Dewey to hold Great American Summer Celebration

After a one-year hiatus, the Budweiser Clydesdales will return to Dewey Beach.

Dewey Business Partnership Executive Director Kelly Ranieri said the Clydesdales will highlight the Great American Summer Celebration parade, set for Wednesday, July 24.

“Wear your red, white and blue, and bring your American flags to support our country,” Ranieri said. “We are super-excited the Clydesdales are returning to Dewey Beach. It’s a wonderful family-friendly event.”

At 5 p.m., the horses and their team will stage at Saulsbury Street bayside, where the public is invited to take photos. From there, they will walk to the Starboard parking lot at 6 p.m. for a pre-parade party and more photo opportunities.

The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at the Starboard. Along with the Clydesdales, Miss Delaware, Dewey Elvis, various floats, Dewey Business Partnership and Dewey Beach Lions Club representatives will march in the parade. Ranieri said leashed dogs dressed in red, white and blue are welcome to join.

The parade will continue south and conclude on the beach at Van Dyke Avenue bayside for a 7 p.m. end-staging and post-party celebration. 

The Wednesday night bonfire, typically held on the oceanside, will move to Van Dyke bayside, where parade-goers can also enjoy DJ music, a photo booth set up by the Dewey Beach marketing committee and other fun activities. 

Rehoboth Beach–Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce Event Coordinator Emily Grothey said bonfire attendees can donate $1 for a jumbo marshmallow to roast. Grothey said the bonfire will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., weather permitting, and cancellation will be posted by 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 24 on Rehoboth Beach – Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce Instagram and Facebook pages.  

Parking is free in Dewey on Wednesday from 5 to 11 p.m. at permit and metered spaces, but some parking restrictions and lane closures will be in effect. 

Parking will be restricted on the bayside of Saulsbury Street and Van Dyke Avenue from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The right lane of southbound Route 1 will be closed from 6:30 to 7 p.m. for the parade, but cars will still be able to travel south in the left lane.

The Clydesdales made their first public appearance in 1933, when August A. Busch Jr. and Adolphus Busch purchased two, six-horse hitches for their father to celebrate the repeal of prohibition. In 1950, Dalmatians joined the team.

For more info, go to deweybusinesspartnership.com.