May 2025 Newsletter

This project has been financed in part by the City of Rehoboth Beach. However, project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of The City of Rehoboth Beach.

Memorial Day!

Jim Mease

As May arrives, the weather warms, days grow longer, and flowers bloom, inspiring outdoor activities in nature.  We know summer is coming because parking meters will be activated for the season starting May 15th!

May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, who symbolizes fertility and growth. It was originally the third month before the Romans moved it to the fifth month, where it remains today.

May is full of reasons to celebrate, beginning with the 151st Run for the Roses, a highly anticipated horse racing event set to take place at the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3rd. The race garners national attention, and many fans will tune in nationwide.

On May 5th, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, honoring Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. In Rehoboth and across the US, restaurants and bars offer food and drink specials. The holiday features parades, festivals, and traditional cuisine, proudly celebrating Mexican heritage and culture.

May 5 is also National Hoagie Day, providing a delightful alternative to the endless baskets of chips and salsa and the mugs of Mexican beer and margaritas that many Americans enjoy while celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Since a hoagie is a hoagie by any other name, you can say “no” to tacos and burritos on this day. Instead, head to your local deli for a hoagie, sub, grinder, or hero!

Mother's Day, celebrated on May 11th, originates in ancient Greek and Roman festivals honoring mother goddesses and connects to Mothering Sunday. In the U.S., Mother's Day celebrations began around 1908 when Anna Jarvis organized an official celebration at a church in West Virginia in honor of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis. She participated in a letter-writing campaign to push for Mother's Day to be adopted nationwide, which became a national holiday in 1914, thanks to President Woodrow Wilson. Today, families celebrate by taking their mothers out for brunch. Also, Mother’s Day marks the opening of Funland on the Boardwalk here in Rehoboth Beach!

Memorial Day, May 26th, honors military personnel who died in service. Volunteers place flags on graves, and a moment of remembrance occurs at 3:00 PM. Flags are raised at sunrise and then lowered to half-staff until noon.

The weekend also features the Indianapolis 500 at 12:30 PM on May 25th. In Rehoboth Beach, this marks the unofficial start of the 2025 beach season, bringing thousands of tourists to the area.

May is National Bike Month, established in 1956 and promoted by the League of American Bicyclists. It's an excellent opportunity to highlight the benefits of biking and encourage more people to ride. Rehoboth Beach has many bike-friendly trails in Sussex County. Key dates include National Ride a Bike Day on May 4th, Bike to Work Week from May 12-18, and Bike to Work Day on May 16. Enjoy biking anytime across the peninsula!

This month, we have selected several businesses to help you get out and about in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Odysea at 110 Rehoboth Avenue offers a great selection of T-shirts and sweatshirts with original graphic designs depicting local Delaware scenes of interest and unique coastal home accessories. Gallery 50, a contemporary art and frame shop at 50 Wilmington Ave., is a premier art gallery offering a diverse collection of modern artwork and custom framing services. They feature monthly art exhibits for all to enjoy.  Aqua Bar and Grill at 57 Baltimore Avenue is a friendly and casual dining place recognized by its unique and spacious outdoor deck. If it’s ice cream, you want to be sure and stop in at Double Dippers at 11 N First St. It's an old-fashioned ice cream parlor serving Hershey's Ice Cream for over 26 years.  The recently renovated Downtown Blues at 8 N. 1st serves up award-winning BBQ with high-end bourbon that is sure to please.

Finally, The Rehoboth Beach Fire Company, located at 219 Rehoboth Ave., is a dedicated volunteer organization that provides essential fire and emergency medical services to the community. They are always looking for dedicated men and women interested in becoming firefighters in our community and would welcome your interest.     

Representatives from RBMS have provided insights on each of our featured businesses, which you can read about later in this newsletter.

When you're out and about this month, watch for dog walkers, cyclists, and joggers. Get out and enjoy everything Rehoboth Beach has to offer. Rehoboth Beach Main Street wishes everyone a Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

New Businesses & Membership Renewals

RBMS welcomes new member Happy Place Gift Boutique, joining at the Bronze Partner level.

RBMS thanks Cilantro Cucina de Mexico and Elegant Slumming Fine Jewelry for renewing at the Bronze Partner level.

Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses

Aqua Bar and Grill

Peter Beck

Hold onto your hats for another fun summer at the Aqua Bar and Grill at 57 Rehoboth Avenue. Aqua's energy always keeps customers returning for more fun, food, and friends! Aqua is a vibrant and exhilarating destination, alive with an eclectic mix of people, each eager to indulge in delicious food and refreshing drinks on the bustling outdoor patio.

