6 suspects wanted by police after 4 Frenchies stolen from Dover home
CULTURE

Bethany Beach mourns the death of summer at jazz funeral

Kamlesh Desai
kdesai@delmarvanow.com
A casket with the mannequin of summer sits in front of a big audience at the Bethany Beach Bandstand  as part of the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral. The event this year takes place Labor Day Monday, Sept. 4.

Labor Day means the jazz funeral in Bethany Beach.

Continuing a 31-year tradition, the annual Labor Day Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral will step off at 5:30 p.m. from the north end of the boardwalk on Monday, Sept. 4

“Mourners,” many dressed in shrouds and costumes, will carry a casket with a mannequin representing “Summer of 2017” to its resting place at the bandstand on the boardwalk.

Three Dixieland jazz bands — the Dixie Cats, the Downtown Dixieland Band and the Jazz Funeral Irregulars — will accompany the funeral procession.

"The intent of the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral is for those attending to get involved, have fun, and enjoy the day," said Carolyn Bacon, assistant chairwoman of this year’s event.

"There is something for all members of the family to enjoy and the event is admission free."

READ MORE: Jazz Funeral mourners say 'goodbye' to Summer 2016

Discussing plans for the 32nd annual Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral to help benefit the American Red Cross of Delmarva are Bob Rhodunda, left, the major gifts officer for the local Red Cross chapter, and Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral assistant chairwoman Carolyn Bacon.

After the procession reaches the bandstand, the bands will lead the crowd in a rendition of "God Bless America" before the presentation of a series of short speeches to celebrate the funeral's 32nd year and the final departure of "Summer 2017." 

The official Jazz Funeral host of the event is Liane Hansen, a broadcast professional and a former radio host for National Public Radio. Hansen will introduce two or three guest speakers who will comment on the events of the summer season.

Each year the jazz funeral dedicates its events to a worthy charity. This year the American Red Cross of Delmarva will be honored. 

According to Executive Director Theresa Young of the American Red Cross of Delmarva, the Red Cross has accomplished much, but more funds are needed to continue its programs on Delmarva.

READ MORE:Hidden gems at Delaware beaches farmers markets

“The Red Cross recently launched a nationwide preparedness endeavor called the Home Fire Campaign,” said Young. “The goal of the campaign is to lower the number of home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent nationwide over the next five years. Here locally, we have held canvassing events where we offer free smoke alarms to high fire risk communities and also hand out fire preparedness educational materials.” 

To help support the Red Cross, the end of summer celebration also features the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral Silent Auction Friday, Sept. 1, from 3:15 -4:30 p.m. at Bethany Blues Restaurant in Bethany Beach.

Musical Director John Strawley leads the band at a previous Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral.

"Every single dollar from the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral Silent Auction goes directly to the American Red Cross of Delmarva. Local businesses have been very generous to help us in the 12th year of the silent auction,” said Bacon.

The silent auction event kicks off the Labor Day weekend with the jazz funeral wrapping up the weekend festivities in Bethany Beach.

 Former Town Councilman Moss Wagner founded the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral in 1985.