Bethany Beach Independence Day Parade Returns in 2022
After a 2-year shutdown, the Bethany Beach Independence Day Parade will finally happen on Monday, July 4th. The parade will take its traditional 2-mile route through downtown Bethany starting at Pennsylvania Avenue and Garfield Parkway.
The 2022 theme is quite appropriately Timeless Bethany. Anyone wishing to enter a float is encouraged to get creative with the theme. What makes Bethany timeless to you? The beach? The clock or other familiar landmarks? Your family traditions? This is a great way to show your support for the community. Gather your co-workers, neighbors, and families to get in on the fun by entering and competing for great prizes. Do you own a business? Partnering with another business to form a joint float will save on time and employees. Guidelines can be found on the Town website under Activities, Fourth of July. There is no pre-registration necessary. Floats are entered the day of the parade from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the registration desks located at Route 1 and Central Avenue.
Bikers may pick up their decorating kits at the table located on the Christian Church grounds. (Bike decorating kits will be distributed while supplies last. Bikers and walkers will NOT BE JUDGED.)
In addition to the floats, bikes, and a procession of VIP’s, there will be a combination of marching bands and bands on trucks that have become an annual tradition. Former Mayor, Carol Olmstead will be the Grand Marshal.
This parade would not be possible without the support of our community volunteers. The committee especially needs marshals. Marshals prevent gaps in the parade and ensure it runs smoothly. Marshals will help with traffic control and keep the crowd off the parade route, so they do not interfere with the participants. They also help to protect children and bystanders by making sure there is no throwing of candy or other objects from the floats or vehicles. (Handing these out is fine.) To volunteer, please contact Bruce Frye at [email protected].
Float judging will take place before the parade begins. The award ceremony will happen on the Bandstand at 7:15 p.m. Boat House Row will perform yacht rock favorites from the 1970s and 1980s at 7:30 and lead into the big fireworks show right after.
The official Bethany Beach Parade T-shirts are on sale now from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bandstand concerts leading up to the Fourth. Other selling dates are from 9:00 am to noon the day of the parade, while supplies last. The 2022 shirts are a real collector’s item since they reference the 2020 shutdown and are a festive red color. Cost is still $10 for youth and $15 for adult short sleeve shirts. The adult long-sleeve shirt is selling quickly and is available in limited supply for $25.
Since the success of the parade depends heavily on the availability of police, EMTs, and bands, there is no rain date. For updates, follow us on social media or click here.