As part of this week’s Earth Day celebration, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Delaware Tourism Office, Delaware Greenways, and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) are excited to announce the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has designated the Delaware Bayshore Byway as a National Scenic Byway.

Governor John Carney, DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Director of the Delaware Tourism Office Liz Keller and representatives from Delaware Greenways and tourism groups celebrated the designation with a gathering today to unveil a special sign recognizing the Byway as a National Scenic Byway at the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve’s St. Jones Reserve in Dover.

The FHWA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, approved 49 new designations to the America’s Byways® collection, including the Delaware Bayshore Byway. In total, 15 new All-American Roads and 34 new National Scenic Byways in 28 states were accepted into the National Scenic Byways Program.

“Delaware’s Bayshore Byway encompasses so much of our state’s unique natural and cultural heritage,” said Governor John Carney. “We are proud to announce on Earth Day this national recognition of its beauty and importance, and we look forward to drawing new visitors to discover its uniquely all-American, all-natural waterways, landscapes and towns.”

Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski added, “This designation is quite an honor. There is so much to experience when traveling this scenic route. Whether you’re a history lover, wildlife enthusiast or perhaps you just want to slow down and enjoy the view, enrich your next trip by taking the Delaware Bayshore Byway. You won’t be disappointed.”

“DNREC’s Delaware Bayshore Initiative runs the coastline from New Castle to Lewes and has laid a foundation to focus our efforts on conservation and preservation, provide recreational and educational opportunities, and support Bayshore communities,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “This new designation builds on and broadens our commitment to care for and share Delaware’s wild side with residents and visitors of today and tomorrow.”

The Delaware Bayshore Byway, now a National Scenic Byway, is a series of two-lane roads that travel along the Delaware River and Bay Estuary. From New Castle to Lewes, the byway corridor with 19 Discovery Zones offers visitors and locals an intimate experience featuring coastal marshlands, abundant wildlife, rich hunting, fishing, and farming heritage and historic river and bay towns and communities.

While traveling this 157-mile route spanning 100 miles of the Delaware coastline, the Delaware Bayshore Byway provides a connection to all that is Delaware: history, wild open space, horseshoe crabs and shorebirds, fresh and saltwater marshes, small communities, fishing villages and large farms, coastal rivers, the bay and its beaches, lighthouses and dark skies, historic mansions and migrant shacks, and waterfowl and watermen.

“The Delaware Bayshore is a special place that must be preserved for its world class birding and unique coastal marshes that benefits both Delaware residents and visitors,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “The Delaware Bayshore is a treasure of national and global significance; recognition of the Byway at the federal level is an honor the area richly deserves.”

U.S. Senator Chris Coons said, “Delaware’s Bayshore Byway is a treasure and one of the most beautiful roads in the busy and populated Mid-Atlantic, some lucky few from outside of Delaware already know about the corridor as the best way to get to the beach or to visit one of our many small coastal towns.”

“Delaware’s Bayshore Byway is a Delaware treasure, encompassing so much of our rich history, culture, and, of course, Delaware’s natural scenery,” added Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “The byway has so much to offer as it runs through all three counties with incredible Discovery Zones along the way. I was pleased to hear about its new designation as a National Scenic Byway and hope that it brings new visitors to see the wonders of our state.”

“Outdoor activities are among the most popular reasons more than 9.2 million people visit Delaware each year,” said Liz Keller, director of the Delaware Tourism Office. “Whether it’s world-class birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge or the quiet beauty of southern Delaware, the Delaware Bayshore Byway is an ideal way for visitors and residents to explore Delaware’s natural wonders.”

Must-see destinations along the Bayshore Byway:
• Historic City of New Castle
• First State National Historical Park
• New Castle Court House Museum
• George Read II House and Gardens
• Historic Delaware City
• Fort Delaware, Pea Patch Island
• Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Area
• Thousand Acre Marsh
• Augustine Wildlife Area
• Port Penn Interpretive Center
• Historic Town of Odessa
• Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area
• Blackbird Creek Reserve
• Woodland Beach Wildlife Area
• DE Aquatic Resources Education Center
• Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
• Town of Leipsic
• Town of Little Creek
• Community of Pickering Beach
• Air Mobility Command Museum
• Community of Pickering Beach
• John Dickinson Plantation
• St. Jones Reserve
• Community of Kitts Hummock
• Historic Town of Bowers Beach
• Bowers Beach Maritime Museum
• Historic Town of Magnolia
• Historic Town of Frederica
• Community of South Bowers
• Milford Neck Wildlife Area
• Milford Historic District and Riverwalk
• DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor
• Town of Slaughter Beach
• Marvel Salt Marsh Preserve
• Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
• Community of Broadkill Beach
• Historic Town of Milton
• Historic Lewes Byway: Gateway to the Bayshore

