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Rehoboth Beach marches into holiday season with annual Christmas parade

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Rehoboth Beach fire station, the grand finale of the city’s annual Hometown Christmas Parade. BILL SHULL PHOTOS
Bill Shull
December 5, 2023

Rehoboth Avenue was filled with the sights and sounds of the season during the city’s annual Hometown Christmas Parade Dec. 4.

The parade is organized by the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Co., and Warren Jones, RBVFC vice president, said they achieved their goal of having the biggest Christmas parade yet, with 130 entries.

The evening was perfect for a night out on the avenue. Many people came early to stake out a good spot for a pre-parade tailgate or just a prime place to watch.

The parade stepped off from State Road at 6 p.m. with beauty queens and Grinches, fire trucks and horses, and even Cousin Eddie from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” 

Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, served as this year’s grand marshal. He waved to the crowd from atop an antique Rehoboth Beach fire truck.

Santa and Mrs. Claus also arrived on a fire truck for the grand finale.

The North Pole pair ended their journey in front of Station 86, where they went inside to settle in and ask children what they want for Christmas.

RBVFC also held its first Stuff-A-Truck to benefit Toys for Tots during the parade. 

People were asked to drop off an unwrapped toy to fill up an ambulance, which was parked outside the fire station.

Jones said they received several hundred donations, and the ambulance was full by the end of the night. 

The Cape Henlopen High School marching band performs in the front of the Rehoboth Beach fire station.
A family of Grinches on the avenue. Shown in back are (l-r) Leslie Sweetman, Jennifer Gibbs and Kaitlin Gibbs. Jake and Walter Sweetman are watching the fun from the stroller.
A big ole ‘51 Buick is decked out for the holidays. It was leading the group from the Straight Eights Car Club.
No snow? No problem. Wharton’s Landscaping brought the winter weather along.
Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, and his granddaughter Minnie Townsend ride on an antique Rehoboth Beach fire truck. The former speaker of the house served as grand marshal for this year’s parade.
Dancers lead the Sussex Central High School marching band up Rehoboth Avenue.
Snoopy makes his way down the avenue.
Even the Grinch, aka Kori Stewart of County Bank, had fun handing out candy during the parade.
Katie MacGowan with her children Maisie, left, and Sawyer of Lewes had a great spot picked out to watch the parade.
The Cape Henlopen High School JROTC color guard leads the parade.
One of the best seats in the house was on the street for these girls. Shown are (l-r) Quincy Scott, Avery Scott, Kayla Turco, Marley Navarre, Cora Turco and Kenzie Turco.
Troy Blizzard of Apple Electric dresses up as Cousin Eddie from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
Sussex Dance Academy dancers perform in front of the fire station.
Barrett Martz of Georgetown was first in line to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Rehoboth Beach fire station after the parade.

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