The Lewes Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual Lewes Tulip Celebration will be blossoming on April 2 - 11, 2021 in partnership with Lewes in Bloom. The broad-based chamber committee, chaired by event founder Mayor Ted Becker, includes Lewes in Bloom co-chairs and founder, representatives from City of Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission and the Zwaanendael Museum. This year Lewes in Bloom funded the purchase of 24,210 tulip and 4,000 spring bulbs that were planted in fall 2020 by 50 members of Lewes in Bloom over a period of 400 volunteer hours.
The Delaware Division of Public Health has accepted the event plans that included changes to accommodate the Governor’s latest emergency order dated February 19, 2021. The protocols that are being implemented this year include mandatory face coverings and social distancing when visiting the public gardens where the tulips are planted.
The timing of the tulips’ appearance is an inexact science and either milder or colder weather in advance of the event dates can increase the probability that the dates of the celebration may not exactly coincide with the tulips blooming! The event dates (April 2-11) span two weekends. The locations of the plantings are identified on the map produced in association with the celebration. More than 100 varieties will be on display. Tiptoe To The Tulips Trolley Tours will not be available this year.
Tiptoe To The Tulips Map: The event organizers created the Tiptoe To The Tulips Map that will be available in mid-March at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center located in the historic Fisher-Martin House in Zwaanendael Park. The visitor center is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will be open Saturday, April 3 and 10 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The map lists more than 20 locations where the bulbs were planted. It also has a schedule of activities associated with the Tulip Celebration.
Tulip Sale: On April 2 & 3 Lewes in Bloom will be selling tulips in front of Citizens Bank on Second Street from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They also have an Instagram Photo Spot in Mary Vessels Park for photo selfies.
History in Bloom Walking Tours: The Lewes Historical Society and Lewes in Bloom are partnering to offer three, 60-minute tours on April 3 at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. The tours begin at the Cannonball House’s back garden, behind 118 Front Street. The tour cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets for the Lewes Historical Society's Tours at www.historiclewes.org/visit/tours/html.
Tulip Arrangements: Tulip arrangements by the Sussex Gardeners will be on display in the Zwaanendael Museum. The museum is open for self-guided tours Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday – Tours at 10:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. All days and times by advance reservations only. Call 302-645-1148 for a reservation. “Your Dutch Faces Here” cutouts will be outside the museum for photo selfies on April 2, 3, 9, 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and is weather dependent.
Art Exhibitions: Cape Artists of Lewes Gallery and Peninsula Gallery both have exhibitions that are taking place during the Tulip Celebration.
- On April 3, the Cape Artists are hosting an Open House with light refreshments, featuring Welcome Spring artwork, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at their gallery located at 110 West Third Street.
- The Peninsula Gallery presents “Local Favorites” Art Exhibition from April 3 – 25 at 520 East Savannah Road. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Flower Arranging Demonstrations including Tulip Sales: Two florist shops in Lewes are participating in the Tulip Celebration.
- Floral Inspirations, located on the beach side of the canal at 524 E. Savannah Road, in the shops under the Beacon Motel, will be doing flower arranging demonstrations on April 2, 3, 9, 10 from Noon – 3 p.m. They will have a wide variety of colorful spring tulips on hand for purchase as well. Owner/designer Ken Norman encourages people to stop in just for the smell of it.
- Owner/designer Mayumi Williamson of Flowers by Mayumi, located in the historic business district at 128 Second Street, will be hosting a drop-in floral arranging demonstration on April 8 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Lewes Historical Society’s Maritime History Walking Tour: On April 10 at 10:00 a.m. beginning at the Ryves Holt House, 218 Second Street. The tour cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at www.historiclewes.org/visit/tours/html.
Lewes Historical Society’s Architectural History Walking Tour: On April 11 at 4:00 p.m. The tour cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at www.historiclewes.org/visit/tours/html.
Spring Geranium Sale: GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club’s sale to benefit their Community Service Programs. They are taking orders until April 15 with pick up on Saturday, May 1st at Lewes in Bloom’s Warehouse at 217 Schley Avenue, Lewes. $6 per 6” pot – pink, white, red and salmon. Email orders to [email protected] or checks payable to Z Club, mailed to P.O. Box 100, Lewes, DE 19958.
