Hospitality Night warms Lewes on cold evening
The line was long. The people in line were cold.
But what awaited them was worth the chill: hot, fresh sticky buns at Lewes Bake Shoppe.
It was one of the most sought-after treats of Lewes Hospitality Night, the annual holiday event where downtown merchants thank their customers.
Betsy Reamer, Lewes Chamber of Commerce executive director, said Hospitality Night has been bringing the community together for more than three decades.
“I use the word Norman Rockwell-esque,” Reamer said. “It’s a way for merchants to stay open later in advance of the Christmas season, kind of tie into parade weekend and the whole spirit of the holiday.”
Many of the businesses had snacks and beverages. Some had sales for holiday shoppers.
Katie Ackerman, owner of Lewes Lettering Co., was offering handwritten letters to Santa Claus, in addition to some other unique gifts.
“We have Christmas cards from different artists and vendors, some local artists. We do personalized Christmas cards. We can have a photo printed on them. They come in really quick, so we do those up until a week before Christmas,” Ackerman said.
Frank Zinni and Chris Neff said they make Hospitality Night their date night every year.
“We go into all the restaurants and boutiques. We’re actually looking for Christmas gifts tonight, so hopefully we’ll find some,” said Neff.
A group of six women from Lewes meets in front of King’s Homemade Ice Cream every Hospitality Night.
“We do a little shopping. We have dinner reservations. It’s our favorite night of the winter,” said Jenny Barr, who was ready to hit the town with her friends.
