Jazz Funeral mourners say 'goodbye' to Summer 2016

As the sound of jazz music and mourning takes over the Bethany Beach Boardwalk the evening of Sept. 5, a casket is carried down the boardwalk.

But the people on the boardwalk aren't mourning the loss of an individual.

Though it officially ends with the fall equinox on Sept. 22 this year, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of life of the summer season at the Delaware beaches.

So a group of mourners at the Bethany Beach Boardwalk laid to rest the Summer 2016 like they've done for more than three decades — in the style of a New Orleans funeral.

"Being able to shed a few tears for 'Dearly Departed Summer' is the only requirement for those who join the procession," said Carolyn Bacon, one of the assistant chairpersons for this year's Jazz Funeral, in a press release. "Visitors and locals of all ages are invited to join in the procession and have as much fun as they want at the Jazz Funeral. We invite those who attend to dress up in their favorite costumes and have a great time."

Now in its 31st year, the Jazz Funeral not only encompasses the solemn procession down the Bethany Beach Boardwalk, but also three jazz bands who lead the procession as well as a silent auction the Friday beforehand to help benefit the Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Sussex County Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, the American Cancer Society and the Delaware Audubon Society and Chesapeake Audubon Society.

Participants in the Jazz Funeral wear black shrouds, dark sunglasses or costumes.

Some carry flowers or reeds and others carry large umbrellas to really call to mind a true New Orleans funeral.

Three bands lead the way for the crowd of mourners: the Dixie Cats, the Downtown Dixieland Band and the Jazz Funeral Irregulars. Carried along with the procession is a casket with a mannequin representing the summer of 2016, who is taken to its final resting stop at the Boardwalk Bandstand.

Hermine didn't scare people away from Bethany Beach

Despite the threat of bad weather earlier in the weekend, the boardwalk was flooded with people to celebrate the unofficial end of summer.

"I think summer is a special time," said Susan Aghazarian, of Phoenix, Maryland who was taking in the parade for the first time. "This is is a great way to say thank you to the hard working lifeguards who keep us safe all summer. I think it's a neat way to show our appreciation."

During the procession, the bands play somber, funeral music. But once they reach the Boardwalk Bandstand, they go uptempo to really celebrate the end of summer.

"This is a way to say goodbye to a friend who has been with you all summer," said Peggy Saur, of Bethany Beach. "This is my first time to watch it. I've never seen anything like it."

Busy Independence Day weekend in Bethany Beach kicks off

This year's Jazz Funeral was never in doubt despite the possibility of bad weather from Tropical Storm Hermine. The Jazz Funeral sent out an email over the weekend saying the show would go on rain or shine.

"Our HOA was warning us about big waves that were supposed to hit Bethany over the weekend," said Donna Panzarella, of Washington, DC. "But we decided to come out. It turned out nice."

Panzarella, who was at the Jazz Funeral along with her husband, wasn't the only person concerned about the weather this weekend.

"The weather did impact my arrival," said Greg Kametz, of Baltimore. "We rented a place for two weeks and we were supposed to come Saturday but we came Sunday instead. The whole Jazz Funeral is a nice tradition."

rghughes@dmg.gannett.com

On Twitter: @hughesg19