The infectious energy at Aqua makes it the “go-to” place for visitors and locals alike! 

One huge change for the 2025 season is the addition of a three-season room. This will add versatility to the Aqua experience, creating additional space for special events and larger parties.  For those who don’t like the intense heat of summer, it will provide a space to enjoy Aqua in the AC!  The new room also has a large TV screen, which can be used for sports, videos, and other special TV events. 

Even better, the new space will be available to rent for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries! What a great addition to make Aqua a better place for fun!

Aqua's menu features a variety of local favorites, including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and main courses. Among my personal favorites are the huge bowl of nachos, the soft pretzel sticks, and the fried pickle chips. I also always enjoy the All American Cowboy burger—well-done, of course!

In addition to serving great drinks and wonderful casual food, Aqua offers several weekly themes for its fans, including Sunday tea dances, Wednesday ladies' nights, live musical performances, and even “Taco Tuesday”. Additionally, Aqua frequently sponsors fun special events- who can 2023’'s Barbie blast and the annual bachelor auction?

There always seems to be a party at the Aqua Grill, even without scheduled events. Stop in and find out for yourself!

Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company: Make a Difference—Volunteer Today!

Walter Jones

 The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1906 and for over 100 years has provided fire, rescue, EMS and water rescue services to the communities it serves. It operates 3 fire stations and responds to over 5,000 calls a year. The full-time population of Rehoboth Beach’s district is approximately 30,000.  The summer population grows to over 300,000.

The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company protection area ranges from multi-million-dollar homes to mobile home parks.  They supply emergency services to City of Rehoboth Beach with their shops, hotels, boutiques, microbreweries, and restaurants.  They also protect the towns of Dewey Beach and Henlopen Acres. Their protection district travels south to the Indian River inlet, including the marina which is the location for hundreds of pleasure yachts and fishing boats. To the north of the city is a large Tanger Outlet Center, with over 100 stores, taking up both sides of Coastal Highway.  In the far western end of the Rehoboth Beach Fire District is the area of Angola which used to be farms and mobile home parks.  Today, the farm fields are being replaced with many new housing developments.  The influx of new developments has caused a dramatic increase in the Fire and EMS call volume.  One very large part of the Rehoboth Beach Fire District is water, with the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Rehoboth Bay with all its tributaries to the west.  For that reason, they also have a trained water rescue team with two boats and two jet skis.  They can launch the jet skis directly from the beach for any ocean rescues.

The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company is a combination fire company with a full-time staff of 14 firefighter/EMTs and one full-time supervisor.  The full-time employees staff two BLS Ambulances 24/7.  Because of the increased call volume, they are adding a third 24/7 ambulance during the summer and shoulder seasons. The crews on the ambulances are also trained firefighters and in their units they carry fire gear and SCBA’s (self-contained breathing apparatus). They respond to all calls, fire and EMS.  All of Rehoboth Beach’s Fire and Rescue equipment are staffed by well-trained and well-equipped volunteer firefighters.

The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company has, throughout its history, been an innovator and leader. In 1947, before most companies had even thought about EMS, Rehoboth entered the ambulance service.  In 1964, they became the first company in the region to purchase a Peter Pirsch Snorkel aerial apparatus. In 1978, through the innovations of this company’s leadership, they purchased a 2000 GPM Mack Pumper with a hose reel and 2200’ of 5” LDH (large diameter hose). The use of LDH hose in 1978 was unheard of in Delaware and probably in the region. The Mack engine had dual 6” suctions on the same side of the pump. This aggressive leadership behavior continued with items like the 3M traffic light control system in 1983. Innovation came to the forefront again in 2002 when they partnered with the Lewes Fire Department to build and share a single fire station in the Angola area.  All of these historic innovations show the character of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.

The challenges for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company today are many, with the extreme changes in population and increased call volume being the most concerning. Most people who venture to Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches come because of the beach.  While each has excellent beach patrols, who work very closely with the fire company, Rehoboth Beach Fire was concerned with ocean rescue since they have no ocean access. Because of this, the fire company invested in two Ocean Rescue Jet Skis.  They outfitted and trained a number of their volunteer firefighters to staff and operate the skis.

The other major concern was the staffing of volunteer firefighters. This became such a concern that in 2019, they completely reorganized their membership program, changing not only the mechanics of the program but the philosophy as well. This increased the number of firefighters in the fire company. At the same time, they restructured their associate member program, bringing in much-needed folks who could do fundraising and administrative functions for the company.

