Return Day 2024
- Brendan Conroy
Brendan Conroy
Reporter
Brendan Conroy joined the CoastTV News team in July 2024 as a Video Journalist. He is from Halfmoon, New York. Brendan graduated from Penn State University in May of 2024 where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Sports Studies, along with a certificate in Sports Journalism. He enjoyed being a member in numerous news clubs on campus, as well as being News Director for the university's student run radio station, CommRadio.
The first state's storied Return Day brought crowds together in Georgetown on Thursday, blending music, food and local vendors for a community celebration dating back over 200 years. See it all here in photos.
Sussex County mayors get together for their tradition of a "hatchet toss" competition to see who can nail the hatchet into the wood.
"Fantastic, fantastic. You know we get that done early, and then we let the mayor sit back and relax and go to a couple events if they want to," Georgetown Mayor Bill West said after tossing the hatchets.
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This event not only symbolizes political parties "burying the hatchet" but literally involves burying a hatchet.
Sussex County mayors get together for their tradition of a "hatchet toss" competition to see who can nail the hatchet into the wood.
"Fantastic, fantastic. You know we get that done early, and then we let the mayor sit back and relax and go to a couple events if they want to," Georgetown Mayor Bill West said after tossing the hatchets.
Some people participating in the Return Day festivities dress up in period clothes.
The ceremony, following the parade, begins with the singing of the National Anthem.
The crowd at the circle for "Return Day" is serenaded with live music before all the festivities begin.
Vendors are lined up all down the street to serve food, drinks, and other items to everyone in attendance.
Ox sandwiches were given out for free at the close of Return Day ceremonies.
The Town Crier stands on the balcony of the Sussex County Courthouse announces the election results of this year.
Some people participating in the Return Day festivities dress up in period clothes.
Delaware State Police led the parade with their horses, Volkswagen Beetle and Mobile Command Unit.
Political candidates rode in the parade in horse-drawn carriages like this one.
The Sheriff, Robert T. Lee, briefly stops the parade to deliver the hatchet from his car to the stage.
Some candidates in the parade rode in cars this year since organizers are losing people able to drive horse-drawn carriages.
The candidates for State Auditor, Lieutenant Governor and Insurance Commissioner rode in a horse-drawn carriage for the Return Day parade.
The Town Crier stands on the balcony of the Sussex County Courthouse announces the election results of this year.
The Ox Roast sandwich is a staple tradition of the event, having cooked the meat for almost 48 hours.
Some people participating in the Return Day festivities dress up in period clothes.
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Brendan Conroy
Reporter
Brendan Conroy joined the CoastTV News team in July 2024 as a Video Journalist. He is from Halfmoon, New York. Brendan graduated from Penn State University in May of 2024 where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Sports Studies, along with a certificate in Sports Journalism. He enjoyed being a member in numerous news clubs on campus, as well as being News Director for the university's student run radio station, CommRadio.
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