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Return Day buries the hatchet in Georgetown
Biennial tradition signals a peaceful transition
Political parties bury the hatchet as former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, left, and Return Day Parade Grand Marshal George Cole, right, look on. DAN COOK PHOTOS
November 9, 2018
The 200-year tradition of Return Day was celebrated Nov. 8 in Georgetown. The uniquely Sussex County festival featured political opponents riding in floats together, a hatchet toss, ox roast and much more.
Political parties bury the hatchet as former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, left, and Return Day Parade Grand Marshal George Cole, right, look on. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Georgetown Town Crier Kirk Lawson reads the vote tallies under the watchful eye of Sheriff Robert T. Lee.
The Delaware State Police Pipes and Drum Corps lead the Return Day Parade.
Debby Jones, president of Sussex County Return Day Inc, jokes with Gov. John Carney.
Political parties prepare to bury the hatchet.
Virginia Pepper, who turned 100 years young on Return Day, waves to the crowd on the parade route.
Sheriff Robert T. Lee, right, and Jim Plastine deliver the hatchet in a glass case.
Return Day is made possible by the tireless efforts of the Sussex County Return Day Committee, seen here in a float helmed by “Abe Lincoln,” aka Karl Haller.
Rep. Dave Wilson, R-Bridgeville, prepares for Return Day.
Ox roast committee member Mark Pettyjohn turns the steer on the spit. More than 1,200 pounds of beef were given away during Return Day. The Carl Freeman Foundation donated the steers for the event.
The crowd is wooed by the Delaware State Mounted Patrol.
Popular DJ Skyy Brady interviews Sam Gossett, 11, during the pre-parade entertainment.
The National Guard Fife and Drum Corps leads the Sussex County Return Day Committee Float.
Showing patriotic spirit (l-r) are Gianna, 8, Liam, 3, and Allee Buell, 9, and Lennox Cantamessa, 3.
David Payne of the Torbert Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans gives a flag to William Hopkins.
Georgetown Mayor William West throws the hatchet during the Mayor’s Hatchet Toss during pre-parade activities.
Milford Mayor Archie Campbell wins the Mayor’s Hatchet Toss.
Georgetown Mayor William West throws the hatchet during the Mayor’s Hatchet Toss.
Mayors competing in the hatchet toss (l-r) were Tim Carey, Bridgeville; William West, Georgetown; Archie Campbell, Milford; and Dave Ruff, Blades.
Vendor Allen Dehoff prepares his wares before the crowd arrives.
Logan Keenan, 9, of Cub Scout Pack 95 salutes the flag during the national anthem.
Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, greets Lewes resident Ken Dunning.
Former Miss Diamond State Jenna Anger, who also acted as emcee of the pre-parade entertainment, performs to a Michael Jackson tune.
Gov. John Carney waves to the crowd.
Attorney General-Elect Kathleen Jennings waves to the crowd.
Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and Sen. Chris Coons wave to the crowd.
Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, left, shares a float with opponent Dave Baker and Lopez’s daughter, Anna.
Ava Dutton of the Sussex Dance Academy performs during the pre-parade entertainment.
Auditor-elect Kathy McGuiness, center, waves to the crowd along the parade route.
Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth, waves along the parade route.
Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton/Lewes, reacts to the crowd.
Mike Harrington, state chairman of the Republican Party, gives the crowd a thumbs up.
The Cape dance troop performs to the Captain America March.
The University of Delaware sousaphone player reflects the courthouse.
Sen. Tom Carper and his wife Martha walk along the parade route.
Cape baritone player Hailee Tarbox plays the Captain America March.
A Delaware State University drummer plays the Tenor Drums.
The Delaware State University Dance Troupe entertains the crowd.
Newly-elected Auditor of Accounts Kathy McGuiness, left, poses with Lewes resident Dickie Bryan at the post parade celebration.
Rep. Danny Short speaks about the Republican Party at the post-parade festivities in the GOP tent. Shown with Short are 37th District Rep. Ruth Briggs King, left, Short, Sen. Gary Simpson, state GOP Chairman Mike Harrington, District 18 Sen. Dave Wilson and Sheriff Robert T. Lee.
Lily May Border sings Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.
Return Day parade Grand Marshal George Cole takes a break from the festivities of the day.
Republican candidate for congress Scott Walker walks along the parade route.