Through attrition and other reasons, they are facing a shortage of volunteer firefighters again. THEY NEED YOUR HELP! Anyone between the ages of 15 to 55, who is physically able, the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company could use you. It doesn’t matter your race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation, you are welcome. You can make a difference in your life and the lives of your community by joining the team.  Go to: rehobothbeachfire.com. Since 1906, the innovation of its leadership and the dedication of its membership have made the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company one of the finest companies in the region today.

Regarding the images:

Picture 1:  Nash Alvarado graduates from Fire Training Academy and receives her interior firefighter helmet shield at the Delaware Fire Service Training Center, Dover, DE.  L to R Deputy Chief Kent Swarts, Nash Alvarado, Chief Chuck Snyder.

Picture 2:  Wes Griffith receives his interior firefighter helmet shield, L to R Assistant Chief Thomas Barrett, Wes Griffith

Picture 3:  Newest Ambulance (E-86) 2024 Dodge cost $361,790.00.

Downtown Bethany Blues

Peter Beck

On a cold Tuesday night in April, my friend Maria and I decided we needed to go out to dinner and enjoy some comfort food. What could be better than going to Downtown Bethany Blues at 8 North First Street, right in the heart of Rehoboth Beach?

When we entered the restaurant, we immediately noticed the welcoming bar at the front. This was a significant change from our last visit!

By flipping the layout and putting the bar in front, Downtown Bethany Blues has changed its vibe to make the space more attractive to casual pedestrians. It adds a fun and upbeat feeling and has opened up the entrance area so it feels roomier. 

Jessica Nathan, the Director of Operations for all three Bethany Blues locations, explained that an acoustic stage has been added to the front area of Downtown Bethany Blues. This enhancement enables the venue to offer live music to its customers. She also mentioned that new windows would soon be installed, which will open up the bar to the street. How cool is that!

Cozy booths line the wall across from the bar, but Maria and I decided to dine in the quiet dining space in the back of the restaurant. This area will be great for families wanting a more tranquil environment or for large groups and parties.

Our meal started with delicious cornbread, and we both enjoyed margaritas, which were only eight bucks for Tuesday's happy hour. We shared the wonderful smoked Brussels sprouts as an appetizer. Even though it was Taco Tuesday, we decided to enjoy the pulled chicken barbeque, which was delicious. The portion was so large that we both took some home for lunch the next day. Our sides were tasty, and the servers were pleasant and efficient.  

By the end of the meal, we had eaten so much that we skipped dessert.  Maybe next time.  We enjoyed our evening so much that we stayed gabbing away until closing at ten!

Downtown Bethany Blues is an exciting addition to the Rehoboth dining scene. Twenty years after the original Bethany Blues opened, the newest location opened in 2023 in the former space long occupied by Nicolas Pizza.  Fans of Bethany Blues were thrilled to know they could enjoy their excellent barbecue right here in town! Interestingly enough, Downtown Blues also became known for its bourbon bar, but if you are not a fan of whiskey, don’t worry: there are tons of choices of libations for every palate!

Downtown Bethany Blues is open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The special happy hour menu is available every day from 2-6 p.m. Dinner is served from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. every night of the week! 

Be sure to check out their website to learn about the menu, the music, the drinks, the specials, and the fun you will have at Downtown Blues! https://downtownbluesrehoboth.com/

The Double Dippers

Peter Beck

After a weeklong bout with bronchitis, I thought what better way to celebrate than with a delicious ice cream cone from The Double Dippers at 11 First Street in Rehoboth Beach.  I saw on Facebook that they had reopened for the season on March 7, offering two new flavors: Peanut Butter Pie and Tipsy Peach.  As a long-standing fan of anything with peanut butter, I knew just what I had to do!

Double Dippers has had a longstanding iconic presence in Rehoboth since 1999, and two years back, new owners Nate and Eluh Diehl took over the shop. It’s a charming ice cream parlor that serves classic Hershey's ice cream.

When you walk into the shop, it feels like you've stepped back in time to the 1950s. The decor features colorful yellow and red retro-modern stainless steel chairs, a black and white checkerboard floor, and brightly colored walls adorned with fun murals. It's a delightful mix of nostalgia and delicious ice cream treats!

As I ordered my cone, I noticed a wide variety of cone choices, but I opted for my traditional favorite: the waffle cone.  My serving of the “double dipper” featured two generous scoops of delicious ice cream, with the cone filled to the very bottom with ice cream.  I enjoyed every single bite.

