Baywalk tree lights up Dewey Beach
Folks braved the cold Dec. 7, to attend the Dewey Beach Baywalk Christmas tree lighting, which honored the late TJ Redefer, former mayor.
Redefer family members – Jack, Kirstin and their son Joe – lit the tree on the memorial baywalk outside the Lighthouse at Hyatt Place as a tribute to TJ’s lasting legacy.
DJ Manny Mann provided Christmas tunes as guests sipped holiday-themed cocktails, and Cape High students spread some holiday cheer as they sang classic Christmas carols.
Santa, Mrs. Claus and even the Grinch attended.
“The Christmas tree lighting at the memorial baywalk continues to be a special night for our family,” said Bobbie Redefer, TJ’s wife. “We are deeply honored that the Lighthouse celebrates TJ year-round with a special plaque dedicated to his memory, and especially during the holiday season. This area meant so much to TJ, and it warms our hearts that he is remembered during this very special evening.”
Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s in journalism from the Penn State Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, after which she completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she traveled to New Zealand to cover the Women’s World Cup as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets like The Washington Post and FOX Sports. She also has a variety of other reporting experience, covering crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware, native, she’s happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.
