Mid-July at the Delaware beaches is sweat and saltwater, fresh-picked tomatoes and fresh-caught crabs, sunscreen and waterslides, late sunsets and fireflies.
Sometimes, it feels like paradise.
But it’s also hot, stormy and crowded. That’s what our weekly guide to the Delaware beaches is for: to help you avoid the pitfalls and get the most out of your beach vacation or, if you’re a local, your weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know for the weekend of July 15 and 16 at the Delaware beaches.
Weather
It’s been like this every weekend for a while now: mostly sunny with a chance of thunderstorms and temperatures in the 80s. This weekend is no different, according to the National Weather Service.
Storms come and go. Don’t let them deter your day at the beach, but stay aware of weather conditions. While most storms are inconsequential, there’s always a chance of extreme weather, so check in online often.
More:Do summer like a local with our Delaware Summer of 2023 Bucket List
Beach closures
Unfortunately, the piping plover nest at Gordon’s Pond beach in Cape Henlopen State Park failed. That means the beach is open again, though.
The Delaware beaches are in the final days of replenishment. Rehoboth, Dewey and Fenwick Island are complete. Work continues in Bethany Beach and South Bethany, where there will be periodic closures until it’s finished.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Stephen Rochette said project completion is slated for next week.
Things to do
There’s really something for everyone at the Delaware beaches this weekend.
Paradise Grill in Long Neck will host a “Family Fun Day” on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., with games, face painting, a water slide, a petting zoo and a foam party. It’s $5 to enter, with proceeds benefiting the Sussex Consortium.
Speaking of Paradise Grill, they’re also hosting a flounder-fishing tournament both days this weekend. Registration is closed, but it’s a lot of fun to sit at the bar and watch the fish come in and get weighed. There’s $75,000 in prize money on the line, so both the anglers and crowds get pretty rowdy.
More:How legislation will prevent restaurants from ever being built in Cape Henlopen State Park
Broadway more your style? The Milton Theatre will present “Rent” on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Get tickets at miltontheatre.com.
The Lewes Historical Society Summer Craft Fair will be held Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 110 Shipcarpenter St.
The Freeman Stage near Selbyville will offer two shows on Saturday, with AMP Up the Music: Kids Rock! at 10 a.m. and the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company at 7 p.m. On Sunday night, check out comedian Tom Papa at 7. Get tickets at freemanarts.org.
In Ocean View, Dickens Parlour Theatre will host The Stetson Experience, featuring “America’s Master Mentalist,” Jon Stetson, both nights. Get tickets at dickensparlortheatre.com.
All these events are what’s offered outside the usual weekend fare. Most towns offer free live music every weekend, so check your town’s website for more information.
Keep tabs on teens
Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach experienced large groups of unruly teens over the Fourth of July weekend. Though the issue appears to have been limited to that weekend, it’s led police to step up patrols and increasingly enforce curfews for minors.
In Bethany Beach, the curfew is 11 p.m. for anyone under the age of 18. It’s the same in Dewey, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the curfew begins at midnight.
Parents should know where their teenager is and what they’re doing at night, Dewey Beach Police Chief Constance Speake and Lt. Clifford Dempsey said in an email to residents.
“We need parents to be aware and responsible for their teenager’s actions and late-night activities,” they wrote.
Surf-fishing reminders
If it’s your first time back at the beach since last year, you may not know Delaware made some changes to its surf-fishing rules.
More:How this Lewes nonprofit has spearheaded marine animal conservation in Delaware
You can still walk onto the beach and surf-fish with only a fishing license. To surf-fish on the drive-on beaches, you need a permit, available at most state parks. To surf-fish on the drive-on beaches on weekends and holidays, you now also need a reservation.
Reservations are $4 and can be made at destateparks.com/surftagsales. Reservations for Saturday go on sale at 11 a.m. Tuesday and for Sunday at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The Cape Henlopen beaches have often sold out this summer, so make your reservations as soon as possible.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught
