18 Jun 22nd Annual Bull Run June 23rd
Twenty-two years ago, The Spice Girls were topping the charts, dial-up Internet was all the rage, and the Running of the Bull was a group of friends at The Starboard in white t-shirts being chased by another one of their friends in a bull costume. While The Spice Girls and dial-up Internet may be a thing of the past, it’s good to know that some things just get better with age. That’s right, the Running of the Bull is turning 22 this year, and it’s going to be an epic weekend in Dewey Beach!
On Saturday, June 23rd, buckle your beer goggles, affix your red bandana and get your white tee ready because the quirkiest celebration is back, baby! Steve “Monty” Montgomery, Owner of the Starboard, says, “This is the day everyone talks about year round, ‘when is the bull run date?’ is the question we get asked the most. It’s without a doubt the silliest promotion you’ll ever see and it’s taken so darn seriously!”
The Running of the Bull is a phenomenon all its own, and enthusiasts of the weekend pour into town to engage in all the pomp, circumstance, and silliness they can handle! While meant to imitate the dress and spirit of Pamplona, over the years, the Bull Run (and subsequent “fight to the death”) have taken on a life all their own.
Michael McDonnell, Founder of the original Bull Run, explains, “You can come to this event to pay tribute to the Festival of San Fermin and Hemingway’s famous depictions of Pamplona. You can come to embrace this bacchanalian ritual celebrating the animalistic nature of summer. You can even just come to revel in the pure silliness with your friends, an often needed release in these times of turmoil and angst. But no matter why you come, remember… comfortable shoes, sunscreen, Gold Bond, and a buttload of ibuprofen.”
It goes something like this: everyone comes dressed to the hilt in either the classic Pamplona red and white, or Ernest Hemingway attire, or other choice themed-outfits. Libations are ceremoniously consumed.
At high noon, the crowd assembles for music and revelry and about 2PM, they are loosed for the official run, where the Bull (two men in a bull costume) chases them through the streets, onto the beach and back to the Starboard. And finally, once back at The Starboard, the brave matador enters the ring where he and the bull fight to the bitter end. Throughout the day, everyone will enjoy wonderful company, Kristen and The Noise, and all the ambiance they’ve come to expect from the Starboard! Even Slapshot from the Washington Capitals is expected to make an appearance this year.
While it all seems like fun and games (because it is mostly fun and games), like most Starboard events, the day has a benevolent bent as well. Over it’s 22 year span, the event has raised tens of thousands of dollars for various organizations. This year’s Bull Run will once again benefit the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department. This fundraising element is the icing on the cake for Montgomery. He says, “We love that we have such a well-established weekend that people count on as part of their summer tradition. But also, contributing to the well-being of the community is what really leaves us with the best feeling.”
So clear your calendar and get your bull-loving buns down to the Starboard on Saturday, June 23rd where the day is devoted to perfecting the drunk sprint. There is no better way to kick off the summer season than with the biggest party at the beach. For more information visit www.thestarboard.com