Small in Size but Huge in Hope and Heart!
This year’s Women’s FEST was definitely small in size—thanks to the pandemic—but because of those who participated, it was full of heart and hope. Some of the socially distanced, in-person events almost made you feel a sense of normalcy returning to our town. CAMP Rehoboth staff were excited to see so many of our CAMP Rehoboth members and volunteers, some whom we had not seen since COVID restrictions began. And equally exciting were the number of new faces and members who came out in support.
Women’s FEST kicked off with what we called a Laugh & Learn. Playing to a Zoom room, Liz Bradbury dazzled the crowd with an immensely entertaining, informative, and funny first event of Women’s FEST, “Ten More Queer Women in Art and History Who Changed the World.” The attendees were from all over the US, from New York to Arizona.
The Women’s FEST CROP (CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program) event went horsing around at Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding, where our volunteers handled a variety of spruce-up chores around the barns in preparation for the new season of riders and clients. To keep that outdoor action in motion, there was lots of talk of birdies, though not the fine-feathered flying types, but rather in terms of golf scores.
No holes-in-one happened during the Women’s FEST golf outing, but that did not stop the smiles and laughter from the full field of golfers who played on (and off) the course. After the round of play, the golfers enjoyed drinks and great food and desserts from the new chef at American Classic Golf. Plus, our golfers got to be the first group to enjoy the renovated interior and patio. Kudos to the low score winning team of Arletta Nicholl, Mary Anderson, Kathleen Bostedo, and Francine Pranzo, and longest drive winner, Terry McQuade. Jo Picone made the course festive with her “Party on Hole 4” contest. We hear her new name is “Jo Peanut Butte,” but we’ll leave it up to our readers to find out why.
Then it was on to Saturday afternoon, when the Women’s FEST bite-sized fun continued with the Handmade Art Market. Quite the hit along Baltimore Avenue, several new artists and crafters were on-hand, attracting a steady crowd and occasional lines to get in. The new courtyard string lights, hung specifically for evening activities, were lit for this celebratory event. Thanks to all the vendors and to the hundreds of attendees who perused the market.
At the same time, nationally known artist and educator Joey Mánlapaz juried our FEST ART 2021! While the art market happened outside, tours of the beautiful art were given inside the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center.
The next morning, despite the early misty clouds, Broadwalk on/off the Boardwalk was set and ready at CAMP Rehoboth. Long-time members and Broadwalk Chairs, Kathy Wiz and Muriel Hogan, along with Connie Holdridge and Meredith Rothstein of the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, welcomed attendees picking up their feather boas and walking at their own pace.
During the afternoon, Vineyard Vines in Tanger Outlets hosted their Giveback event to raise funds for CAMP Rehoboth’s Women’s FEST. Be on the lookout for additional fun from them soon.
As a grand finale to our Women’s FEST-lite long weekend, Christine Havrilla, and Laura Cerulli and Ashland Miller from Mama’s Black Sheep, performed some of our favorite songs.
We owe a huge thanks to all who came out to support, volunteer, and participate this year. Special thanks for their extra time and assistance with the golf tournament to Lana Warfield, Pam Notorangleo, Joann Glussich, and Jo Picone.
All those who offered their time, energy, and funds from previous years, who supported CAMP Rehoboth as sponsors, know that we could not have made this last year possible without you—and we’re excited to welcome you all back as we reboot Women’s FEST for 2022.
The party has just begun, so stay tuned to the Women’s FEST Facebook page and the CAMP Rehoboth website as we bring more fun events throughout the rest of 2021. ▼
Anita Broccolino is Development Director at CAMP Rehoboth. She can be reached at anita@camprehoboth.com.