Source: Southern Delaware
Five winners from among a nominee list of events, attractions, organizations, and individuals have been chosen by an impartial panel to receive the 2025 Southern Delaware Tourism Awards. The awards were presented on December 10th at the Annual Southern Delaware Tourism Awards Luncheon held at The Lighthouse Cove Event Center in Dewey Beach, DE.
Tourism is a $3+ billion (and growing!) industry in Sussex County. In fact, nearly 27,000 jobs in Sussex County are tourism related. And tourism revenue saves each Delaware household $1,826 in taxes each year. This is definitely due, in large part, to our fortunate geographical location and our beautiful 5 Star beaches – but it’s also the result of a lot of initiative, creativity, planning and hard work by the many people and organizations who strive to keep up with evolving travel trends and to create and provide the types of attractions, events, activities, and services that drive visitors to Sussex County.
Southern Delaware Tourism congratulates all of the 2025 nominees. “This year’s voting was extremely close. All of this year’s nominees are very deserving of the award as their contributions help make Sussex County such a special and beloved destination,” says Scott Thomas, Executive Director of Southern Delaware Tourism.
Winners were named in five categories in 2025 including Best New Event, Best Event, Best Attraction, Philanthropic Award, and Tourism Legacy Award. The 2025 Southern Delaware Tourism Awards winners are:
Best Attraction: Cape Water Tours & Taxi
Cape Water Tours & Taxi (CWT) is one of Sussex County’s premier visitor attractions, offering guests a distinctive way to explore the natural beauty, maritime heritage, lighthouses, and vibrant ecology of Southern Delaware’s waterways. Operating from Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, the company provides 20 different tours including scenic cruises, eco-tours, private charters, and themed experiences, many expertly narrated, that highlight the region’s coastal character and charm. With many tours and cruises offered annually, Cape Water Tours delivers an exceptional range of experiences that appeal to families, couples, and groups alike. Most excursions fill to 80 – 100% capacity, and during peak season it’s not uncommon for the company to host more than 600 guests in a single day. This consistent visitation directly contributes to the Sussex County tourism economy. Guests often extend their stay to enjoy local restaurants, retail shops, and accommodations, generating meaningful economic activity that supports the broader economy. Known for its exceptional hospitality and flexibility, CWT works closely with local hotels, event organizers, and regional tourism partners to provide customized group experiences, and enhances Sussex County’s reputation as a welcoming and well-coordinated visitor destination. CWT is deeply committed to community involvement and environmental stewardship, partnering in multiple ways with MERR Institute, Upstream Alliance, Delaware Center for Inland Bays, Delaware Sea Grant, CAMP Rehoboth/PFLAG and others. With outstanding visitor engagement, strong community collaboration, and a proven record of economic impact, Cape Water Tours exemplifies the best of Sussex County tourism. Through innovation, partnership, and a passion for showcasing Delaware’s natural and cultural heritage, Cape Water Tours continues to elevate the region as a leading destination for residents and visitors alike.
Best Event: Wings & Wheels
Wings & Wheels is one of Sussex County’s signature family friendly festivals, blending aviation, automotive and history into a must-see tourism experience. Held at Georgetown’s historic WWII era airport, the event draws thousands of visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic to enjoy vintage WWII era aircraft, classic cars, military tributes and live entertainment. With a proven economic impact of $1,070,473, Wings & Wheels fuels local tourism by filling hotels and restaurants while showcasing Georgetown as a destination rich in heritage and hospitality. The festival honors WWII aviation and military history, engages multiple generations and creates lasting memories – making it not only a celebration of community but a powerful driver of regional tourism and economic growth. In 2025, the event has further partnered with the Air Force/DE Guard to bring a new asset with their Performance Virtual Lab and hosting a brand new “Less Nessman World Championship Invitational Turkey Drop” which attracted more than 30 aircraft from around the Region to participate in addition to our 20-25 local aircraft. Wings & Wheels embodies the values of connection and celebration. It engages dozens of volunteers, sponsors and local organizations. With its broad reach, the event has become a signature event that not only draws tourism but also cements Georgetown’s reputation as a place where history takes flight and memories are made.
