best Sundance ever, helping CAMP Rehoboth to assist more people, with more programs and more outreach. In 2018 alone, the outreach programs served over 6,500 individuals, and its health and wellness programs served nearly 10,000.
Rehoboth’s mayor absolutely loves the event. “The Annual CAMP Rehoboth Sundance is a highlight of the summer season,” says Mayor Paul Kuhns. “For many, Sundance is more than just an event; it’s a place to celebrate community, meet new people, and embrace old friends. For over 25 years CAMP Rehoboth’s vision and leadership enabled it to become one of the most respected and successful nonprofit organizations in Delaware, and contributed greatly to establishing Rehoboth as a widely recognized community with acceptance and room for all. This event raises funds to support the health of our community and the fair and equitable treatment of everyone. The organization promotes cooperation and understanding among all people as they work to build safe inclusive communities.”
A favorite part of Sundance is the spectacular sound and lighting effects, which really ramp up the excitement. John Andraka, a lighting production manager from STARLITE in Moorestown, New Jersey, is a Sundance veteran. “If you would have told me in 2011, when I came on board as the lighting vendor for my very first Sundance, that 1) almost two tractor trailers full of lighting and rigging equipment would surely fit in a modest convention center with 14-foot ceilings, and 2) that I would be gaining a whole second family in Delaware, I might not have believed you,” he says. “But that’s what happened. Simply put, Sundance is a creative playground like no other. If it’s a true sense of community that you seek or a genuine reminder of what’s truly possible when we come together for a common purpose, then look no further than Sundance.”
So it’s two nights of great fun. On Saturday, August 31, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.—an hour earlier this year—there’s the silent auction, a live auction with auctioneer Lorne Crawford, and a three-hour cocktail buffet and open bar. Up for bid will be an enormous array of enticing items, including art, trips, gifts, sports memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind opportunities.
The second night, September 1, is the two-for-one Sundance, which includes the Sundance Disco Twilight Tea (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) featuring DJ legend Robbie Leslie, and the traditional Sundance (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.) with music by DJ/Remixer Joe Gauthreaux and lights by Paul Turner. Participants can attend either or both nights of the event. Tickets are $50 for one night, $90 for both. Fewer auction tickets will be sold this year, so those will be going especially fast.
“I’m looking forward to this true celebration of what makes our community remarkable,” says Mayor Kuhns. “On behalf of the City of Rehoboth Beach, thank you to all the individuals and organizations who dedicate their time and resources to make this event a success. This is also an opportunity to celebrate CAMP Rehoboth’s impact in our region and reflect on its legacy of bringing people and resources together for community change.”
It’s going to be a blast. ▼
Purchase tickets online. Want to be a sponsor, supporter, or host? Call Murray Archibald at 302-227-5620.
The 10th Annual Sundance Land & Sea Racing Festival
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Whether a serious runner, swimmer, a power walker, or want to dress like a diva and sashay away, there will be something for everyone. This event will feature a 5K run, a one-mile “fun” walk, a half-mile swim, and a biathlon. Also a Catwalk, where creativity and costumes are encouraged as prizes will be awarded in several categories. Be creative and prepared to sashay!
Anyone can participate, with registration at 7 a.m. at the Rehoboth bandstand with the race beginning at 8 a.m. Pre-register at seashorestriders.com for a discounted fee.
There’s an after-party at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center
with food and beverages, prizes and fun. There will even be a prize for best costume.