GEORGETOWN, Del.- 230 years ago was the first time votes were reported to the public in Georgetown on Return Day. The tradition has grown over the years as the parades get longer and festivities are even more enjoyable.
However, with the extension of the State of Emergency in Delaware, Return Day has been canceled. Mayor Bill West has been constantly in touch with the Sussex County Return Day board before making a tough decision.
"It's a big loss, but I think with what's going on it was a good move," West said. "I think with 2022 just around the corner it will be a bigger and better event."
This was a highly anticipated Return Day with Joe Biden as the Democratic Presidential Nominee. While it is unknown if Biden would have participated in this year's event, the former vice president visited the politicians reception back in 2012.
Local businesses will now have to cope with visitors not coming into town. People will not line the streets for a parade or the famous ox roast sandwiches. According to Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce President Linda Price, there will be huge blows for hotel and restaurant owners.
"It is just an impact on the hotels and restaurants and everything," Price said. "To have that canceled is just another kind of nail in the coffin for some of these businesses to try and come back from having to either close or reduce hours or anything like that. It is definitely a major impact for Georgetown."
Return Day was last canceled from 1942 to 1946 because of World War II. A difficult decision means waiting two years for the return of Return Day.
