May 2026 Newsletter

RBMainStreet
2 hours ago
21 min read

This project has been partially funded 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

May arrives in Rehoboth Beach, bringing excitement as everyone has spent the month of April preparing for another beach season along the eastern coast of the United States. April rain helps flowers bloom in May and brings warmer weather. We can't wait for summer days at Rehoboth Beach when we welcome thousands of friends and family to come to enjoy Rehoboth Beach and the Boardwalk. While here, they shop, dine, and explore a variety of entertainment options.

May is filled with various holidays that celebrate cultural and historical significance. It begins with May Day on the 1st, also known as International Workers Day, commemorating the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago, honoring labor struggles and achievements. Next is Cinco de Mayo on May 5th, which marks the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Celebrations in places like Rehoboth Beach include parades, food, music, and drink specials. Mother's Day, observed on the second Sunday of May, falls on May 10th. Initiated in 1907 by Anna Jarvis, it honors mothers and grandmothers for their contributions, often celebrated with brunch. On May 16th, Armed Forces Day is recognized on the 3rd Saturday, honoring active service members with parades and community events, distinct from Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Finally, Memorial Day on May 25th marks the unofficial start of summer and honors deceased U.S. veterans. Celebrations include parades and various outdoor activities in Rehoboth Beach and beyond.

In addition to the holidays identified above, May has its share of quirky days to celebrate. They include:

- World Tuna Day (May 2nd): This day emphasizes sustainable fishing practices to protect tuna populations. Celebrate by enjoying ocean-friendly seafood and supporting island nations in sustainable fishing efforts.

- No Socks Day (May 8th): Let your feet breathe and save on laundry, benefiting both the environment and your comfort.

- Dance Like a Chicken Day (May 14th): Join in the fun by flapping your wings and clucking like nobody's watching—but remember, others might be!

This month's newsletter highlights several member businesses. Stop by and say hello! Stellan has recently opened in Rehoboth Mews at 129 D Rehoboth Avenue. This stylish collective showcases merchandise from artisans committed to cultural sustainability and conscious social and economic practices. At 36 Baltimore Avenue, you'll find High Tide Fibers, a modern yarn shop and creative clubhouse inspired by our picturesque coastal surroundings. It’s a welcoming and supportive space for knitting, crochet, spinning, and weaving, catering to both beginners and experts. Just a few steps away is the Lucky Poppy at 27 Baltimore Avenue, which offers a delightful boutique experience with a wide selection of mainly women’s clothing, jewelry, home accessories, gifts, board games, and more. A bit further down, you will encounter Drift at 42.5 Baltimore Avenue, a premier raw bar and seafood restaurant known for its elevated dining experience, focusing on sourcing the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. Coastal Native, located at 12 Rehoboth Avenue, provides a platform for local artists to sell their creations. The store features locally themed jewelry, clothing, wall decorations, jams, jellies, preserved foods, kitchen decor, and a variety of gifts and souvenirs for browsing. Dos Locos, found at 208 Rehoboth Avenue, is a spacious Mexican restaurant offering an extensive menu of delicious, authentic dishes, including seafood, stone-grilled options, and refreshing margaritas. If you’re looking for a Pilates studio that emphasizes strength, flexibility, and mobility, Right Balance Pilates at 1 Grenoble Place, right on the ocean, is the perfect choice. Stop in to meet their certified instructors, who will help you find your right balance. We hope you take time to visit these fantastic local businesses!

Be particularly mindful of others out and about as the crowds grow larger and more people are out dog-walking, jogging, riding bikes, and more. Parking Meters are activated effective May 15th and will remain in effect through September 15th. You will also need a parking pass for all non-metered spaces in the city between the hours of 10am to 5pm. Please take the time to check out the Rehoboth In Bloom Earth Planters, which will be displaying their summer finery beginning this month. The volunteers have been working tirelessly during the off-season, selecting and preparing the planters for this year's plantings.

