BETHANY BEACH, Del.- Bethany Beach gathered on Monday night to say farewell to summer 2019. The town of Bethany came together to jam out one last time at its 34th Annual Jazz Funeral.
The Bethany Beach Jazz funeral is celebrated each Labor Day Monday beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the north end of the Bethany Beach Boardwalk.
The community of Bethany is nailing the coffin on the summer season. As a group of mourners wiped their tears, they came together draped in black shrouds, dark sunglasses and carrying flowers. They were all part of the procession that carries a casket with a mannequin representing "Summer" to it's final resting place at the Boardwalk Bandstand.
Sally Murphy makes the trip every year from Virginia and she says it's the spirit in the air that keeps her coming back.
"Its so varied and everybody just has so much fun. It brings the community together, I mean look at this huge crowd. Every year when I come, I know they are always having so much fun" mentions Murphy.
From trumpet to trombones, jazz bands paraded down the boardwalk to set the tone for Labor Day. The Jazz Funeral combined forces of three bands, including the Dixie Cats, the Downtown Dixieland Band, and the Jazz Funeral Irregulars. Joe Lear is the manger of Dixieland Band. He has been performing for over 30 years. Lear says he loves to share his talents with the community.
"Dixieland Music is just different from any other kind of music in my mind. It's just fun to play for people and I think they enjoy listening to it" explains Lear.
This celebration is modeled after a New Orleans jazz funeral. All of these bands have a New Orleans-style that help Bethany say goodbye to summer.
Along with the support of the town, the American Red Cross was there to spread awareness. Theresa Young is the Executive Director of the Delmarva Chapter. Young says she wants people to recognize that they are here to serve.
"It's an opportunity for us to be known in the community. We also want to work with the community right as hurricane season is upon us. Hurricane Dorian is on it's way up the coast and it really allows us the opportunity to be visible.
Bethany Beach may be saying goodbye to summer, but the happy spirits of the season will live on.
The community of Bethany Beach will mourn the end of summer in song next Labor Day.