Bonnet bar crawl raises money for LGBTQI+ scholarships

This year’s Easter Bonnet Bar Crawl theme was the elements – earth, wind, fire and water.

Sun and a little breeze were all that bonnet-wearers had to endure March 30 in Rehoboth Beach, as the third annual crawl brought people to participating establishments in the city to raise money for the Rehoboth Beach Bears scholarship program.

“This started in Baltimore as excuse to go day drinking with a hat,” said John Hurley, one of the organizers. “I moved here two years ago and wanted to give back to the community.”

Hurley said the crawl raised $1,200 last year. All proceeds go to continuing education for LGBTQI+ students in seven high schools in southern Delaware.

The application process is underway through Monday, April 15, according to Jeff Donovan, president of the Rehoboth Beach Bears.

“We received seven applications. But we have enough funds that we can actually do that and a little bit more,” Donovan said.

The day began with a group photo at the Bandstand. That’s where people made sure their Easter finest bonnets were tip-top to hip-hop from bar to bar.

Many of the bonnets were elaborate, with Easter eggs, flowers and bunnies.

The Bonnet Bar Crawl was organized by the same group that held the Mrs. Roper Romp in Rehoboth Beach in September. That event was held in the middle of a tropical storm. So, a little ocean breeze made it easy for people to hold onto their hats at this event.

Fifteen Rehoboth Beach bars and restaurants participated this year. People were encouraged to scan a QR code that took them to a website where they could donate.

Donations are still being accepted at rbeasterbarcrawl.com.