There’s an autumn chill in the air and between the stresses of carving the perfect pumpkin and the pressure to produce a memorable Halloween costume, we sure are looking forward to kicking back and enjoying a weekend of Halloween festivities at the 24th Annual Sea Witch Festival. Each year, the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center hosts the spook-tacular event, which includes three days of games, vendors, performances and parades. This year’s line-up is impressive as always, so we’ve rounded-up a few of our favorites, from a Broom Tossing Contest to the Sea Witch Costumed Dog Parade.
Tykes Bike on the Boardwalk – Friday, October 25; 3-6pm
Friday afternoon promises for a rolling good time as kids congregate with their trikes, bikes, big wheels and wagons. Meet at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and travel to Funland (costumes encouraged!). Free give-aways will be provided for each participant. This is a free event, for kids ages 8 and under. Registration begins at 3pm, and biking begins at 3:30pm.
Movie in the Park – Friday, October 25; 6:30pm
Grab your blankets and chairs, bundle up and head to Grove Park for a free outdoor movie. Mirror, Mirror will begin at 6:30.
Old-Fashioned Kids Beach Games – Saturday, October 26; Beginning at 2:30pm
Beginning at 2:30pm on Saturday, kids can enjoy several beach games along the Beach at Rehoboth Avenue. The games include: Beach Ball Roll, Dino Crawl, Hula Twist Off, Peanut on the Nose Race, Pumpkin Dash, and Slippery Swords. There is no fee to participate and everyone receives a ribbon.
Kid’s Trick of Treat – Friday, 6-7pm; Dewey Beach Merchants & Saturday, 6:30-7:30; Rehoboth Beach Merchants
Don your costume and head out for one or both trick-or-treating opportunities this weekend, compliments of the local Resort Area merchants. Just look for the Trick or Treat signs in the storefront windows!
Broom Tossing Contest – Saturday, October 26; 3:30pm
Grab a broom and toss; it’s as simple as that. All age-based categories will get a chance to toss their numbered broom down the beach. The longest distance wins bragging rights to the official “Sea Witch Broom Tosser.” Or simply head down to the beach to watch as dozens of brooms hurtle through the air.
Sea Witch Hunt – Saturday, October 26; 1—5pm
Be the lucky sleuth to track down the Sea Witch and you could walk away with $300. How it works: first, check in with the official Clue Keeper and pick up your 140+ clue site location list. Next, travel from site to site to view the clues (note: clues are in no particular order). Using your clues, take your best guess at where the invisible Sea Witch is hiding. All guesses must be turned in by 5pm. The earliest correct guess submitted to the Clue Keeper wins $300. The winner and Sea Witch location will both be announced at 4pm on Sunday at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.
Artisan and Heritage Area – Saturday & Sunday; 10am to 5pm
Both Saturday and Sunday, head to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and peruse all that the Artisan and Heritage Vendors have to offer. Knock out some holiday shopping or score some goodies for yourself. Vendors include Pop’s Rock Candles, Cape Treasure, Little House Candles, By the Bay Books, Cake Break, Peppers and more.
Cackle Contest – Saturday, October 26; 10:30am
Calling all cacklers! Compete for the best cackle by sounding off at the Parade Judge’s stand across from First Street Station on Rehoboth Avenue. No fee to enter and winner receives a “Best Witch Cackle” ribbon.
Delaware State’s Official Fiddlers’ Festival – Saturday, October 26; 1-6pm
We love an afternoon full of fiddlin’ so you’ll be sure to find us at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center Saturday for Delaware State’s Official Fiddlers’ Festival. Fiddlers and banjo players alike will provide a full day of foot-stompin’ entertainment. Cash prizes will be awarded for best fiddle, best banjo and best blue grass in adult and children’s competitions. There is no fee but donations are appreciated.
Delaware State Chicken Wing Competition – Saturday, October 26; Begins at 1pm
Local area chefs and restaurateurs will come head to head with World Champion Chicken Wing winners Saturday. Locals participating in the competition include Kevin Roberts of Bethany Blues, Charlie Pollard of Kickin’ Chickin’ and Chip Hearn of Peppers.com. Four national competitors will also be in attendance to put their skills to the test against our local culinary experts. A Delaware State Champion will be named in each of the three categories including “Best Wings,” “Most Unusual Wings,” and “Best Wings Presentation.” Even better, spectators are invited to sample wings, sauces and more.
Hayrides – Saturday & Sunday; 12-5pm
R and B Ranch will be selling tickets for hay rides to be held both Saturday and Sunday. Children ride for $2 and adults ride for $5. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and boarding is at Grove Park. The fall hayride will take you through the side streets of Downtown Rehoboth.
Sea Witch Costume Parade – Saturday ; 11am(walker registration at 10am at the Convention Center)
Anyone and everyone in costume is welcome to enter the walking section of the parade. Also included in the parade are local marching bands, as well as The Woodland String Band/Mummers. Motorized vehicles and floats will also be seen. Costumes are judged during the parade as they pass the review stand. Judge’s Favorite trophies will be awarded at the Bandstand following the parade.
Sea Witch 5K Classic Run and One Mile Fright Walk – Sunday, October 27; 9am
Many participants in the annual run and walk wear Halloween costumes. Awards for the 5K run and best costume will be given out at the end of the race. The Sea Witch 5K Classic and One Mile Fright Walk begin at Grove Park on Columbia Avenue.
Scales & Tails – Sunday, October 27; 10am-12pm
This outreach program encourages people to enjoy and appreciate wildlife. Wild animals that are featured in the program can no long survive in the wild due to permanent injuries. Come learn about these animals “tales” and learn valuable lessons about respect for the environment. The exhibit will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.
Sea Witch Costume Dog Parade – Sunday, October 27; 3pm
We aren’t the only one who get a chance to participate in a costumed parade, our furry four-legged friends can compete as well during Sunday’s Costumed Dog Parade. Dogs and their humans will parade down the Boardwalk starting at 3pm. Winners will be announced at the Bandstand at 4:30 at the end of the parade. In past years we’ve seen dogs dressed as lifeguards, Egyptians, cowboys, chefs and police.
The above is merely a preview of what you can expect this weekend at the 24th Annual Sea Witch Festival. Not only are there many more events and activities, but there are also plenty of area restaurants, businesses and parks offering deals, specials and activities in honor of the Sea Witch Festival. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Rehoboth this weekend. See you all there!
