24th Annual Running of the Bull

It’s been a long pandemic, and we know you are all sick and tired of being sick and tired, but now, it’s finally time to throw off your Snuggie and leave the isolation of your couch because the Running of the Bull is back, baby! The Starboard’s famous Bull is vaxxed and ready to relax, and make his comeback at the 24th Annual Bull Run on Saturday, August 21st. Dewey Beach’s premiere holiday weekend that paints the town Pamplona is ready for its second dozenth year and a celebratory weekend that is sure to end your summer on a high note. 

Lines will form early on Saturday, August 21st as the town of Dewey gears up for the music, revelry, and wackiness that is the Running of the Bull. In this wholly awesome event, the Starboard Bull (which is really just two people in a bull costume) will chase patrons up the highway, onto the beach, down the coast and back to the Starboard where the matador and Bull will enter the ring and fight to the bitter—or at least absurd— end! 

This year’s matador is local celebrity and beer brewer extraordinaire Sam Calagione, Founder of Dogfish Head Beer Brewery. He will be bringing his lively personality into the ring this year, but it remains to be seen whether his special brand of quick wit and physical deftness will be enough to run up against the likes of our Bull, who has been in respite all year, and training for the fight of his life. 

Also back in action this year by popular demand, McDonnell will formalize the tradition of the “Ernest Hemingway Lookalike Contest,” for which he will personally be judging and handing out prizes. So if you want to be the best looking Ernest in the crowd, start your beard growth now! McDonnell will announce the winner and give away a Starboard gift certificate to the best looking Hemingway in attendance.  

So mark your calendar, and get your bandanas ready for the only event that prides itself on being 0% fake news, but 100% bull. Music will start at 11am, the big Bull Run will begin at 2PM, and the matador and Bull will enter the ring thereafter. Come out and celebrate the triumphant return of one of the most beloved traditions in Dewey Beach!