BETHANY BEACH, Del.- Bethany Beach's holidays will look a little different this year.
The town announced it canceled its 2020 Holiday Happenings, an event that normally takes place the first Saturday in December. The event includes a party with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, trolley rides through town, and beach tractor rides.
“This event draws hundreds of people throughout the day, especially young children with their grandparents,” says Julie Malewski, Events Director. “As much as we love to see families making special memories together, the pandemic could spread a lot more than good cheer.”
Malewski says the town will still be decorated and tree on the bandstand will be lit, though the official tree lighting ceremony will not happen.
The town will continue to run a food and clothing drive. All are encouraged to bring hats, gloves, scarves, and canned goods to be donated to local charities. Collection bins will be placed near the tree.
Additionally, many businesses will be open and offering shopping specials on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas.
Social distancing and mask requirements are still in effect in Bethany as per Delaware’s Phase 2 mandates.