I am writing this letter on behalf of all committee members to express a special thanks to all those who devoted their time to make the Bethany Beach 27^th Independence day Parade a special event.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Bethany Beach officials, their staff and town employees, Bethany Beach Police Dept., Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Co. and Ladies Auxiliary, The Bethany Beach Ambulance Corp., the fire police, the Public Works Dept. and their crew.

Thank you also to St. Ann’s Church and the Christian Church Conference Center for the use of their facilities and grounds.  A special thanks to those who sold T-shirts and who purchased them and to Jennifer Carter, a very talented local artist, for her help in the design of the T-shirts and her donation of a painting for the GRAND PRIZE winner. Without the support of all of these parade components for the months leading up to and after the parade, this event could not be a success. In addition, thanks to the local businesses who provided trucks for our musical groups. Lord’s Landscaping, G&E Hocker, Kent Landscaping and a truck and a truck with trailer from Complete Tree Care. Also to Walgreens/ Happy Harry's, Mr. Natural Bottled Water, Food Lion, Giant and Shore Stop for their donation of water to the parade. And to Shore Foods for ice.

The parade committee is an all volunteer group.  All funds to cover the cost of this event were realized from the business community, civic groups, Homeowners Associations, civic-minded citizens and the sale of T-shirts. We also want to thank DiFebo’s Restaurant for sponsoring Cooking For a Cause and to Greg Mavraganis for sponsoring the Bethany Beach July 4^th Firecracker 5K. Thank you all for your generous support.

A special thanks to the scores of bicyclists who used the bike kits and their talents to decorate their bikes as they ride the parade route and to the number of community groups and businesses who entered floats and, of course, to the walking organizations. In addition, thanks to those who participated in the 22^nd annual horseshoe throwing contest which was a great success. We must thank Ruthie’s Bethany Bakery for sponsoring the Pie Eating Contest. There were approximately 185 participants and the winner was Paul Gamble who ate his pie in 1minuet and 54 seconds.

From everyone connected with this annual fun and successful show of small town Americana, our sincere thanks.

                                                                            Philip C. Rossi
                                                                             Parade Chairman