“Delaware Greenways on behalf of DelDOT, the Delaware Tourism Office and DNREC would like to thank the Byway Management Team for their hard work, dedication and for their input during the completion of the Corridor Management Plan Update 2020 and National Scenic Byway application,” said Chair of the Byway Management Team Steve Borleske.

Discover more about the Delaware Bayshore Byway, other Delaware Byways and the Corridor Management Plan at DelDOT.gov. Encounter more adventures throughout the state at visitdelaware.com.

For more information on how Delaware Greenways is linking and building communities while winding through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, visit delawaregreenways.org.

To learn more about DNREC’s work to preserve our outdoor heritage and open spaces, visit dnrec.de.gov/bayshore.

For a list of all the 2021 Designations to America’s Byways® visit the FHWA’s National Scenic Byways Program website.

Dover, Del. – Delaware tourism experienced a record-breaking year as the state welcomed 9.2 million visitors who accounted for $3.5 billion in economic impact.

Gov. John Carney highlighted those impressive numbers in discussing Delaware’s thriving tourism industry as part of his State of the State address on Thursday.

According to data for 2018 released today by the Delaware Tourism Office, visitors paid $545.1 million in state and local taxes and fees, without which each Delaware household would have had to pay an additional $1,562 in taxes.

“Tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry in Delaware, our fourth-largest private employment sector and a vital part of the state economy,” Gov. Carney said. “By supporting tourism, we also enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans by offering recreational and cultural activities and making sure there’s even more cool stuff to do in Delaware.”

“Delaware benefits from a strong tourism industry,” Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock said. “More than 44,000 people work in the industry in Delaware, which includes hundreds of small businesses and nonprofit organizations.”

For visitors to Delaware, the most popular activities in 2018 were, in order, tax-free shopping, dining and beaches. Visitors spent an average of $346 during their stay in 2018.

More than two-thirds of visitors came from nearby metropolitan areas in the mid-Atlantic and northeast with Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Washington, D.C., being among the most popular origination markets.

“At the Delaware Tourism Office, we share Delaware’s ‘Endless Discoveries’ with out-of-state travelers each year,” Delaware Tourism Office Director Liz Keller said. “From launching award-winning marketing campaigns to embracing innovative technology, we are proud to share what makes Delaware an ideal destination and help create a positive economic impact for our state.”

In 2018, the Delaware Tourism Office launched several initiatives to drive visitation, including a national, multimedia ad campaign, a 360-degree virtual reality tour of Delaware attractions and attendance at national consumer and travel industry trade shows where DTO highlighted Delaware’s “Endless Discoveries” in conversations with potential travelers.

The Delaware Tourism Office, 99 Kings Highway in Dover, Del., is part of the Delaware Division of Small Business. DTO promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware. For more information, visit the official Delaware Tourism website at www.visitdelaware.com or call toll-free (866) 284-7483.

Sources: D.K. Shifflet & Associates and Rockport Analytics. For the 2018 Delaware tourism industry report, visit http://www.visitdelaware.com/industry/tourism-statistics.

Media Contact
Michael Chesney
Director of Communications
Division of Small Business
Michael.Chesney@state.de.us
(302) 577- 8472 (office)
(302) 943-9508 (cell)

Dover, DE – Just in time for the holidays, the happiest season of all will now also be the “hoppiest” with the addition of four new craft breweries to the Delaware on Tap mobile app.

Each location offers a unique atmosphere and special take on the brewmaster’s art. They bring the number of craft breweries, wineries, cideries and meaderies included on DE on Tap to 36.

And now, planning an adventure using DE on Tap is even easier with the addition of geonotifications that let you know about nearby restaurants, attractions and other craft beverage spots.

