CAMP Rehoboth will host a community conversation with elected officials on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. 

Panelists include Mike Brickner, executive director of ACLU of Delaware; Sen. Russ Huxtable of the 6th Senate district of Delaware; and Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall of the 14th district of Delaware. 

“CAMP Rehoboth looks forward to safeguarding protections of the LGBTQ+ community by bringing awareness to initiatives in place, and partnering with agencies and elected officials to listen to our challenges and concerns. We hope you will join us,” said Kim Leisey, Ph.D., executive director of CAMP Rehoboth. 

Advance registration is required and can be accessed on CAMP Rehoboth’s website.

After 25 years of success, owners Hugh Fuller and Troy Roberts recently sold Rehoboth Beach’s Purple Parrot restaurant and bar. 

During those 25 years, they built it into an iconic establishment in Rehoboth Beach, Del., popular with locals and tourists alike.

 “I think you know that this has basically been my entire adult life,” Fuller said. “Selling wasn’t something I was even contemplating until my health took a turn after contracting COVID, which took a toll on my everyday health. I went from working almost every day to barely going in.” 

Fuller added that when local entrepreneurs Tyler Townsend and his partner Drew Mitchell reached out, he knew it was time to sell. 

“We knew we made the right decision going with some young blood that knew the staff, the restaurant, and us,” Fuller said. “We know that our baby is in good hands and will breathe for another 25+ years with them at the helm. I plan to take some time and bring my mom back to her hometown in Germany to visit her family, which she hasn’t seen in over 30 years.” 

Roberts added, “It is bittersweet selling a business you created, nurtured, and ran for 25 years. It is much easier knowing who is going to love it next. More importantly, we really wanted our staff to be OK and again picking the right guys offering that security to them was a major plus. I’ve learned so much being in the restaurant business for 30+ years. You meet so many great people, so many loyal customers, amazing locals, and even better staff. It truly does become a family situation. I will always be grateful to every single one of them past and present. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter of the Purple Parrot Grill has in-store.”

The new owners, Townsend and Mitchell, are already a big part of the Rehoboth scene. Townsend is a successful restaurateur, part of the Second Block Hospitality Group, which owns The Pines, Drift, and Bodhi Kitchen. Townsend is also one of the owners of Aqua Bar and Grill.  Townsend and the other three partners in Second Block Hospitality, were named restaurateurs of the year by the Delaware Restaurant Association earlier this year. Mitchell has a company that does corporate branding, but is no newcomer to hospitality. He is the owner of the Fathom Gallery on 14th Street in D.C., a popular event space. 

Townsend told the Blade he and Mitchell are not planning any big changes for the Parrot. The staff will remain the same and the food and drinks will continue as they are now. They will continue to be open on Thanksgiving and Christmas, as a home for those looking to have a great place to spend the holidays with old, and new friends. While the Parrot is independent of Townsend’s other businesses, he believes there can be some synergy among them, and if the time and event are right, there will be collaboration. 

Reaction to the news from locals has been overwhelmingly positive.

Christopher Chandler, who has worked as a bartender and manager at the Parrot for years, is well respected in the community and has been voted best bartender in Rehoboth Beach a number of times by Blade readers. Chandler said, “Hugh and Troy were, and are, like family to me. They treated me and the staff of the Parrot as part of theirs. I’m sad they are gone but if anyone is capable of continuing their legacy it is Tyler and Drew.

“In the short time since their purchase of the Purple Parrot they have continued on that tradition. I’m excited about continuing into the future what the Parrot has been to the community, and to the employees, just with new owners.”  

Bob Suppies, who is a partner with Townsend in Second Block Hospitality said, “I couldn’t be more excited for Tyler and Drew having purchased The Purple Parrot. When Tyler, Kevin McDuffie and I bought Aqua Bar & Grill from the famed Bill Shields, it was important for us to honor the brand and legacy of a great Rehoboth Beach institution. I know Tyler and Drew will do an outstanding job protecting what Hugh and Troy have built and given to our community.” 

Steve Fallon, owner of local retail store Gidget’s Gadgets, said, “The Purple Parrot is a monumental institution produced by the hard work of Hugh, Troy, Cathy, and their loyal staff. We will be sad not to yell “Hey Hugh!” across the street. But I also know that Tyler and Drew will carry on the history of the Parrot with a fresh approach and always keep the customers happy. I wouldn’t fear that they would do as others have done and try changing a functioning landscape into a horror show.” 

CAMP Rehoboth is preparing for a weekend of celebration and fundraising, featuring comedians, auctions, and DJs. Proceeds will support future projects essential to the LGBTQ community center’s work in Delaware.

CAMP Rehoboth will host its annual Sunfestival Labor Day celebration from Aug. 31 through Sept. 1 at the Rehoboth Convention Center. 

The weekend kicks off with an auction featuring global travel packages, performances by popular gay comedian Joe Dombrowski, and music from renowned DJ Robbie Leslie of Studio 54 fame, alongside gay circuit party DJ Joe Gauthreaux.

Auction items include a seven-day stay at the four-star Westin Paris-Vendôme, a nine-day all-inclusive LGBTQ Prague and Danube river cruise, a “Choose Your Own Cruise for Two” on Avalon Waterways with itineraries in Europe, Asia, or Southeast Asia, a seven-day 2025 Puerto Vallarta LGBT Experience for two during high season at Almar Resort, and a “Dine Around the World Without Leaving Rehoboth Beach” dinner package featuring gift certificates to 13 local restaurants, valued at $1,900.

In addition to the various worldly excursions, the auction will also feature an electric bike and artwork created by one of CAMP Rehoboth’s co-founders Murray Archibald.

Proceeds from the auction, comedy show, and dance party will go toward funding CAMP Rehoboth, dedicated to fostering inclusivity and providing support through specialized programs, events, and advocacy. Its mission is to create a positive environment for residents and visitors alike, promoting equality and well-being for all.

CAMP Rehoboth supports the Delaware LGBTQ community through various arts and cultural programs, health and wellness efforts (including mental health resources and HIV/STI testing), and LGBTQ community building. 

Dombrowski performs Aug. 31 with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.  The Sept. 1 “A Night of Dance” kicks off at 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. featuring DJ Robbie Leslie and DJ Joe Gauthreaux. Various ticket packages are available. Tickets for the comedy show start at $50 and tickets for the dance party start at $70.

For more information on the weekend’s events and tickets, visit camprehoboth.org and tickets can be purchased at give.camprehoboth.org/events/sunfestival-2024.