Rehoboth Beach Main Street wishes everyone a safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Current and past issues of the newsletter are available on the RBMS website at:

Newsletter | Home | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com

New Business and Membership Renewals

Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses

Stellan

Peter Beck

Stellan is an exciting new shop that has recently opened in Rehoboth Mews at 129 D Rehoboth Avenue, in the space formerly occupied by the Tidewater Toy Store. This new store comes from Portland, Maine, a vibrant community where professionals, artists, and laborers coexist, centered around its working waterfront. The local fishermen and dockworkers represent generations of maritime life, while artisans forge a connection between the waterfront and elegant living.

Stellan honors these traditions by showcasing a collective of artisans dedicated to sustainability in various forms—environmental, social, economic, and cultural.

Owner Erica Biordi explains that the name "Stellan" is Scandinavian for "peaceful one" or "calm," reflecting the atmosphere they aim to create through their curated offerings. The flagship store is in Maine, where co-founder Stephanie Peters was born and raised.

Her sister, Leslye Wark, has always dreamed of starting a business with Erica, which led them to partner in opening a Rehoboth branch. Leslye and Erica grew up on the beaches of Rehoboth, and although Erica has lived away from Delaware for over 20 years, their parents still reside in The Pines, which keeps them connected to the community.

Stellan offers a wide range of beautiful and artistic home items, specializing in artisanal home essentials and decor. Their curated selection includes table linens and textiles for dining, fine art, unique artistic pieces, and personal accessories for everyday wear. Additionally, Stellan provides specialty leisurewear, including casual clothing and home goods.

The STELLAN brand includes its own lines of table linens, bedding, throws, home fragrance, and accessories. Founders Stephanie and Erica also have a sister company, Polish + Brine, that produces custom-formulated, biodegradable home cleaning solutions, available exclusively at both STELLAN locations.

Since Stellan is a family affair, Leslye noted that their father dedicated significant time and effort to prepare the shop for its grand opening. With the toy store closing on December 31, it’s impressive to see the beautifully renovated space in just a few short months!

The shop's hours are currently 10am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Hours will be extended during the season. Be sure to stop by the charming shop and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Coastal Native

Maria Misak

Every tourist town has stores that carry the usual fare - t-shirts, hats, souvenirs with the town’s name on it, and the occasional hermit crab. But Rehoboth Beach also has Coastal Native, a charming store at 12 Rehoboth Avenue that carries a variety of locally handmade goods and unique beach merchandise.

Aileen Hearn and Kyle Ten Eyck opened Coastal Native in 2023 and described it as a place for artists, dreamers, and those who’d love a little bit of brightness added to their day. They also own The Ice Cream Store, just a few feet away, and Somewhere, on Baltimore Avenue.

When I stepped into Coastal Native on a recent sunny day, I was intrigued and impressed by the variety and quality of items they carry. The store features gifts and local souvenirs beyond the typical trinkets usually found at beach town shops; they had a lovely assortment of locally themed jewelry, wall decorations, jams and jellies, Christmas ornaments, and other unique items. They also sell sauces served at Somewhere as well as hot sauce from the popular Peppers of Lewes.So the next time you’re strolling the boardwalk or exploring our town, make sure to check out Coastal Native. You just might find that special gift that makes you smile as it conjures up thoughts and memories of Rehoboth Beach for years to come.

High Tide Fibers - Rehoboth Beach’s New Independent Yarn Shop

Coleen Evans

High Tide Fibers at 36 Baltimore Avenue is a modern, exciting new yarn shop and creative clubhouse for knitting, crochet, spinning, and weaving. They offer carefully curated yarn, tools, and workshops for both beginner and experienced crafters. Their shop has floor-to-ceiling windows with abundant natural light and includes a cozy spot for customers and visitors to work on projects or participate in their classes and workshops. They care deeply about the people, plants, and animals that contribute to everything they offer at that shop, and offer brands that you can feel good about using. They also work to create a welcoming and supportive place for crafting and connection -- for beginners and experts alike.

High Tide Fibers has quickly become a destination for locals and visitors, offering community events, exclusive items, and a welcoming environment for browsing, starting a new hobby, or getting inspiration for that next advanced project.  Everything in the shop is also available on their website, so customers can stay connected and shop from afar when they’re far from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. They also offer free in-store pickup for locals who want to zip in and out when they need a specific item. 

