June Happenings

MARKET NEWS | EVENTS | FEATURED LISTINGS

"June is the gateway to summer, a time when the days are long and the possibilities seem endless."

— Jean Hersey

As we head into June, we are officially stepping into "the gateway to summer"—that perfect time of year when the days stretch out longer and the possibilities feel completely endless. Around here, you can practically feel the shift in the air as the local real estate market hits its peak summer stride and our coastal communities truly come alive. Whether your warm-weather daydreams involve finding a new home closer to the water or simply maximizing the space you already have, early summer is all about celebrating where we live.

To help you make the absolute most of the sunshine, this month’s edition features "The Backyard BBQ: How to Host a Memorable Outdoor Gathering at Home," an article packed with easy tips to turn your deck or patio into the ultimate summer hotspot. We’ve also included our favorite recipe for baked beans and a list of local events coming up in June and early July. It is the perfect season to gather, refresh, and enjoy everything our vibrant region has to offer!

As always, if you have any real estate questions or needs this summer, I’m only a phone call, email or text away.

Hope you enjoy this month’s Happenings!

The Backyard BBQ: How to Host a Memorable Outdoor Gathering at Home

By Carma Stahnke

The right theme and a little planning will make your backyard BBQ feel less like a casual cookout and more like a thoughtfully designed event.

Note: Be sure to check out our recipe at the end of this newsletter for the best baked bean you have ever tasted!

With summertime and milder weather in full swing, it’s the perfect time for a backyard BBQ. It brings people together, makes the most of your outdoor space and turns a simple gathering into something memorable. For homeowners, it’s also an opportunity to not only showcase your property, but to fully enjoy the outdoors and neighborhood you call home. With the right theme and a little planning, your at-home BBQ can feel less like a casual cookout and more like a thoughtfully designed event.

Start With a Clear Theme

A theme sets the tone for everything, from the menu to the décor. It doesn’t need to be over the top: The “classic summer BBQ” works just as well as something more specific like a coastal seafood boil or a Southern-style cookout. The key is consistency. When your food, music and setup all align, the experience feels intentional and elevated.

Design Your Space for Flow

A successful summertime party isn’t just about what you serve; it’s about how guests move through the space. Create clear zones for cooking, dining and conversation. Keep the grill area accessible but not crowded. Set up drink stations away from the main food area to avoid bottlenecks. If seating is limited, mix in standing tables or casual options like benches and outdoor cushions. String lights or lanterns can define the space as the sun sets, making your backyard feel both functional and inviting. These small additions encourage guests to linger and enjoy the surroundings.

Build a Menu That Matches the Moment

The best BBQ menus are equal parts cohesive and easy to manage. Choose a few standout items rather than trying to do too much. Burgers, grilled chicken or skewers are always reliable, but themed additions, like street corn for a taco night or grilled shrimp for a coastal feel, can make the menu feel more curated. Balance is key. Pair heavier dishes with lighter sides like salads or fresh fruit. And don’t overlook drinks: Homemade lemonade or infused water can bring an extra layer of sophistication without adding complexity.

Add Details That Elevate the Experience

Small details make a big difference. Coordinated tableware, labeled food stations or a simple centerpiece can pull everything together. Comfort matters, too. Provide shade if it’s sunny, blankets if the evening cools down and bug spray if needed. These thoughtful touches show guests you’ve considered all the details.

Make It Effortless

The best backyard BBQs feel relaxed, even when they’re well planned. Prep what you can in advance so you’re not stuck in the kitchen while guests are outside. Keep the setup simple enough that you can enjoy your own party.

For homeowners, these gatherings aren’t just social events but a way to bring your home to life. A well-hosted BBQ highlights your space and makes the most of where you live.

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Local Happenings of Note in June

There are many events happening throughout the area, we are hoping you will do your own exploring and research to find what is best for you and your schedule. Here are a few events of note:

June 5 (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM) | Ocean City June First Friday Opening Reception

Center for the Arts, Ocean City, MD Kick off the month with local art exhibits, live clay demonstrations, artist talks, and complimentary refreshments.

June 6 – 7 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) | 19th Annual Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival

Lewes Historical Society Main Campus, Lewes, DE Featuring over 75 coastal artists, live music, glass-blowing demonstrations, and shard identification experts. Admission is $10.

June 12 (6:00 PM) | Berlin Bathtub Races

Main Street, Historic Berlin, MD Watch custom-built, wheel-mounted bathtubs race down Main Street in this beloved, quirky hometown tradition.

June 13 – 14 | Ocean City Air Show

Over the Beach & Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD Look to the skies for jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and France's premier aerobatic team.