Double Dippers offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors, featuring both traditional and unique options. Among the favorites are Moose Tracks and Cappuccino Crunch. Most days, you can choose from 40 to 42 delicious flavors. You can enjoy your ice cream in a cup, as a sundae, or blended into a milkshake. Double Dippers is a fantastic place to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and refreshing dessert. With something for everyone, the friendly staff is always eager to help you find the perfect ice cream. For many visitors to our town, ice cream from Double Dippers is a must-have while they are at the beach!

For more information on The Double Dippers, 11 N. First St., call 302-212-5189, email doubledippersrb@gmail.com, or check out their Facebook page, Double Dippers.

Odysea…Destination Beach

Robert Howley

At Odysea...Destination Beach, you will instantly feel a relaxed beach vibe, sounds of Jimmy Buffett in the background, with a selection of stylish beachwear, accessories, and home decor items that capture the essence of coastal living. Odysea…Destination Beach is located at 110 Rehoboth Avenue.

Newly renovated, with its welcoming atmosphere, light and airy, with warm and friendly owners MaryAnn and Richard, Odysea…Destination Beach is the perfect destination for locals and tourists alike to discover new treasures and indulge in a little retail therapy. Odysea…Destination Beach offers original t-shirt designs, beach-themed jewelry and accessories, and newly added Kala ukuleles.

Visit them today and experience the beauty and allure of the beach lifestyle at Odysea...Destination Beach.

News from RBMS

Summer Employees and Housing

Are you a seasonal employee looking for a place to live?  Or, are you a resident living in town or nearby with a room, bathroom, and kitchen access that you might be willing to rent for the summer to a J-1 Visa Holder or other seasonal employee? 

Many Summer employees in Rehoboth Beach over the last several summers have been challenged to find affordable, nearby, short-term housing.  This is also a challenge for several of our downtown businesses that are looking to hire seasonally.

RBMS will assist seasonal employees in finding housing opportunities by creating a contact list of housing needs and sharing it with people who respond to this request. If you can provide a summer housing opportunity or are looking for one, please send an email identifying your need or offer, along with your contact information, to secretary@downtownRB.com. We will share the information with other respondents to help people connect.  

This offer is for a contact exchange only. RBMS is unable to conduct background checks or inspect housing, but for willing participants, we will share any available information.

Volunteer Recruiter Position

RBMS has a position available for individuals interested in assisting the organization with our volunteer program. The Volunteer Recruiter will support RBMS's volunteer program by recruiting and training volunteers. Responsibilities will include recruiting individuals to fill volunteer roles in RBMS, gathering information about each volunteer's skills, availability, and goals, matching volunteers with suitable opportunities, and scheduling, coordinating, and assigning volunteers to the appropriate departments.

The position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong leadership abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office or a similar software suite.

Please be aware that this is an unpaid position.

To apply, contact Rebecca@downtownrb.com.

Banners for Sale!

RBMS is replacing the banners on Rehoboth Avenue. Would you like to purchase a piece of history? These banners will be sold for $75 each.

Use a flagpole to show it off from your deck or hang it on your porch! Reserve a banner now. Once the new banners have been hung, the current banners will be available for purchase at the RBMS office. Call 302-227-2772 or email info@pdlovett.com.

RBMS at the Main Street Now Conference

Dan Slagle

The Rehoboth Beach Main Street executive team and other Main Street executives from across the state of Delaware attended the 2025 Main Street Now Conference, held April 6-9. It was amazing to spend four days in Philadelphia. Over 2,000 local leaders from across the country (and the world) gathered in the City of Brotherly Love to participate in more than 100 dynamic educational sessions led by over 190 presenters, 24 mobile workshops, and numerous network-building activities.

The Mayor of Philadelphia, Cherelle Parker, and Governor Josh Shapiro spoke at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference opening ceremony at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

RBMS New Domain Name

The RBMS Board of Directors recently called for a change in the website domain for our organization. To accurately reflect RBMS’ status as a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, the website domain is now RehobothBeachMainStreet.org (formerly downtownRB.com). This renaming has been accomplished with a bridge to ensure a seamless change and to maintain our site’s history. With this new name, users whose search includes the keyword' Rehoboth Beach' will see 'Rehoboth Beach Main Street' as one of their search results.

