Happy 30th, Blue Moon

Rehoboth’s popular Blue Moon restaurant and bar celebrated its 30th anniversary in grand style last night, complete with red carpet, tuxedo-clad servers and a surprise celebrity guest performer.

The restaurant was closed and transformed into a lounge area; the crowd munched on fried green tomatoes, butternut squash soup and other delectables. Then the surprise performances began, kicking off with Pamala Stanley who sang Pink’s “Get The Party Started.” She was followed by a stand-up performance by Miss Ritchfield 1981, who introduced the Moon’s four owners. After a Champagne toast, Thelma Houston took the stage.

It wasn’t all Champagne and divas for the Blue Moon. In its early years, the bar was protested by some locals who didn’t want a gay bar in town; bottles were occasionally thrown into the bar from the street and the police wouldn’t show up when called to help.

That all sounds like a lifetime ago now, as the Blue Moon has become a landmark not just for booming Baltimore Avenue, but for the town at large. Happy birthday to the Moon and congratulations to its owners, who continue to innovate and entertain. Here’s to the next 30 years.

The Blade profiled the Moon and its owners this summer; check it out for more on this unique establishment’s rich history.