Best New Event – Ben Voyage: Yacht to the Future – The Retro White Party hosted by Beachin Bash
This first-of-its-kind culinary and entertainment experience elevated Sussex County’s tourism profile while supporting a meaningful local cause. Approximately 400 guests attended from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and beyond. The evening’s headline talent featured celebrity Chef Ben Robinson, star of Bravo’s Below Deck and a global personality with more than 1 million followers. Chef Ben’s return to the franchise this year, combined with his loyal international fanbase, drew national attention to Dewey Beach and highlighted Southern Delaware as a destination capable of hosting A-list talent. Sharing the stage was DJ Skribble, the legendary MTV icon and world-tour DJ who has performed alongside artists such as Brittney Spears and Tiësto. He made his first-ever Dewey Beach performance a major tourism draw. Rounding out the star power were the Girls Gotta Eat podcast hosts — one of the nation’s top comedy podcasts with millions of downloads — and fan-favorite band Decade 80’s, who provided the perfect retro soundtrack. Guests embraced the retro-white theme with striking attire and enjoyed a culinary experience curated by the Hyatt’s executive chef and team in honor of Chef Ben’s appearance, showcasing local collaboration and coastal flair. VIP guests enjoyed fresh-shucked oysters, a two-hour open bar, and exclusive meet-and-greets with the celebrity talent. The event demonstrated Sussex County’s ability to host destination-quality experiences that rival larger markets while preserving local charm. Attendees stayed at area hotels, dined in local restaurants, and explored the Rehoboth–Dewey corridor, generating measurable economic benefit for the region. Partnerships with the Hyatt Dewey Beach Lighthouse Cove Event Center highlighted how local businesses can collaborate to deliver premium, visitor-attracting events. Beyond the celebration, Ben Voyage raised both funds and awareness for the Skeeter Strong Foundation, using tourism and entertainment to give back to the community. Measured Impact: 311 paid attendees plus 60–80 VIPs, sponsors, and door sales (total ≈ 400). Ticket revenue exceeded $21,000, translating to roughly $37,000–$40,000 in local economic activity using Delaware tourism-spend averages. About 15% of attendees traveled from outside Sussex County, underscoring its regional draw. Looking Ahead: Ben Voyage was created to spotlight Sussex County’s restaurants, venues, and coastal charm through celebrity partnerships and influencer engagement. Their goal is to expand it into a signature annual event that attracts high-profile influencers, entertainers, and media personalities to experience and promote everything Southern Delaware offers — continuing to build tourism, visibility, and community pride.
Philanthropic Award: Bayard, Lingo, and Townsend Families
The long-standing generosity of these families has helped shape Southern Delaware, supporting tourism, local chambers of commerce, major events, and nonprofits throughout Sussex County and Delaware. Beyond financial contributions, they have taken on leadership roles and volunteered countless hours, leaving a lasting legacy of service and community spirit. Their dedication has not only strengthened Southern Delaware’s tourism industry but has also inspired countess other businesses and organizations to give back, making them true pillars of Sussex County and beyond. Their guiding principle is #GiveWhereYouLive! Years ago, Colonel John E. Lingo, retired from the U.S. Air Force and returned to Rehoboth Beach to raise his family with his loving wife, Peggy. During this time, he envisioned creating a scenic trail across his land. A pathway that would allow people to walk or bike from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes. Through his extraordinary generosity and the donation of what would amount to millions of dollars of family property, his vision became a reality. Today, the Junction and Breakwater Trail stands as one of the most beloved and admired coastal trails in the nation and looked upon as an example of preserving open spaces by many cities, counties, and municipalities throughout the US and beyond. The Gordons Pond Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park was dedicated in 2014, but the State of Delaware still needed a way to connect it to the Junction and Breakwater Trail. Once again, the Bayard, Lingo, and Townsend families stepped forward with remarkable generosity, donating millions of dollars of their own land to link these