Independent yarn shops play a vital role in local communities – inspiring people to start a new hobby or continue with a lifelong one, bringing people together through shared interests, and sourcing local products that support independent artists and designers. High Tide Fibers is honored to be Rehoboth Beach’s new independent local yarn shop. 

Drift Seafood and Raw Bar

Peter Beck

Drift Seafood & Raw Bar, located at 42.5 Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach, specializes in expertly sourced seafood that showcases the region's culinary traditions. The restaurant emphasizes providing a premier raw bar and seafood dining experience, featuring fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

Housed in a beautifully renovated 1890s building, Drift has received acclaim since its August 2022 opening for its exceptional seafood and service. The restaurant creates an intimate ambiance, making dining a pleasurable experience.

I had heard about Drift since it opened, but I never had the opportunity to dine there. So, on a lovely spring Tuesday evening, Maria and I decided to visit and enjoy their $19 Tuesday-night pasta specials.

We were greeted by a friendly hostess and served by an upbeat, energetic, and enthusiastic waitress. The service was quick and efficient. For appetizers, we enjoyed delicious house-made thyme focaccia made with

kelp butter, sea salt, and the roasted purple sweet potatoes cooked with

whipped tahini, lentils, and arugula.

Each Tuesday, Drift offers three pasta choices, each with a recommended wine pairing. Both of us tried the Scallop Scampi sauteed in brown butter with garlic, chives, and oak-aged sherry. The scallops were perfectly seared. We skipped dessert as we were both too full.

What I didn't know was that Drift has a lovely, charming patio in the back. I will definitely want to dine outside there the next time I visit.

In addition to the Tuesday pasta night, other weekly specials include lobster specials on Wednesdays and "$1 Buck a Shuck" oysters with an all-night happy hour on Thursdays. Customers can enjoy a daily happy hour from 5 to 6 PM, featuring $2 off cocktails and beer, and $3 off wine. On Sundays, they offer a small plates menu and an extended happy hour from 3 to 6 PM.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our dining experience at Drift.

Lucky Poppy

Dan Slagel

Lucky Poppy is a vibrant, coastal boutique nestled just steps from the ocean in Rehoboth Beach, offering a thoughtfully curated collection of clothing, lifestyle, and home selections that blend effortless elegance with everyday ease. The boutique is designed to feel as welcoming as it is inspiring—more like stepping into a beautifully styled home than a traditional retail space.

Rooted in a spirit of joy, creativity, community, and connection, Lucky Poppy celebrates the beauty of living every day, with each piece chosen to spark confidence, individuality, and a sense of fun. The Lucky Poppy brand embodies a playful yet elevated energy that invites customers to linger, explore, and make every moment feel a little more special.

Pop in to shop, say hello and stay a while... They would love to meet you!

Store Hours:

Open Thursday – Sunday

11 am – 5 pm

And by appointment

27 Baltimore Avenue

Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Right Balance Pilates

Dan Slagel

Right Balance Pilates invites you to experience their newly expanded studio at 301 Rehoboth Ave in the heart of Rehoboth Beach. They offer small group, Reformer Pilates classes with up to 12 clients per class, designed for everyone—whether you are brand-new or an experienced mover—with thoughtful modifications and progressions to meet you where you are.

Whether you are visiting for the summer or living year-round, their daily classes are the perfect way to stay strong, balanced, and energized.

New clients can start the Free Intro to Pilates classes on Wednesday, May 6, at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, a welcoming first step to learn the reformer and experience the studio.

Right Balance Pilates also offers Beginner’s Workshops, private sessions, duets, and private group classes for a more personalized experience. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Come move with the talented staff, and see why Pilates is the perfect addition to your Rehoboth routine!

News from RBMS

The Annual Margarita Crawl on May 30 is On Its Way!

Join us for the Margarita Crawl on Saturday, May 30, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and explore downtown Rehoboth Beach one sip at a time! Sample margaritas from up to 25 participating restaurants and vote for your favorite.

Tickets are $28, and participants can register online here. Please note that attendees must pick up their physical tickets at the Rehoboth Main Street office, located at 509 Rehoboth Avenue.

