The 2021 Running of the Bull took place at the Starboard in Dewey Beach Aug. 21 when over 1,000 people stripped off their pandemic blues and partied hard for the day in Dewey.
The event is reminiscent of the town of Pamplona’s celebration when revelers dress in traditional white outfits with red bandanas.
The annual event raises funds for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
This year’s matador was local celebrity and beer brewer extraordinaire Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head Brewery.
Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot and Washington Nationals mascot Screech also made appearances for the event.
![Even a bridal party joined in on the fun. Shown are (l-r) Devon Patton, Stacey Quick, bride-to-be Jamie Rutkowski, Kaitlin Rutkowski, Colleen Kramer and Kaylee Raudenbush. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/9259a.jpg)
Even a bridal party joined in on the fun. Shown are (l-r) Devon Patton, Stacey Quick, bride-to-be Jamie Rutkowski, Kaitlin Rutkowski, Colleen Kramer and Kaylee Raudenbush. DAN COOK PHOTO
![Matador Sam Calagione and referee Ken Garfinkel pose with the bull after the post-run fight. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/0292a.jpg)
Matador Sam Calagione and referee Ken Garfinkel pose with the bull after the post-run fight. DAN COOK PHOTO
![Matador Sam Calagione rips off his condiment-stained traje de luces during the bullfight. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/0044a.jpg)
Matador Sam Calagione rips off his condiment-stained traje de luces during the bullfight. DAN COOK PHOTO
Before the adult Running of the Bull, there was the kids Running of the Bull in the morning. These kids forgot it’s not a real bull and raced to the end. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot, Washington Nationals mascot Screech and Starboard owner Steve Montgomery pause for the national anthem. This is not a political statement - the flag they’re saluting is on the lifeguard stand on the beach. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Nico Muscara, 3, and Christopher Muscara, 6, wouldn’t be so smiley if mom Tiffini Muscara were taking a picture in front of a real bull. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
Dewey Business Partnership Executive Director Kelly Ranieri tells the kids the rules before the race. Most importantly - no jumping on the bull, right? Right? CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
![Taking Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company donations at the event gate are members (l-r) Miranda Harper, Lindsey Gordy and Mali Belcamino. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/3011a.jpg)
Taking Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company donations at the event gate are members (l-r) Miranda Harper, Lindsey Gordy and Mali Belcamino. DAN COOK PHOTO
![Friends enjoying the event are (l-r) Merideth Miller, Brendan McNulty, Robbie Duke and Brooke Ricks. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/3089a.jpg)
Friends enjoying the event are (l-r) Merideth Miller, Brendan McNulty, Robbie Duke and Brooke Ricks. DAN COOK PHOTO
![Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company member Lindsey Gordy throws out free T-shirts to the crowd. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/3154a.jpg)
Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company member Lindsey Gordy throws out free T-shirts to the crowd. DAN COOK PHOTO
![Patriotic friends at the event are (l-r) Lynn Carpenter, Ishu Krishna, Scott Anderson, Shandy Pumphrey, Paul Hahnen, Randy Priest and Kenneth Augustin, with Lex Davis down in front. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/9267a.jpg)
Patriotic friends at the event are (l-r) Lynn Carpenter, Ishu Krishna, Scott Anderson, Shandy Pumphrey, Paul Hahnen, Randy Priest and Kenneth Augustin, with Lex Davis down in front. DAN COOK PHOTO
![Washington Nationals mascot Screech connects with the people around the stage while Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot entertains with Kristen & the Noise. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/9611a.jpg)
Washington Nationals mascot Screech connects with the people around the stage while Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot entertains with Kristen & the Noise. DAN COOK PHOTO
![Getting ready for the run are Mariah Draper Calagione, Michael McDonnell, Steve “Monty” Montgomery and Sam Calagione. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/3433a.jpg)
Getting ready for the run are Mariah Draper Calagione, Michael McDonnell, Steve “Monty” Montgomery and Sam Calagione. DAN COOK PHOTO
![Goofing around during an interview are Sam Calagione, left, and Steve “Monty” Montgomery. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/3477a.jpg)
Goofing around during an interview are Sam Calagione, left, and Steve “Monty” Montgomery. DAN COOK PHOTO
![Kristen & the Noise shares the stage with Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot and Washington Nationals mascot Screech. DAN COOK PHOTO](/sites/capegazette/files/2021/08/field/image/3619a.jpg)
Kristen & the Noise shares the stage with Washington Capitals mascot Slapshot and Washington Nationals mascot Screech. DAN COOK PHOTO