They Come, They See, They Savor
A Tasty Sampling of Women’s FEST 2024
Soon, the hills will be alive with the sound of…women! This year’s Women’s FEST (April 25-28) will be the largest yet, with events all around the area and plenty of choices, no matter what your taste. And FEST has something for every part of your palate. Here are some samples:
Sweet
It doesn’t get much sweeter than the Georgette Krenkel Welcome Dance, a treasured tradition and the perfect place to start making new friends and wonderful memories.
On Friday, check out one of the new FEST events, Singer Songwriters in the Round, at the convention center at 3:00 p.m. Christine Havrilla, Sarah Peacock, and Regina Sayles will take turns sharing songs and stories on stage. Experience the spontaneity, laughs, emotions, and honesty of these talented women, who tour individually at venues, festivals, listening rooms, and house concerts across the country. But here’s a unique opportunity to experience them together in Rehoboth. Sweet!
If you aren’t already matched, find a sweetheart at the Singles Tea Dance, Friday, 4:00 p.m., at Aqua. Make a date to meet her back at Aqua for the FEST Late Night After Party, starting at 10:00 p.m.
And what’s sweeter than a good book? New this year is the Pop-Up Bookstore, brought to FEST by a collaboration between Bywater Books, an award-winning publisher of lesbian books, and the Sapphic Literary Pop-Up Bookstore.
The Sapphic women are authors from a variety of publishers who have collaborated to sell their own books directly to readers. Sweetening the deal—all the authors will be on site to do readings, sign books, and chat with readers. The Pop-Up Bookstore will be open 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Friday and 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Saturday at the convention center.
Sour
Sip a whiskey sour or a margarita and have lunch while playing bingo at Dos Locos, noon to 2:00 p.m., both Friday and Saturday of FEST weekend. Friday’s event, hosted by Scarlet Masters, will offer both fun and a chance to win fabulous prizes. In between regular games there will be a chance to play a “minute to win it” game for a special prize. And if you don’t win on Friday, don’t be a sourpuss—come back on Saturday for Ultimate Bingo with Roxy Overbrooke.
If old-school sports strike you as fun and you can spare the time, head over to the Bowling Tournament at Lefty’s Alley and Eats Friday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m. Just don’t get into a pickle if your team doesn’t win—it’s all in good fun, FEST style.
Salty
While at FEST, be sure to enjoy Rehoboth’s favorite salty treat. No, it’s not the boardwalk fries—it’s author and comedian Fay Jacobs, signing her new book, Big Girls Don’t Fry, at the convention center on Friday at 11:00 a.m.
There are bound to be salty and sweet treats at this year’s EXPO, a free event on Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., at the convention center. Vendors will be offering a tempting selection of jewelry, photography, t-shirts, scarves, chocolate, books, and artwork. Nonprofit organizations will also be on hand with information and resources of particular interest to women.
On Sunday, enjoy the salty breezes while participating in the Broadwalk on the Boardwalk, a fundraising event that benefits Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC). DBCC’s programs improve breast cancer awareness, promote the importance of early detection, provide access to mammograms, and offer support and resources to men and women in the local community who are newly diagnosed or facing recurrence of breast cancer.
Savory
On Friday, 2:00-4:00 p.m., the Elkins-Archibald Atrium will host a reception for FEST Art 2024!, a juried show featuring 38 works by 33 individuals. Stop by and savor the works of these talented artists.
And if you’ve got an appetite to dance, head over to the convention center for the premier dance, Saturday, 7:00-11:00 p.m. This event features two tasty treats: DJ Peggy Castle and GirlsRoom, the hugely popular local all-female rock and roll band.
On Friday, this year’s scrumptious headliners, Crys Matthews and Lea DeLaria, will offer a buffet of entertainment, with music from bluegrass to Broadway, and poke-your-partner comedy. Prepare to laugh, groove, and be inspired. When asked, Crys Matthews promised, “They will laugh; they will cry; they will sing, and their wells will hopefully be filled up pretty heartily by the time we’re done.” Lea DeLaria added, “I’m loud, I’m vulgar, I’m funny, I’m in your face, rapid fire, I talk about what’s going on in the world—it’s very improvisational.” One promise: “You guys are going to get a fantastic show. I’m gonna kick some butt for y’all.”