two prominent trails. Their contribution completed what is now a stunning 15-mile loop, uniting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach through one of Nation’s most scenic and cherished coastal trail systems. Other examples of the families’ philanthropic giving include: gifts to Beebe Healthcare; renovation of the Townsend Barn on Kings Highway creating a landmark embracing Delaware’s agriculture heritage; the purchase and renovation of Jungle Jim’s Water Park in 1998 by the Lingo Family who donate thousands of tickets annually to local nonprofit fundraisers helping to make our communities stronger; creation of the new Rehoboth Beach Museum in a building once owned by the Lingo family; contributions to The Rehoboth Art League and major contributions to The Lewes Historical Society and Museums. Contributions by the Lingo family supported one of Delaware’s finest performance stages and sound systems at Cape Henlopen High School creating a cultural hub and excellent venue for school productions as well as the Rehoboth Jazz Festival which brings world-renowned artists to Southern Delaware, and the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival. The families have supported many tourism-enhancing festivals and organizations throughout the years including the inaugural Milton Zombie Festival, Sea Witch, Rehoboth Art League, Lewes Historical Society, Clear Space Theatre, Rehoboth Jazz Festival, Rehoboth Film Festival, Southern Delaware Food and Wine Festival, Lewes and Rehoboth Beach Cottage Tours, and many others organizations’ events also. From supporting tourism, the preservation of land and local history, healthcare and enhancing community life, their contributions leave a lasting mark.
Legacy Award: Carol Everhart
Carol Everhart, retiring President/CEO of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, was hired by the chamber in 1989 as Event Coordinator and since then has served as Marketing Director, Executive Director, and President/CEO. Her management and leadership responsibilities as President and CEO of the Rehoboth Beach- Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce have included organization of a full time, year-round Administrative Office, Visitors Center, and Boardwalk Informational Kiosk and has included establishing, coordinating, and marketing programs. The Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber, represents over 1,300 business members and is the largest membership Chamber in the State as well as the major marketing arm for the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach resort area, benefitting businesses, residents, and visitors alike. This representation gives the Chamber a powerful voice when responding to issues of legislation at all levels. Additionally, the Cape Gazette, in October of this year, wrote, “The chamber contracted Everhart in 1989 to make the Sea Witch event happen on a budget of $5,000. The first year drew 5,000 people, and Everhart said she can remember feeling devastated by the low turnout. More than 35 years later, the festival’s three-day weekend will bring 200,000 people to Rehoboth Beach if the weather is good.” Carol came to the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce with combined experience in the events: recreation, paralegal and creative consulting fields. Having acquired her degree in Organizational Management and Tourism at the University of Delaware, Carol has served as Marketing Chair for the Institute for Organized Management at the University of Delaware and on numerous County, State, Municipal, Transportation, Tourism, and Banking Boards. Carol has also served on the Delaware Judicial Nominating Commission. She has received several awards/recognitions over the years including Top 50 Delaware’s Most Influential People (2012), Governor’s Hall of Fame for Special Events (2000 and 2001), Governor’s Quality Service – Outstanding Achievement in Special Events (1998), Governor’s Outstanding Marketing (1993), and more.
Photo cover: Legacy Award (0529): Winner Carol Everhart. L to R: Scott Anthony, Southern Delaware Tourism Chairperson; Doug Hudson, Sussex County Council President; Steve McCarron, Sussex County Councilman; Russ Huxtable, DE State Senator; Dave Wilson, DE State Senator; John Rieley, Sussex County Council Vice President; Carol Everhart, honoree; Claire Snyder-Hall, DE State Representative; Alonna Berry, DE State Representative; Scott Thomas, Executive Director of Southern Delaware Tourism; Benjamin Gray, COO Mercantile Processing; Ron Gray, DE State Representative (Photo courtesy Southern Tourism).