Ticket pickup hours are as follows:

- Friday, May 29: 9 AM - 7 PM

- Saturday, May 30: 8 AM - 2 PM

You will need either the e-ticket you received or the purchaser's name to collect your tickets. Remember, you must have the physical ticket with you to receive your margarita samples at each participating location.

For more information, call 302-227-2772.

Hope to see y’all downtown!

Historic Plaque Program

The RBMS Design Committee has replaced the Cottage and Town Award program with a Historic Plaque program for Main Street America accreditation. Thank you to DJ from Southern Delaware Signs for creating a beautiful design for us. The plan is to install 3 plaques each year. For 2025, plaques were placed on the Boardwalk where Horns Pavilion was, on the Back Porch Café, which was the Marvel Boarding House, and at City Hall, which was the site of the Rehoboth Beach Public School. Check them out.

PHOTO: (left to right) Tom Johnson, Jim Mease, Steve Curson, Cindy Lovett

Excitement Sparkles at the 2026 Runway Fashion Show!

On March 29, the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Runway 2026 event illuminated the area's dynamic fashion scene! Held at the convention center, it showcased 15 fabulous local retailers, with community personalities and shop owners strutting their stuff on the runway. The evening was brilliantly hosted by Drexel Davison, owner of Bad Hair Day, and Grace Eckerle, journalist and co-anchor at Coast TV. What a fantastic celebration of talent and creativity in our wonderful community!

Gumbo Crawl a Smash!

The 2026 Rehoboth Beach Gumbo Crawl, held on April 11, 2026, was a delicious spring day, featuring more than two dozen restaurants and 1,000 participants. Mariachi Restaurant took first place, followed by Zoggs Raw Bar & Grill & RumShack in second place, and Purple Parrot Grill in third. Additionally, Victoria’s Restaurant won the award for Best Specialty Drink for the second consecutive year.

Heartiest Congratulations!

At the April 22 Chamber of Commerce awards luncheon, Cindy Lovett, founder of Rehoboth in Bloom and RBMS Ex Officio, received the inaugural Rehoboth Beach Volunteer of the Year Award. Mayor Stan Mills and City Manager Taylour Tedder recognized her dedication to the community. Cindy, we are proud of you!

PHOTO: (left to right) City Manager Taylour Tedder, Cindy Lovett, Mayor Stan Mills

News from RBMS Members

Welcome to two exciting new Rehoboth Beach Businesses!

Two ribbon cuttings were held on Saturday, April 18, to welcome Stellan and High Tide Fibers to our community. Be sure to check out these exciting new businesses!

Stellan From photo left to right:

PFC Devin Maciejewski; Peter Beck, RBMS Newsletter Executive Editor; Dana Peccon, RBMS Board Member; Fiona Curry, Andrea Mattei, Erin Shivone, David Martin-Gonzalez, Tess Culbert (hidden behind David), Roxane Ganster, Jocelyn Lanahan; Leslye Wark (owner); Chris Haggerty, Lisa Culbert, Pamela Biordi, Holly Haggerty, Michele Biordi, Christine Petrillo; Carolyn Diefenderfer, RBMS Ex Officio/Assistant Treasurer; Tom Johnson, RBMS Board Member

High Tide Fibers photo Left to Right:

Carolyn Diefenderfer, RBMS Ex Officio/Assistant Treasurer; Mayor Stan Mills; Jonathan Kaskey (spouse), Isla Kaskey (daughter), Theresa Kaskey (owner), Ava Kaskey (daughter), Suzie Martin, RBMS President; Tom Johnson, RBMS Board Member; Dana Peccon, RBMS Board Member; PFC Devin Maciejewski; James Mease, RBMS Ex Officio.

News from Rehoboth in Bloom!

Volunteers Needed for Rehoboth in Bloom!