News from RBMS Members

Coast Rehoboth Beach Awarded High Honors

TKo Hospitality recently announced that Coast Rehoboth Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, has been awarded two of Hilton’s highest honors for 2024: the Hilton Award of Excellence and the Make It Right Award.

The award of excellence is given to the top 5% of Hilton-branded hotels worldwide, recognizing exceptional performance in both product quality and guest experience. Winners achieve top scores on Hilton’s Stay Experience Platform and consistently exceed all brand standards, from operations to service delivery.

The prestigious Make It Right Award is presented to hotels that demonstrate Hilton’s core value of hospitality through Hilton Honors appreciation, guest room cleanliness, problem resolution, and overall stay score. The honor is bestowed to hotels that go above and beyond to resolve guest concerns with urgency, empathy, accountability, and a proactive commitment to creating positive outcomes.

“Winning both of these awards in our very first full year is incredibly meaningful,” said Alli Hutchinson, general manager of Coast Rehoboth Beach. “This recognition reflects the heart and hustle of our entire team. We focus every day on creating personalized, memorable guest experiences, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built here.”

Having opened in July 2023, Coast Rehoboth Beach now joins a select group of just eight hotels systemwide that have received both the Hilton Award of Excellence and the Make It Right Award.

Adapted from an article courtesy of The Cape Gazette

Welcome New Member Art off the Avenue!

A ribbon cutting was held for new member, Art off the Avenue, on April 19, 2025. Participating in the ribbon cutting: Carolyn Diefenderfer, RBMS Assistant Treasurer; Suzie Martin, RBMS Board President; Stephen Scheffer, RBMS Board Member; the Art Off the Avenue's new owners, Susan McLean, Kim Johnson; Alli Hutchinson, RBMS Board Member; Herb Engert, RBMS Board Member; and Jerry Filbin, RBMS Board Secretary.

Art off the Avenue owners, Susan and Kim, sell a variety of local landscape and wildlife photography on canvas, metals, and framed and matted prints. They also offer many other photography-related services, such as family portraits, professional headshots, real estate photography, commercial photography, and more. Additionally, Susan offers social media, incorporation and registered agent services and helps clients with various marketing and advertising needs.

Susan and Kim are excited to see the new shop at 33 Baltimore Avenue, unit D/E, in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Their little part of the neighborhood is located right next to the Blue Moon, and you’ll find them in the Shops at Baltimore Commons in the courtyard between Beaches—The Green Truck Shop and Elegant Slumming Fine Jewelry.

Please visit from Friday, May 9th, to Sunday, May 11th, for a 15% off sale on all regular-priced in-stock inventory and a 10% off any new orders.

In the off-season, they are open primarily on weekends but still offer consultations and appointments for private browsing seven days a week. You can message them or call/text 302-500-3733 to schedule an appointment.

Tequila & Bears Event

The Rehoboth Beach Bears are holding a pairing and tasting fundraising event at Above the Dunes on Friday, May 16, 7:00pm to closing. The event features a four-course meal by chef Corey Harris with tequila pairings and cocktails by Casamigos. Tickets are $80 and are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tequila-bears-tickets-1323855811369.

CAMP Rehoboth Event–ACLU of DE: Activist Training

Following CAMP Rehoboth’s “Protecting Progress” panel in January, CAMP Rehoboth is excited to host the ACLU of DE for a special Activist Training, to be held at CAMP on Thursday, May 8, from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

The ultimate power in our democracy lies with the people, not with any single elected official. The Federal Administration has begun enacting policies that attack immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ students, people seeking reproductive healthcare, those who dissent, and many more. But, ACLU has been preparing for this moment to ensure we are ready to fight back against the administration’s unprecedented threats to restrict our civil rights and liberties.

Join our friends at CAMP Rehoboth at an upcoming activist training during which you will learn how local advocacy can help expand protections in our state, and how you can be a part of the ACLU of Delaware’s affirmative agenda to advance civil liberties for all Delawareans. This hands-on training will allow you to learn more about ongoing issue campaigns from voting rights to criminal legal reform to education equity, and hear more about ACLU’s Firewall for Freedom work focused on immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and free speech.

CAMP Rehoboth / DE Breast Cancer Coalition: Broadwalk on the Boardwalk 

Join the DE Breast Cancer Coalition for the 15th Annual Broadwalk on the Boardwalk on Saturday, May 10! Starting at 9:00am with registration and a fun kick-off party in the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard, you won’t want to miss music by DJ Sharon and exciting activities like face painting and a 50/50 raffle. At 10:00am, we’ll walk together to honor loved ones lost to cancer and celebrate our survivors, culminating in forming a heart on the beach. Let’s make memories together for a fantastic cause!