Bitter
There’s no more bitter rivalry in women’s sports than FEST golf. (OK, I suppose there was Chris vs. Martina, and I guess women’s soccer can get pretty rough, but the competition and controversy over golf attire at the FEST tournaments is nothing to sneeze at.) For some serious (and not so serious) fun, sign up for the new 18-hole Par 3 Golf Tournament at Midway, on Saturday, April 27, at 9:00 a.m.
Sometimes it’s a bitter pill, but taking care of your health really does pay off. Why not take a moment to get yourself checked out? During the FEST EXPO, Beebe nurses will conduct free health screenings in the mobile health van in the convention center parking lot. The screenings will include testing for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), bone density, and memory issues. Those interested in tests for BMI or bone density are asked to wear shoes that are easy to remove, as you must be barefoot to complete the tests. Those interested in the blood tests should fast for six hours prior to the screening for the most accurate results. A Beebe women’s health physician will be on site to answer questions and provide information on test results.
Additionally, the Bayhealth Cancer Institute will be at CAMP Rehoboth on Friday, 12:00-4:30 p.m., offering clinical breast exams performed by a medical oncology nurse practitioner. Clinical breast exams help find abnormalities in breast tissue and play a role in lifelong breast health.
Tasty Treats for the Mind and Psyche
The Speakers Series is back with three terrific speakers, all speaking in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium at CAMP Rehoboth on Friday and Saturday. All Speaker Series events are free and open to the public.
Comic, artist, and art historian Liz Bradbury returns with a hilarious, all new, “More Queer Women Who Changed the World” comedy history show. The first Black woman pilot, the woman who won us marriage equality, the inventor who keeps us safe, the author of the YA book you loved—you’ll laugh and learn with Liz’s special brand of engaging and empowering presentation. Liz Bradbury is a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ activist, a prize-winning artist and author, and a long-time queer art and history expert. Friday, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Professional actor Mary Goggin will present Runaway Princess, A Hopeful Tale of Heroin, Hooking and Happiness, a profound exploration of human trafficking, drug addiction, alcoholism, and the journey to self-discovery. Through her captivating performance, Mary unravels the harsh realities of human trafficking and delves into the complexities of addiction. This event aims to educate, foster empathy, and empower the community with valuable insights, resources, and support networks, encouraging active participation in resolving these societal challenges. Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Lynn Ames will discuss Out at the Plate: The Dot Wilkinson Story, her biography of the greatest catcher ever to play women’s softball. For more than a decade, through countless conversations and interviews, Dot shared her stories with her dear friend, author Lynn Ames. Out at the Plate, told through the lens of Dot and Lynn’s friendship, is the story of a forgotten era in women’s history and sports, and one extraordinary woman’s place at the center of it all. Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Bring it All Together with a Culinary Journey to Remember
You could be one raffle ticket away from an epicurean extravaganza aboard Olivia’s Burgundy and Provence Taste of France Riverboat Cruise. Each destination will bring you unique sensory experiences and opportunities to develop your palate. You’ll have unforgettable gastronomic encounters with fine winemaking, “true” chocolate, and regional specialties—culinary adventures in every port! All this, and evenings of Olivia entertainment with new friends, paired with your favorite regional wines. A delicious dream come true.
Note: Some events may be sold out by the time you read this. Go to camprehoboth.com/womensfest for current information. ▼
Nancy Sakaduski is an award-winning writer and editor who owns Cat & Mouse Press in Lewes, Delaware.
Photos, opposite page L-R: Lea DeLaria, Broadwalk on the Boardwalk 2019. This page, Lynn Ames.
Lea DeLaria photo credit: Tina Turnbow
CAMP Rehoboth’s Women’s FEST strives to create and maintain an inclusive and accessible environment that empowers all persons, including persons with disabilities. If you or your companion have any needs related to accessibility, please contact Hope at Hope@phoenixaccessibilityteam.com.