Lewes British Motorcar Show
The Lewes British Motorcar Show “The British are Coming...Again!” will welcome a wide array of classic British vehicles to Lewes on Saturday, May 1 (NO RAIN DATE). The Lewes Chamber of Commerce sponsors the show with assistance from the British Car Club of Delaware. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. The show is supported by Southern Delaware Tourism. Twenty-five years ago, Car Show chairman Mike Tyler and the British Car Club of Delaware originated the concept of staging a British Motorcar Show in the spring to attract visitors to
Lewes before the summer season goes into full swing. In the 24 previous shows, a specific marque was featured but for the 25 th anniversary show, there won’t be one. Last year’s show was canceled due to COVID-19 so the show’s silver anniversary will be celebrated this year. The Delaware Division of Public Health has approved the chamber’s submitted plan to address their concerns related to large gatherings. Contract tracing, requiring masks, social distancing
and having hand sanitation available are among the initiatives being implemented for this year’s show.
According to Betsy Reamer, executive director of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, “The popularity of this show has continued to grow over the years and the show’s venue at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal allows for staging 100 vehicles with the backdrop of the beautiful Delaware Bay.” Amenities at the terminal include food and beverage service at the Lewes Coffee Company and Grain on the Rocks and public rest rooms. One of the many attractions to attending this show, both as a car entrant and as a spectator, is the show’s proximity to the historic business district with its shopping (Sidewalk Sale bargains!) and restaurants. Five judges will be selecting the winners in each of 10 categories. There will be first, second and third place awards in each category as well as Best in Show. The judges are Lewes Mayor Ted Becker, Lewes Chamber of Commerce Board President Nikky Fisher, WRDE News Anchor Madeleine Overturf and British Car Club of Delaware members Charlie O’Donnell and Jeffrey Broderick, who will be coordinating the judging. Jeff is the owner of the 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II that won Best in Show multiple times and has been “retired” from competition in the Lewes show. He continues to bring his car to the show for everyone to admire!
The British Motorcar Show concludes at 3 p.m. with the Winners’ Circle Parade from the ferry terminal, across the drawbridge and then down Second Street. The cars will momentarily stop in front of Citizens Bank where Car Show Chairman Mike Tyler will be announcing the winners and the 31 winners will be given their awards by Mayor Ted Becker. Show admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 are free. For more information, call the Lewes Chamber of
Commerce at 302-645-8073.
The British Motorcar Show is scheduled the same weekend as the Merchants’ Spring Sidewalk Sale in the Historic Lewes Commercial District around Second Street. Their three-day sale begins Friday and ends Sunday, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are other events sponsored by Lewes Chamber members taking place that weekend including the Lewes in Bloom Plant Sale at 218 Schley Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the Historic Lewes Farmers Market in George H.P. Smith Park from 8 a.m. to Noon; the Peninsula Gallery’s opening reception for their “Whimsical Women” art exhibition and the Cape Artists of Lewes Gallery Open House and tent sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details about all these events are on the Lewes Chamber of Commerce website’s calendar of events - www.LewesChamber.com
