UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 31, Page 11
May 12, 1994
Hall of Famer; Coast Day one of state's premiere attractions

     The University of Delaware's Coast Day, the popular fall festival that
celebrates the area's marine and coastal resources and heritage, was
inducted into the Delaware Tourism Hall of Fame May 6 at the Hotel du Pont
in Wilmington.
     To win this honor, an event must take place for at least 10 years,
draw an increasing number of visitors each year and heighten public
awareness of the state of Delaware.
     Previously, the Delaware State Fair was the only member. This year,
Coast Day and "A Farmer's Christmas," presented by the Delaware
Agricultural Museum, also were selected.
     The first Coast Day at the University's Lewes Campus was held in 1977
and attracted 2,000 visitors. Now, the event averages more than 10,000
visitors, 30 percent of whom are from out of state.
     A 1992 survey indicated that 98 percent of the visitors left Coast Day
with a greater appreciation and understanding of the marine and coastal
environment.
     Coast Day is organized by the University of Delaware Sea Grant Marine
Advisory Service and Marine Communications staff, including David Barczak,
April Beauchamp, Tracey Bryant, Elizabeth Chajes, Pamela Donnelly, Kimberly
Doucette, John Ewart, James Falk, Joseph Farrell, William Hall, Doris Hicks
and Kent Price, with support from University faculty and staff, state
agencies, environmental agencies, community groups and seafood retailers.
     Coast Day 1994 will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 2 in
Lewes.
                                                  -Sue Swyers Moncure