Bethany closes out the summer on a sizzling high note

The end of summer at Delaware’s beaches usually means empty lifeguard stands and shuttered seasonal shops. Bethany Beach is no exception, but when summer fades into fall in this Sussex County resort, it goes out with a resounding blast of Dixieland.

Now in its 25th year, the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral is the town’s way of giving the summer a sendoff unlike anything else east of New Orleans. This year, the Jazz Funeral will be held Labor Day Monday, Sept. 6.

Here are a few reasons why a Delaware town takes on the spirit of The Big Easy, and what summer’s mourners can expect.

1. A pretty lively procession, considering it’s a funeral.

Jazz funerals in New Orleans are a long held tradition, and Bethany’s town fathers felt holding a funeral procession yet making a party out of the occasion was a good way to bid farewell not only to the warm weather, but to the tourists who flock to Bethany each year.

Two of the year’s biggest events are the Fourth of July and the jazz funeral. The latter got its start around 1980 over a bottle of champagne at the ice cream parlor owned by town businessman Moss Wagner. The champagne party grew over the following five years until Wagner got the idea of emulating the way people in New Orleans send their loved ones off into eternity.

In 1985, the celebration was formalized as a way for Bethany Beachers to celebrate the exodus of summer tourists and the opportunity to downshift their lives a bit as their town returned to a slower pace.

2. Outstanding jazz music, both somber and lively.

Back in the beginning, members of the band that played for the Fourth of July festivities were available at the end of the season to form a New Orleans style jazz band. In the tradition of a New Orleans funeral, townspeople built a coffin out of plywood, painted it black and stuffed it with a mannequin representing the summer season.

Now, as then, they’ll slowly parade the casket through Bethany’s streets while the musicians play somber music.

The occasion takes a 180-degree turn once the procession reaches its end at the town bandstand. The coffin rests in a place of honor and speeches, some serious, some tongue-in-cheek, are given, “Taps” is played, and the coffin is given a ceremonial interment.

Suddenly, the town explodes into what only can be described as a big party. The musicians drop their gloomy demeanor and break out into a raucous musical tribute. Visitors are invited to dance or sing along with the band and to drop in at Bethany’s shops and stores to take part in end of summer sales.

3. Lots of fun for tourists and townspeople alike.
While the funeral music may be solemn, those who accompany the coffin aren’t always in a dismal mood. Many dress up in colorful costumes and, playing their parts to the hilt, follow the cortege, dabbing their eyes and wailing in mock grief. Those lining the streets watching the parade — usually between 1,700 and 2,000 people — are invited to get into the act.

4. Good food and a real celebration afterward.
Many of the local restaurants offer specials, and everyone is treated to a regular jazz concert following the burial. About half of the 25-piece band consists of local musicians plus other professionals, some of who actually have played in New Orleans, who come to town just for this occasion.

Adding to the fun and spontaneity of the event, rehearsals before the parade are short and sweet — usually just a quick once-through of the play list — but the performers are all so familiar with the play list that few spectators ever notice.

5. The 25th anniversary celebration honors a town favorite and helps raise money for a good cause.

A special part of this year’s parade pays tribute to Art Antal, who served as chairman of the jazz funeral after Wagner moved out of state. Antal infused an extra dose of comedy to the goings-on, often coming in costumes as a Hawaiian warlord or as Batman.

The town also planned a silent auction on Friday, Sept. 3, with proceeds going to the Audubon Society. Although that will be over by the time the jazz funeral takes place Sept. 6, donations still will be accepted through the sale of T-shirts or direct contributions. Prior silent auctions benefited the Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and New Orleans relief agencies following Hurricane Katrina.

Although the weather for Sept. 6 is forecast to be sunny with temperatures in the low 80s, the show will go on even if the weather turns sour. In case of rain, the jazz funeral will be held at the Bethany Town Center, one block east of the town bandstand.

Email Jeff Brown at jeff.brown@doverpost.com.