The new breweries are:

• Autumn Arch Beer Project (Newark)
• Brick Works Long Neck (Millsboro)
• Crooked Hammock Brewery (Middletown)
• Thompson Island Brewing Company (Rehoboth Beach)

They are part of a growing craft beer scene in Delaware that ranks second in the number of gallons of craft beer produced per adult resident over age 21 and ninth in economic impact per capita, according to the Brewers Association.

In addition to helping you plan your visit, the DE on Tap app also provides tips on events, tours and transportation options.

The app even lets you keep track of the number of places you’ve visited through a virtual pint glass that fills as you check in at each location.

Visit 10 stops, and you’ll get a free, commemorative pint glass.

The Delaware Tourism Office, 99 Kings Highway in Dover, Del., is a division of the Delaware Division of Small Business. The DTO promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware. For more information, visit the official Delaware Tourism website at www.visitdelaware.com or call toll-free (866) 284-7483.

LEWES – Winter WonderFEST returns to Lewes for its third year starting this Friday.

The Delaware Tourism Office (Visit Delaware) joined Festival of Cheer, the organizer of Winter WonderFEST, along with Sen. Ernie Lopez and Rep. Steve Smyk, on Wednesday at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal to kick off the event and highlight the power of partnerships working to grow southern Delaware as a year-round destination for out-of-state visitors.

“Tourism plays a valuable role in Delaware, contributing $3.3 billion annually to the state’s economy,” said Delaware Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “Events like Winter WonderFEST and next month’s Slam Dunk to the Beach offer even more reasons for people to explore the endless discoveries in the state’s beach region long after summer has ended.”

“Winter WonderFEST not only brings wintery cheer to the region but also drove 60,000 attendees from 31 states to the Delaware Beaches during the off-season in 2017,” said Liz Keller, Delaware Tourism Director. “That is so important to the area’s many hotels, restaurants and shops. It is a testament to the significance of partnerships between organizations that see value in driving visitation at this time of year.”

Festival of Cheer Wednesday also unveiled exciting new additions to the 2018 Winter WonderFEST, including new events, a larger Visit Delaware ice rink, new light displays and an expanded Christmas Village.

The Visit Delaware ice rink is about 2,000 square feet larger than it was in 2017, allowing more skaters to enjoy the beauty of this outdoor venue with the picture perfect setting of the ferry terminal and bay as a backdrop. The ice rink is a centerpiece of the six-week Winter WonderFEST celebration that takes place at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal and Cape Henlopen State Park from November 17 to December 31, 2018.

“We have worked with our partners to make the third year of Winter WonderFEST the best one yet,” said John Snow, president of Festival of Cheer. “We’ve grown the ice rink, light display and Christmas Village. We’re confident that will also lead to growth in attendance, meaning we will raise even more money for Sussex County charities.”

The Visit Delaware ice rink is open Tuesday through Sunday except for Thanksgiving and Christmas (times vary). Admission on weekends is $10 for adults or $8 for children. Weekday admission is $6 for adults and children. The price includes skate rental. For more information on public skating session times and skating lessons, visit www.wonderfestde.org.

The Delaware Tourism Office, 99 Kings Highway in Dover, Del., part of the Delaware Division of Small Business, promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware. For more information, visit the official Delaware Tourism website at www.visitdelaware.com or call toll-free (866) 284-7483.

Festival of Cheer, a non-profit producing organization for Winter WonderFEST, was formed by community leaders with the mission to enrich lives by creating cultural events and health-related activities throughout the Cape region, and to increase philanthropic support of organizations supporting those residing in, and visiting, Sussex County, Delaware.

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Media Contact:
Michael Chesney
Communications Director
Michael.Chesney@delaware.gov
(302) 943-9508 (cell)
(302) 577-8472 (office)

Boundless a musical journey, takes the audience on the trek and combines the recollected stories of Delawareans with disabilities and the sometimes-difficult history of our Nation’s struggle to ensure dignity and justice for all. Theater allows patrons to ponder and celebrate the intricacies of our shared humanity through campfire stories of hardship, resilience and celebration.

The team assembled by Playwright George Purefoy Tilson weaves a collective team of talent into the development and music for the show.

Orlando Cotto — Music Director
Orlando, originally from Puerto Rico, was raised in the traditions of Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican music, is a Baltimore Percussion Specialist. His impressive performance list reads like a who’s who in the music industry including the Telluride Jazz Festival and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. He was the first marimbist to receive the Artist Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory of Music.

