Locals celebrate Independence Day at boat parade

LEWES, Del. – Community members kicked off an annual boat show, showcasing 4th of July pride.

The Lewes boat parade welcomed people, like Steve Shugarts, to the Lewes Canal, to get a look at some extravagant rigs.

“It’s patriotic being around other people, celebrating, looking at the decorated boats, and Lewes has such a nautical history that it really portrays the whole area,” Shugarts said.

The parade has turned into something Fred Johnson and his wife look forward to every year. The two make the drive all the way from Pennsylvania to watch the show and celebrate their country.

“This is just for us, a time to enjoy the 4th and it is Independence Day,” Johnson said. “I’m a little into history and I’m very much into the declaration of independence, and that’s what we ought to remember.”

And for someone like Robert Aarons, who has a history with boats himself, he wanted to see the larger-than-life vessels.

“Maybe some power cruisers, you know. The bigger the better,” Aarons said.