June 20 (10:00 AM) | Annual MSFA Parade

Baltimore Ave & the Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD A favorite summer boardwalk tradition honoring regional emergency personnel with bands, trucks, and community floats.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

July 3 (9:00 PM) | Berlin Independence Day Fireworks

Heron Park, Berlin, MD Beat the major crowds on the 4th and start the holiday early with a beautiful fireworks display visible across town.

July 4 (Events Start at Noon, Fireworks at Dusk) | Bethany Beach 4th of July Celebration

The Boardwalk & Downtown, Bethany Beach, DE Featuring a downtown parade at noon, a live performance by The Funsters at 7:30 PM, and grand fireworks over the ocean at dusk.

July 4 (9:00 AM – Dusk) | Lewes Old-Fashioned 4th of July

Second Street & Canalfront Park, Lewes, DE Old-fashioned children's games on Second Street, a boat parade at 1:30 PM along the canal, the Doo-Dah parade at 5:00 PM, and fireworks over the bay at dusk.

July 4 (8:00 PM Concert, 9:30 PM Fireworks) | Ocean City Independence Day Spectacular

Downtown Beach (N. Division St.) & Uptown (Northside Park) Ocean City hosts simultaneous free concerts at 8:00 PM on both the downtown beach and at Northside Park, followed by synchronized fireworks displays at 9:30 PM.

July 5 (8:00 PM Concert, 9:30 PM Fireworks) | Rehoboth Beach Independence Day Fireworks

The Bandstand & Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE Keep the holiday energy going into Sunday night! Enjoy a live concert at the Bandstand starting at 8:00 PM, with spectacular fireworks launching over the ocean at 9:30 PM.

Many venues offer a summer schedule of concerts:

Check out their complete listings!

Bethany Bandstand Events - Bandstand performances continue through September and October on Friday and Saturday nights.

Freeman Stage - an outdoor performing arts venue located in Selbyville, DE and is home to more than 70 live performances each summer. Including a diverse range of genres like theatre, concerts, dance, comedy, children’s shows and much more.

The Listening Booth - We’re Listening, is a 501c3 organization that is focused on combating loneliness through the arts, most notably original music, songwriting and storytelling. Offering opportunities for musicians and songwriters under our venue name, The Listening Booth. Check out the schedule!

Salted Vines - Events and Live Music Series

Area Farmers Markets

This is the season for Farmers’ Markets, and they are plentiful. Here is a list of the ones that run all season long – May through August.

Farmers Markets

Delaware

Bethany Beach Farmers Market: Sundays, June – September, 8am – Noon, Garfield Parkway & Pennsylvania Avenue.

Farmers Market at Sea Colony: Wednesdays, June – September, 8:00am -12:00pm.

Farmers' Market at The Station Fenwick Island: Fridays, June – September, 8am – Noon, 1406 Coastal Highway (Bayside) at The Station.

Rehoboth Farmers Market: Tuesdays, May - October; 10am - 2pm, Rain or Shine, Located at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Adjacent to the visitor’s center and next to the museum.

Historic Lewes Farmers Market: Wednesdays, July – November, 8am – 11am, Historic Lewes.

Milton Farmers Market: Fridays, May - October; 3:30pm - 6pm; Grace Church, 514 Union St

Maryland

Berlin Farmers Market: Sundays 9am – 1pm, May – October, , Rain or Shine, Located on Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street.

Ocean Pines Farmers Market: Saturdays, April - August, 8am - 1pm, Located at White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD (Next to the Ocean Pines Administration Building/Police Department.

Recipe of the Month: Joanne’s Slow-Cooked Baked Beans

Credit: Joanne O’Brien

Yields: Large Group Prep Time: About 1-2 hours (including baking time)

Ingredients

1/2 pound bacon, chopped

1/2 pound ground beef

1 large yellow onion

1/2 c ketchup

1 tsp salt (or salt to taste)

2 tsp dry mustard

4 tsp vinegar

1/4 brown sugar

1 c black beans (canned, rinsed)

1 c cannelini beans (canned, rinsed)

1 30 oz. can baked beans

A dash or 2 of worstershire, cayenne and/or liquid smoke.

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Step 2

On top of the stove, cook the bacon. Once cooked, remove from pan.

Step 3

Add the onion and saute for 5 mins on low, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned.

Step 4

Add the bacon and all of the remaining ingredients and stir well.

Step 5

Place cast iron pan in the preheated oven and cook at 325 deg. for a minimum of 1 hour and up to 2.

Enjoy! :)

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