Rehoboth in Bloom is a volunteer program under Rehoboth Beach Main Street, aimed at enhancing downtown Rehoboth Beach with beautiful flowers and plants. Founded by Cindy Lovett, the group maintains over 100 planters and gardens from May to October. Focused on sustainability, they utilize self-watering EarthPlanters. The program relies on donations and the annual "Bloomin' Dance Party" fundraiser for financial support. The dedicated team cares for planters along Rehoboth, Wilmington, and Baltimore Avenues, as well as public gardens, including the canalside garden.

Volunteers who are passionate about beautifying the town are welcome to join by emailing Cindy at info@pdlovett.com.

A Rockin’ Time at the 5^th Annual Bloomin’ Dance Party

We did it! What a team! Friday, April 17, was certainly our best Bloomin’ Dance Party ever! The dance floor was packed all night, and our guests greatly appreciated the beverages and food.

A huge thank you to so many people:

- Jill Shull, our amazing event chair.

- Diane Cutler, decorations chair.

- Marybeth Harmon, for her extreme generosity in loaning all the beautiful lighted trees.

- Mary Ann McKiernan, our silent auction superstar.

- Carolyn Diefenderfer, for managing the event finances.

- Lisa Rosendale, for expertly overseeing the food.

- The dance committee, for their hard work over the past few months.

- All our generous sponsors, including Dogfish Head Brewery for donating the beer and craft cocktails, Breakthru Beverage and Southern Glazers for donating the wine, and Coffee Mill for providing the coffee.

- The Fabulous Funsters, for rocking the place the entire night!

- Rehoboth Beach Main Street, for their unwavering support.

- Joe Hengel and the City of Rehoboth, for their assistance.

And thank you to everyone who attended and supported Rehoboth in Bloom!

The Bloom Crew will be out prepping and planting our 112 planters in early May, so be sure to stop by and say hi!

Time to Change the Soil!

Cindy Lovett

Our flowers have been struggling for the last couple of years, so we started researching, including a soil test through the University of Delaware Soil Testing Program. The report indicated "Soluble Salts – Extremely high," which usually causes plant injury or death. It turns out that our wonderful ocean has been depositing salt into the planters over the last seven years. As a result, we had to implement a program to completely change out the soil.

The first area to be transitioned was the first block of Rehoboth Avenue, both the north and south sides.

In an incredible collaboration with the City of Rehoboth, Main Street, and Rehoboth in Bloom, our dedicated city workers collected 23 planters from the north and south sides of the first block of Rehoboth Avenue and brought them to the city yard. The Bloom team then cleaned the planters, replaced the soil, and moistened it. After that, the city workers returned the planters. We plan to plant summer annuals on Tuesday, May 12, hoping for some warm spring weather by then.

News from The Rehoboth Beach Bears

FURst Friday Happy Hour

This month’s happy hour will be held right on the boardwalk at the fabulous Above the Dunes on Friday, May 1, from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Enjoy the stupendous views, the great drinks, and the delicious food. A great time is ensured for all!

Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend 2026

This year’s Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend will be September 16th through the 20th, with a closing party on Sunday. The Rehoboth Beach Bears is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting camaraderie and inclusiveness. The Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend is their flagship event and a fundraiser for their Scholarship Fund for LGBTQIA+ youth in Sussex and Kent Counties, Delaware, as well as other philanthropic efforts.

Events are currently being planned(happy hours, late nights, a dance), and volunteers are needed! This year is the RB Bears' Weekend's 11th anniversary. For more information, please visit the Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend website.

News from CAMP Rehoboth

2026 PRIDE Film Fest

The Rehoboth Beach Film Society (RBFS) is excited to announce the 2026 PRIDE Film Fest, in partnership with CAMP Rehoboth. This four-day festival will take place from May 14 to 17 and will feature a variety of LGBTQ+ documentaries, feature films, and international films.

Join the Rehoboth Beach Film Society and CAMP Rehoboth at the Cinema Art Theater for social gatherings and discussions with filmmakers as we celebrate the lead-up to Pride Month.

Stay tuned for the film lineup, which will be announced soon! Click here for more information.

CAMP Rehoboth presents the Chroma Clothing Swap

Take something from your past life and join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, May 2, from 3:30 to 6:30 PM at CAMP Rehoboth. Organized by Chroma, the event affirms the trans and gender expansive community and welcomes all genders and ages.

