NOTE: Sussex Beat is a log of news briefs and commentary by Kerin Magill, editor of Sussex County Online, with contributions from Sussex County Online users. CURRENT SUSSEX BEAT: Jazz Funeral Ends Summer Sussex Central Reunion, '82 Submit an Item for this Column Recommend This Column to a Friend

By KERIN MAGILL SC Online Editor

Photos: Mourners cry out (above and below) at the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral, while Bethany lifeguards adjust themselves while leaving the water after their ceremonial bare-bottomed last plunge of the summer season.

VIDEOS:
• The Dixie Cats Band
• "Mourners" Share Their Grief

The long, hot, dry, congested summer of 2002 came to a traditional close on a damp and dreary Labor Day Weekend at the Sussex County beaches.

After three months of intense heat and traffic, and virtually no rain, Summer 2002 ended with two days of rain, shore-eating waves, and the 15th annual Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral.

Eight inches of rain fell in Sussex County from Saturday to Sunday, and even though it didn't rain on Monday, the front that created large waves that carved up beaches from Rehoboth to Bethany Beach left a blanket of clouds on the unofficial last day of summer at the county's beach resorts.

The clouds, however, didn't deter thousands from lining the Bethany Beach boardwalk on Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2002, for the 15th annual jazz funeral.

The funeral marks the end of the summer tourist season in Bethany with a procession led by the Dixie Cats band.

Leading a lineup of mourners from the north end of the Bethany boardwalk to the bandstand in the center of town, the band belted out Dixie tunes along the boardwalk and then led a rendition of God Bless America for those who stuck around for the speeches at the bandstand.

Just before the procession reached the bandstand, the Bethany Beach lifeguards marched into the ocean for their ceremonial season-ending, bare-bottom swim before an appreciative crowd.

The Sussex Central Class of 1982 will be holding its 20th class reunion on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002, at the Bay Cafe on Route 54 west of Fenwick Island.

All inquiries regarding reservations, tickets, times, etc., should be directed to Tammy Wingate Rust at 302-934-1986.

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