 To register: Broadwalk on the Boardwalk 2025 Fundraising Campaign for Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition

CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Concert: The Magic of Motown

“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” that CAMP Rehoboth Chorus continues their fifteenth season giving some “Respect” to The Magic of Motown. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” as the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus celebrates Stevie Wonder and many other luminaries in the second concert in their fifteenth season. There will be “Dancing in the Street” and loads of “Respect” on June 13–14 at 7:00pm and June 15 at 3:00pm, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students, available at camprehoboth.org.

Rehoboth in Bloom

On Monday, April 28, starting at 7:15am, the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company filled the planters where the teams don’t have access to water.  This is the 7th year in a row, and we are so grateful for the help!  What a wonderful town we have!

Rehoboth in Bloom is ready to kick off the new season.  On Tuesday, April 28, the team met for the kickoff breakfast on the third floor of city hall. About 50 of the volunteers joined together for a “pot luck breakfast.” On May 5 and 6 the teams will remove the winter pansies and prepare the soil. Then, the following week the summer annuals will be delivered by Peppers Greenhouse and planted. Let’s hope that Mother Nature is kind to our flowers and gives them some warmth to get them growing.

RBMS—Purple Parrot Grill Gumbo Crawl 2025 a Success!

Twenty-three restaurants participated in this year’s Gumbo Crawl, held on Saturday, April 5. 1,093 tickets were sold.  New this year was the use of a QR code for voting, which allowed us to gather comments and suggestions from the Crawlers and ask about their likelihood of participating in 2026.

 This year’s Gumbo Crawl winners are:

●     1st Place: The Blue Moon

●     2nd Place: Above the Dunes

●     3rd Place: Mariachi Restaurant

●     Best Specialty Drink: Victoria’s Restaurant

 An award ceremony was held at the Purple Parrot Grill on Wednesday, April 16th.

 Some of the kudos received were:

●     Great way to find my way around many businesses in town.  Camaraderie amongst attendees was exceptional.

●     It was fabulous!  All were delicious!

●     Awesome.  I loved the improvements already made from last year to this year in regards to organizing by quadrants.

●     This year was better than all others but have enjoyed all Gumbo Crawls.

●     The RBMS staff is so friendly!  Thanks to all the volunteers for all their efforts to make the event such a great time.

●     Best event of the year

●     Well managed

●     This year's set up was the best so far.  Have been going for years.

●     Fantastic event!  Thanks to Rehoboth Beach Main Street and all of the participating restaurants.  Well done!

●     We did this last year for the first time.  We brought more family this time.  It will now be a Kozel Family tradition!

RBMS Sponsors the Annual Margarita Crawl!

Saturday, May 31, from 12:00 to 4:00pm, come downtown for the annual Margarita Crawl! Enjoy a tasty margarita at each of the 25 participating restaurants. Tickets are $25 and are available for purchase at the RBMS office–509 Rehoboth Avenue–or by calling 302-227-2772.

Hope to see y’all downtown!

Website, Newsletter, & Social Media Stats

Facebook Views are up 42% over the previous month, at 127,300 Views. Reach is up 15% at 42,800 individuals viewing our page. Most viewed posts were for the Gumbo Crawl (17,381), the Browseabout Books spotlight in USA Today (13,068), a second Gumbo Crawl post featuring Debra and Patrick at the Purple Parrot Grill (9,022), The Ice Cream Store (8,239), three additional Gumbo Crawl posts (8,220, 6,836, and 5,123), and the Bloomin’ Dance (4,121).

Instagram Views were up 44.5%, at 27,200 views, with a reach of 11,000 views (up 197%). Most views were for the Gumbo Crawl (7,201), the Bloomin’ Dance (4,287), Peddler’s Barber Shop (1,287), and the Browseabout Books spotlight in USA Today (1,111).

On the RBMS Website, most views continue to be of the web-cams (3,704), followed by the RBMS Newsletter page (1,786), the Home page (1,027), Off-Season Specials page (535), the Events page (522), and the Shop Directory (348).

The RBMS Google Ads resulted in 36,200 Impressions, with 644 clicked links to the RBMS website. Cost was $253.00. The Google Ads now also appear on YouTube.

The April newsletter was mailed to 2,263 subscribers on March 28. Open Rate was 56%, Click Rate 5%.