What to bring: Clean, well-kept clothing, accessories, and shoes. Please bring a bag, or use one of the small ones available.

What to leave at home: Stained or odorous clothing and worn undergarments.

Whether you’re swapping clothes or just looking for a friendly space with music, come connect with good people!

Broardwalk on the Boardwalk for Breast Cancer Awareness!

Join the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition for its 16th Annual Boardwalk on the Boardwalk event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard. This free community walk will begin with registration at 9:00 a.m., followed by the walk starting at 10:00 a.m. After the walk, there will be a fun kickoff party featuring music, raffles, and more.

This event is created in honor of survivors and loved ones, and it raises funds for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Come out to participate, celebrate, and support those impacted by breast cancer. Everyone is welcome! Learn more here.

Photo Gallery

Maria Misak

Much to the joy of residents and visitors alike, spring has finally sprung in Rehoboth Beach. Beautiful flowers abound throughout our community!

News from the City of Rehoboth Beach

Bollard Work Update!

The bollard work at the north end of the Boardwalk was on hiatus this week, but it was completed in late March. The team will resume work at the south end of the Boardwalk and then move on to the Bandstand area in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience as this project continues. It is progressing well and is expected to be completed by May 15.

Parking Permits

Parking permits for the 2026 season are now available at the Parking Department. They are required in all non-metered areas of the city from 10am-5pm from May 15 to September 15. Click here for details on pricing and hours of operation.

Spring Bulk Pickup

The annual Spring Bulk Pickup is a free service available exclusively to residents within the City of Rehoboth Beach's one-square-mile area. This area extends roughly from Canal Street to the ocean, bordered by Henlopen Avenue and Lake Drive.

In 2026, the Spring Bulk Pickup is scheduled for April 27 to May 1 on the south side of town, which includes the Schoolvue area and Scarborough Avenue Extension. Pickup will be on the north side of town from May 4 to May 8. City crews will collect items daily throughout the work week in the designated areas.

Here is everything you need to know! Spring Bulk Pickup

News from the Delaware Division of Small Business

Be Part of Delaware’s World Cup Watch Parties

Calling all vendors! Your chance to be part of the world’s biggest sporting event is here!

As Delaware gears up to celebrate the global excitement of the World Cup, we’re creating unforgettable watch party experiences across the state—and we want you to be part of it. From food trucks and local artisans to interactive experiences and merchandise vendors, we’re looking for businesses that can bring energy, flavor, and creativity to these events.

In our area, one of the watch parties is planned for Hudson Fields on June 20!

Learn more at: Click here

Join a Small Business Workshop with DEACC (Delaware Africa Chamber of Commerce) and DSB (Delaware Division of Small Business_

On May 20 at 6 p.m., learn how to grow your business, marketing strategies,and funding and resources available.

Showcase Your Business in the Delaware Small Business Spotlight!

Business owners may not realize that the Delaware Division of Small Business spotlights one business in each edition of their newsletter. The newsletter is sent to over 15,000 small businesses and their partners. The exposure you receive could bring your business new connections, customers, or opportunities.

If you are interested in this special opportunity, click this link: Delaware Division of Small Business. Fill out the form. Please compose at least a paragraph or more about your business to convey your passion for your work.

Volunteer Recognition: The King and Queen of Runway 2026!

This month, RBMS would like to honor Sandra Skidmore and Cliff Fantini for their incredible dedication and effort in making this year's fashion show a tremendous success. Both Sandra and Cliff have worked on all three editions of the show, dedicating months to committee meetings, planning, making phone calls, meeting with business owners, and doing whatever is necessary to ensure the show was a hit!

Sandra Skidmore has been a part of the Rehoboth Beach community for approximately 37 years. She first shared a summer beach house for 10 years, then lived in an apartment for 2 years, and finally bought a house about 25 years ago. She and her life partner, Jon, will celebrate their 49th anniversary at the end of July.

Giving back to the community is important to Sandra. Since arriving in Rehoboth Beach, in addition to her work with RBMS, she has volunteered with various causes and organizations, including Friends of the Rehoboth Beach Library, the VIA’s Environment Committee, Camp Rehoboth, and the Sussex Gardeners Garden Therapy Group.

