CAPE MAY — Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s 50th Anniversary will culminate in a weekend of family fun activities, including live entertainment, carnival games, an outdoor concert, a screening of a documentary about the ferry, and dedication ceremonies highlighting this milestone achievement. The Cape May celebration will take place June 28, while the Lewes festival is set for the following day. The 50th Anniversary terminal events are free to the public.
“Fifty years ago, the first ferry carried eight vehicles and fifteen passengers from Lewes to Cape May,” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations. “Over the years, we have transported more than 14 million vehicles and 43 million passengers. We’re proud of our history and excited to celebrate it with the communities we serve. Bring a lawn chair, and the family, and come on down and enjoy!”
Both terminal celebrations will feature a dedication ceremony – including invited speakers, a buried time capsule, and commemorative plaques and brick pavers. The public is invited to enjoy fun activities for the families including live entertainment, food tents, a classic car show and carnival games as part of weekend festivities. The schedule of events is as follows:
Cape May Ferry Terminal – June 28, 2014:
All day – Live mural painting (Dave Macomber)
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Classic car show
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. – Art of Gymnastics – contortionist performance
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Family fun entertainment (DJ, face painting, carnival games, Pete the Pirate and more)
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Dedication ceremony (speakers, unveiling of brick pavers, time capsule, commemorative plaque)
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Free live outdoor music (Lima Bean Riot)
8:30 p.m. – Outdoor screening of WHYY documentary – “Billion Mile Journey” the story of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry
Lewes Ferry Terminal – June 29, 2014:
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Classic car show
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Family fun entertainment (DJ, face painting, carnival games, Pete the Pirate and more)
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Dedication ceremony (speakers, unveiling of brick pavers, time capsule, commemorative plaque)
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Free live outdoor music (The Funsters)
8:00 p.m. – Outdoor screening of WHYY documentary – “Billion Mile Journey” the story of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks (from, and in cooperation with, Cape Henlopen State Park)
The local band, Glass Onion, will perform live at the Lido Bar aboard the MV Delaware for two round trips each day. During the weekend, each guest on the ferry will also receive a commemorative 50th Anniversary Ferry pin.
As an added bonus, ferry officials are also offering special vehicle and passenger fares to celebrate the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s 50th Anniversary weekend. Ferry customers can purchase foot passenger tickets at 50% off the regular price for travel that weekend. The cost for a round trip vehicle, including all its passengers, is priced at an amazing $50. Customers should mention the promo code “50th” when making their reservation at the toll booth or at the customer service counters.
The Cape May – Lewes Ferry, which is operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority and serves the Twin Capes region of Cape May, NJ and Lewes, DE, began operations on July 1, 1964. On that historic date, the first ferry vessel departed the Lewes terminal at 6:47 a.m., carrying eight vehicles and fifteen passengers. Over the years, the Ferry has transported more than 43 million people and 14 million vehicles across the Delaware Bay. Cars from each of the 50 states and numerous foreign countries have made the ferry trip and over one billion miles have been covered during the 50 years of round trip travel. A favorite of snow birds and family vacationers, the ferry has always served an important transportation link in the crowded Northeast corridor, connecting North/South traffic from Boston and New York to Washington D.C. and Florida.
About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry:
The Cape May – Lewes Ferry is owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962. The Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than 43 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. In 2013, the ferry service, which connects Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, and historic Lewes, Delaware, transported approximately 275,000 vehicles and nearly 1 million passengers. For schedule, rates and other program information, please visit the ferry’s website at www.CMLF.com, or call toll free, 800-643-3779. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CMLFerry.
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