Why I Am a Member of Rehoboth Beach Main Street

In this month’s issue, we highlight Alli Hutchinson, General Manager of Coast Rehoboth Beach / Sirocco Food & Drink. Alli is also a member of the RBMS Board of Directors.

When did you join RBMS?

I joined RBMS when Coast Rehoboth Beach officially opened in July 2023.

During pre-opening, Dan Slagle (RBMS Executive Director) came by to introduce himself and welcome us to town. That's when we knew we needed to join RBMS.

Dan and the RBMS board joined us right after we joined for our official ribbon cutting for Coast Rehoboth Beach / Sirocco Food & Drink.

What were your initial reasons for joining?

As General Manager of a brand new hotel and restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, we wanted to be able to grow within our small town. Community is a very important core value to our company, TKo Hospitality. We knew that by joining RBMS our business would benefit by joining others who have the same goals as we do to make Rehoboth Beach a place where guests from out of town enjoy visiting time and time again and to be a part of a town where locals are proud to call home.

What do you see as the benefits of RBMS membership (to your business, as well as to the City of Rehoboth Beach)?

RBMS benefits our hotel and restaurant by advertising and marketing events that we share with them through their social media and newsletters. By participating in RBMS events  like the Gumbo Crawl, Margarita Crawl, and other fundraisers, we have benefited from new customers coming in to experience our new restaurant and hotel. Being a member of RBMS is also a plus because this organization is a pillar within our community by always advocating for the businesses in town and finding new ways to bring guests into our community year round.

Anything else to add?

Every business in town should be a part of RBMS, because if we all work together and give back to our community we can make Rehoboth Beach a preferred year round resort destination.

We thank Alli for her thoughtful comments and for being a member of RBMS and member of the Board!

News from the City of Rehoboth Beach

Bandstand unveils 2025 Summer Concert Series lineupThe Rehoboth Beach Bandstand’s 2025 Summer Concert Series kicks off on May 24 with an exceptional tribute performance by We May Be Right – A Tribute to Billy Joel, in celebration of Memorial Day weekend. Officially starting on June 13, the series features electrifying performances from top tribute and party bands every weekend evening throughout the summer. "2025 is shaping up to be one of our most exciting seasons yet," says Bandstand Director Corey Groll. Concerts are at 8 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and all performances are free to the public. Check the full schedule for details: 2025 Summer Concert series schedule.

Lisa Borin Ogden hired as city’s first in-house solicitor

The City of Rehoboth Beach has hired Lisa Borin Ogden to serve as the city’s first in-house solicitor, beginning May 27. The Board of Commissioners authorized the mayor to sign the employment agreement during its meeting on April 17.

Ogden is a member of the Delaware Bar and earned her juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law and her undergraduate degree from Emory University. Ogden has a long and distinguished career as a public servant, most recently serving as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control from 2017 to 2025. In that capacity, she oversaw the operation of multiple divisions, indirectly supervised more than 900 employees, and managed a budget exceeding $250 million. She also managed permitting, public outreach, and regulatory compliance for the state’s first offshore wind development project and directed permitting for the expansion of the Port of Wilmington.

Ogden was also formerly a Delaware deputy attorney general and served as director of the state’s Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program, where she restructured and modernized an office that provides critical resources and relief to victims of violent crime.

“I’m excited to welcome Lisa to the City of Rehoboth Beach team,” says Mayor Stan Mills. “She brings a wealth of legal and managerial skills and experience that will serve the city well. I look forward to bringing this important role in-house and centralizing the city’s legal services.”

As the City of Rehoboth Beach’s solicitor, Ogden will provide legal advice and consultation to the Board of Commissioners and city officials and will oversee all legal activities for the city, except for representation of the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. Her starting annual salary will be $200,000/year.

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Photo Gallery

Maria Misak

The fourth annual Easter Bonnet Bar Crawl was a great success, held on Saturday, April 19. Festive bonnets filled the town, creating a lively atmosphere. This event raises funds for the Rehoboth Beach Bears High School Scholarship Program.

Events

 For a full version of Events, go to Events | RBMainSt on the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Website.

