Lewes Doo-Dah Parade is like no other

Fourth of July tradition continues thanks to founders’ families who keep memories alive

The second, third and fourth generation of Hoenens take part in the Doo-Dah Parade, which has been a family tradition for more than 50 years. In the photo in back are (l-r) John Hoenen, Jason Hoenen and Karl Arnberg. In middle are Ashley Tanis, Diana Hoenen, Viktoriya Hoenen, Leah Hoenen, Kathryn Hoenen-Enevold and Patti Riffle. In front are Jrake Hoenen, Aspen Tanis, Ariya Hoenen, Linnea Hoenen-Arnberg, Anders Hoenen-Arnberg and Sage Tanis. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS

Ron MacArthur

July 8, 2024

On the Fourth of July, long lines of decorated vehicles, floats and bikes line up on Manila Avenue and Savannah Road to renew a tradition started more than 50 years ago. The Doo-Dah Parade is like no other. There is no registration, entry fees or a formal lineup.

It’s a fun time for people to celebrate the nation’s independence. Hundreds of people line the parade route along Kings Highway and Savannah Road in anticipation of the event. Children sit on the curbs with bags to collect candy thrown by the participants.

The parade was founded by Phyllis Hoenen and Carolyn Shockley, who rallied people to gather pots and pans and metal trash can lids to use as cymbals, and along with a portable record player plus an album of John Philip Sousa marches, they took to the streets. Carolyn died in 2000, while Phyllis died in 2019, but their memories live on every Fourth of July in Lewes.

It’s definitely a family affair, as generations of Shockleys and Hoenens have participated in the parade.

Mike Shockley, right, and Ed Shockley take their familiar seats on the Shockley family and friends trailer playing music along the parade route. Their mother, Carolyn Shockley, was one of the founders of the parade.

Leah Hoenen is the newest family member to portray Lady Liberty in the annual Fourth of July Doo-Dah Parade, which filled sections of Kings Highway and Savannah Road.

As she has for years, Diane Hoenen leads the annual Doo-Dah Parade down Savannah Road on July 4. Behind her is Viktoriya Hoenen, followed by a truck covered with photos of the founders and past family participants in the parade.

Ashley Tanis, left, and Kathryn Hoenen-Enevold carry a banner in tribute to the founders of the Doo-Dah Parade, Phyllis Hoenen and Carolyn Shockley, who have both died.

Viktoriya Hoenen gets out her red, white and blue hoop dress once a year to walk in the parade.

A long line of parade participants queues up along Savannah Road before the start of the parade. The 2024 parade was one of the largest.

Theodore Nelson, 3, of Lewes is all decked out for the parade.

Erika Caldwell of Lewes pushes her pet Yorkshire terrier, Jesse James, along the parade route.

What would the Doo-Dah Parade be without the annual appearance of the family and friends in their orange Jeep?

Marc Kaufmann of Lewes has his bike decorated for the parade.

In one of the best-decorated bikes, Eliza Evans cycles along with the Lewes Base Ball Club.

A long line of decorated vehicles move slowly along Savannah Road after turning from Kings Highway, the two roads on the Doo-Dah Parade route.

John Kurpjuweit, portraying Ben Franklin, finds an easier way to glide along during the event.

Jake Sing does some tricks on his skateboard. He has strong family connections to the parade.

Tommy and Bridget Bonsignore, visiting their grandparents over the July 4 weekend, have their bike baskets loaded with candy to pass out.

An antique fire truck is filled to capacity with Fourth of July revelers as they take part in the parade.

Dickie Bryan always drives his classic Farmall 1950 tractor in the annual parade.

David Ludlow of the Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association scoots up Savannah Road on the second leg of the parade.

The dress is red, white and blue and the goal is to have fun during the Doo-Dah Parade.

Daughters of the American Revolution had a lot of members walking and handing out flags.

A pink Tesla Cybertruck lays down a smoke screen along the parade route. There is a waiting list of 2 million for the electric truck.

Lewes Fire Department junior member Anthony Koot drives the department’s miniature ladder truck with fellow member Sherman McGreedy in the back.

Members of the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware have the best and most comfortable seats in the house.

Start with some flags, add some kids and music and you have a typical Doo-Dah Parade float.

Most have seen the beach buggy with the large shark on the roof, and now we can add a large marlin on a Wagoneer to the list thanks to Chesapeake bourbon, rye, vodka and rum.

Tadd "T.J." Fibelkorn of Millsboro enjoys his first time participating in the Doo-Dah Parade. MARGARET PORTER PHOTO

Lewes Doo-Dah Parade is like no other

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