Annie Coffman — Choreography
Annie, a native of Northern Virginia, received a bachelors and master’s degree in music from Towson University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, respectively. She has performed in a number of operas and musicals with various companies throughout DC, MD, and VA, and has sung with the National Philharmonic Chorale as well. She is a staff singer at St. John’s Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. Annie is currently an Assistant Director and mentor with one of ArtStream’s inclusive theater companies in Arlington, VA, and has also worked as Choreographer. She’s extremely proud to have worked with ArtStream for the past eight years, helping to produce original musicals with, and on behalf of, people with intellectual disabilities.

Alex Diaz — Music Composer
Alex, grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he learned to sing with the Alabama Choir School. He spent four years at the Alabama School of Fine Arts as a voice major. He went on to study Vocal Performance, Music Composition, and Japanese Language at Bennington College in Vermont, where he was involved in several operas, musicals, and staged song cycles. He also worked locally as a freelance pianist, vocalist, and music instructor. He spent a year teaching piano and voice privately in Seattle, and has been back in Alabama working for the Choir School as their Administrator, Assistant Conductor, and Composer-in-Residence since 2016. In addition to his Choir School dues, he composes pieces for choral and instrumental ensembles, and teaches privately. He also directs and arranges music for his church’s Handbell Choir, and is the Choral Instructor for the Sisterhood of Tuscaloosa Chinese School. He is looking forward to premiering his piece “This Holiday” with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and a 200 voice choir in December 2018.

Don Lonski — Director
Don has been working in theatre, in one capacity or another, for over 30 years. He is a Delaware native but has lived many places in his lifetime. Don studied theatre in NYC in the early 90’s and was active on the stand-up comedy circuit. He has portrayed a variety of characters in nearly 80 productions, has worked in touring companies, and has directed over 30 productions. Don is truly humbled to be working on this project and wishes to thank his wife, children, cast, and crew for making this possible.

Janelle Robinson — Production Advisor
Janelle is on the faculty of the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and Hartt Community Division currently an adjunct instructor at Western Connecticut State University. She has numerous Broadway/national tour credits: Mary Poppins, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Oklahoma!, Show Boat. Off-Broadway: Slag Heap (Cherry Lane). Regional: Cinderella (Paper Mill), Tin Pan Alley Rag (Cleveland Play House), Carousel (NSMT). TV/film: “Criminal Intent,” Day Zero, Aftermath.

Joy Pritchett — Production Coordinator
Joy organized auditions throughout the state of Delaware. She was responsible for organizing the cast, scheduling rehearsals, reminding cast of rehearsals, cast rehearsal attendance and communications with the parents of young actors and more. Joy has a Master’s degree in gerontology, has been an advocate for care at home, for all—regardless of diagnosis for over thirty years.

George Purefoy Tilson — Playwright, Book and Lyrics
George is a Maryland-based playwright, librettist and composer whose 20 plays (including 3 musicals for which he also wrote lyrics) span all genres. His work has been presented by the New York Theatre Workshop, the Harlem Rep Company, Roy Arias Studios, Catonsville (MD) Community College, Spotlighters in Baltimore, and the Washington, DC Fringe Festival (2010). He has had readings of 4 plays at the Kennedy Center’s Page to Stage Festival, including “Holler” at the Millennium Stage. That play also received a staged reading at the famed Player’s Club in NYC. “Rudy Doo”—a theatrical romp about a brain-injured hockey player, a writer with cerebral palsy and a runaway heiress – won first place production in the 2007 Baltimore Playwrights Festival. George wrote the words to “This Holiday” with composer Alex Diaz, a piece that will receive its world premiere by the Tuscaloosa Symphony and a 200-voice choir, in December 2018. George is a longtime teacher and advocate for people with disabilities and others who live on the margins of our communities. Their lives have impacted him greatly, as a person and as a creative artist. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America.

Boundless a musical journey will be performed Friday, October 19 at 7pm and October 20 at Noon & 5pm in the Theater at Dover High School located on 1 Dover High Drive, in Dover, Delaware. Tickets to the incredible event are FREE and can be obtained at https://boundlessmusical.eventbrite.com. For additional information call 302-739-4553.