Rehoboth Beach Library

226 Rehoboth Avenue

 For a full calendar of events during May at the library, please visit Rehoboth Beach Public Library - LibCal - Delaware Libraries

Clear Space Theatre Presents Spring Awakening

5/2 – 5/18

20 Baltimore Avenue

Browseabout Books—Author Talks & Book Signings

Philip Barbara | The Hartford Atonement

Saturday 5/3, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Browseabout Books

133 Rehoboth Avenue

Thomas Guay | Chesapeake Bound: An Annapolis Novel

Saturday 5/3, 1:00–3:00pm

Browseabout Books

133 Rehoboth Avenue

Lindsey Van Wagner | Spirit Vigilante

Saturday 5/10, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Browseabout Books

133 Rehoboth Avenue

Science and Society | Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth

Tuesday 5/13, 5:00–6:00pm

Zoom

Anne Colwell | Broken Heart Syndrome

Friday 5/16, 5:00–6:00pm

Lewes Public Library

111 Adams Avenue, Lewes

Tom Doyle | Happy to Be Me: An Indigo Blue Adventure

Saturday 5/17, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Browseabout Books

133 Rehoboth Avenue

Catherine Miller | Under A Mermaid Moon

Saturday 5/24, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Browseabout Books

133 Rehoboth Avenue

Mary Alice Monroe | Where the Rivers Merge

Saturday 5/24, 1:00–3:00pm

Browseabout Books

133 Rehoboth Avenue

James Sears | Queering Rehoboth Beach

Sunday 5/25, 1:30–3:30pm

Browseabout Books

133 Rehoboth Avenue

Walter Curran | Coming Ashore

Saturday 5/31, 11:00–1:00pm

Browseabout Books

133 Rehoboth Avenue

Marc Avery | Discipline

Saturday 5/31, 1:00–3:00pm

Browseabout Books

133 Rehoboth Avenue

Rehoboth Beach Bears

FURst Friday

Friday 5/2, 5:00–7:00pm

Above the Dunes

101 S Boardwalk, 2nd Floor

Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center

Spring Sidewalk Sale

Friday 5/2 – Sunday 5/4

Downtown Rehoboth Beach

Cape Henlopen Senior Center

Rhythm of Color Art Show

Saturday 5/3, 10:00am – 3:00pm

11 Christian Street

Cape Henlopen Senior Center

Cash Bingo Fundraiser

Wednesday 5/7, Doors open at 11:30am. Games start at 1:00pm

11 Christian Street

CAMP Rehoboth

ACLU of DE: Activist Training

Thursday 5/8, 4:00–6:00pm

37 Baltimore Avenue

Rehoboth Beach Museum

Photo Review: Collection of Judge Horn

Thursday 5/8, 5:00–7:00pm

511 Rehoboth Avenue

CAMP Rehoboth

Broadwalk on the Boardwalk

Saturday 5/10, 9:00–11:00am

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Rehoboth Beach Museum

Mother’s Day Story Time & Craft Event

Saturday 5/10, 10:00–11:00am

511 Rehoboth Avenue

Rehoboth Beach Museum

Rev. Todd Returns for Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary

Thursday 5/15, 5:30–6:30pm

511 Rehoboth Avenue

Rehoboth Beach Bears

Tequila & Bears Event

Friday 5/16, 7:00 – Closing

Above the Dunes

101 S. Boardwalk, 2nd Floor

Rehoboth Art League & the City of Rehoboth Beach

Arts Festival

Saturday 5/17, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Grove Park

Rehoboth Beach Bears

Fur Ball

Saturday 5/17, 9:00pm – Closing

Aqua Bar & Grill

57 Baltimore Avenue

Ride with Pride Motorcycle Run

Sunday 5/18

Aqua Bar & Grill

57 Baltimore Avenue

CAMP Rehoboth

Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay Meet-&-Greet at CAMP Rehoboth

Monday 5/19, 6:00–7:00pm

37 Baltimore Avenue

Cape Henlopen Senior Center

All-You-Can-Eat Pancake and Sausage Breakfast

Thursday 5/22, 8:30–10:00am

11 Christian Street

Clear Space Theatre Presents Buyer & Cellar

5/29 – 6/1

20 Baltimore Avenue

Rehoboth Beach Main Street

Margarita Crawl

Saturday 5/31, 12:00–4:00pm

Downtown Rehoboth Beach

Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Events!

Rehoboth Beach Bears

FURst Friday

Friday 6/6, 5:00–7:00pm

Aqua Bar & Grill

57 Baltimore Avenue

CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Concert: The Magic of Motown

6/13-14, 7:00pm & 6/14, 3:00pm

Epworth United Methodist Church

19825 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach

Clear Space Theatre Presents Hairspray

6/24 – 8/30

20 Baltimore Avenue

Rehoboth Beach Bears

Bear Weekend

Wednesday 9/17 – Sunday 9/21

Atlantic Sands Hotel