GEORGETOWN, Del. - Georgetown's Caroling on the Circle was a success for participants, festival-goers and local food pantries. Thousands of people are estimated to have turned out for the 40th annual downtown holiday season celebration, which preceded the annual Christmas parade for the first time.
Additionally, event organizers said nearly 15,000 nonperishable items have been collected so far in the community Pack the Pod food drive, which has been part of Caroling on the Circle since the event began in 1984. Items collected will be distributed among about 20 area pantries, shelters and church organizations.
Young performers from the Children's Choir of St. Michael's Catholic Church sang proudly during the Caroling on the Circle event in Georgetown Thursday night. Courtesy Sussex County Government.
"This was a fantastic display of community and holiday spirit. We couldn't be more pleased, and we are beyond thankful for the support from our schools, businesses and the general public who came out," County Administrator Todd Lawson said. "So many households truly will be homes this holiday season with meals on the table thanks to the support of so many of our friends and neighbors."
Organizers are thankful for contributions made so far and are hoping to collect an additional 20,000 items. The food drive effort will continue until Dec. 29. Members of the public can drop off canned goods and other nonperishable items between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the County Administrative Offices building on the circle in Georgetown.
Georgetown's tree was aglow with holiday lights during this year's Caroling on the Circle event. Courtesy Sussex County Government.