A native of Baltimore, Sandra previously worked for the federal government while also pursuing side jobs in fashion and music. These days, she is not “retired” — she simply stopped working for pay.

At the show, Sandra works backstage with the models, organizing the fashion, helping them dress, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. When asked what her favorite part of this year's show was, she jokingly replied, “When it was over!”

However, she genuinely enjoyed collaborating with a small but dedicated group to successfully showcase our downtown retailers. Highlighting the fantastic stores and unique shopping experiences that Downtown Rehoboth has to offer was her favorite aspect of the show. While the outlet stores are great, Sandra believes that supporting local small businesses by shopping downtown is even better.

As the Producer-Director of Runway 26, Cliff serves as the face of the show. He aimed to create a vibrant fashion event that showcased local downtown retailers and educated the audience about current fashion trends.

Along with his husband, Richard, Cliff sought a new chapter in their lives and has lived in the area for 4 years. Their decision was driven by their love for the community, its diversity, and the challenges presented by the pandemic.

Cliff has over 40 years of experience owning a fashion production company based in New York and Philadelphia. During this time, he collaborated closely with prominent fashion publications, creating custom productions for clients including Disney Fairytale Weddings, Neiman Marcus, David’s Bridal, and the Bermuda Tourist Board. He also showcased designs by hundreds of designers during fashion weeks in key cities worldwide.

Three years ago, Cliff met with Dan Slagle, the Executive Director of the Rehoboth Beach Main Street program, to explore ways he could contribute. Recognizing Cliff's extensive background and noting the lack of a fashion event to support local retailers, they agreed that he would lead a team of volunteers. Their collaboration has resulted in three successful fashion shows, marking a significant milestone for both.

After months of planning, Cliff was thrilled to see his vision come to life.

The fashion show required a collective effort to bring this production to fruition, and everyone involved can take pride in the positive feedback received after the show.

Many thanks to Sandra and Cliff for their leadership in making the event a success!

Internet and Social Media Stats-

RBMS Website was managed and updated by contractor Michael MaLoon. In March, most views were webcams, RBMS Home Page, Events, Shop, Off-Season Specials, March Newsletter, About Us, and the Eat Directory.

Opportunities Page is now live on the RBMS site.

Facebook Views in March were up 39.4% to 140,900, Reach was 82,354. Most views: Henlopen Oceanfront Hotel, Easter Bonnet Crawl, Runway 26 Fashion Show (3 posts), Beer & Oyster Fest at 302 Social, Victoria’s Easter Brunch, March Newsletter, Purple Parrot, and Drift.

Instagram Views in March were down 47.7%, at 40,700. Reach was up 31% at 5,900. Most Views: March Newsletter, Rehoboth in Bloom Volunteers Needed, Runway 26 (3 posts), Spirit Massage Studio, Beer & Oyster Fest at 302 Social, and the TikiJac’s Cheesesteak Award.

Google Ads: 34,100 Impressions, 527 Click Throughs. Cost was $255.00.

The April newsletter was distributed on April 1 to 2,577 subscribers. Open rate was 56%, click rate was 3%. After the newsletter was distributed, we noticed that some articles were missing. Kraig created a revised version, sent to 1,001 subscribers: 53% Open rate, 3% Click rate.

Most clicks (combined data from two distributions): April Newsletter, Lucky Poppy, Margarita Crawl, Zoggs, Sazio, Pink Flamingo, RBMS Website, Stich Stash, Rigby’s Shorebreak Lodge, Odysea, and Shop Stellan.

Radio Rehoboth announcements continue: Welcoming new and renewed members, promoting RBMS events—Runway 26, Bloomin’ Dance, Gumbo Crawl, and Margarita Crawl.

WHAT’S GOING ON?

If you're looking for fun entertainment in town, check the following links to see if any local establishments have scheduled events. These links to RBMS members will lead you to live music, dancing, game nights, and exciting shows. Whether you want to dance or catch an exhilarating performance, you'll find plenty of options for a memorable night out!

Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats