Crowds gathered on The Circle in Georgetown for Return Day
The 214th Return Day · November 5, 2026 · Georgetown, Delaware

Thank youfor being part of Sussex County history

To everyone who joined us on The Circle — the marchers, bands, riders and drivers, our vendors, sponsors and volunteers, and every family who lined the streets of Georgetown — thank you. You made the 214th Return Day, the closing event of Sussex County's 250th celebration, one for the history books.

Parade Results See the Gallery
Thank you for a wonderful 214th Return Day. See you on The Circle in 2028.
Be part of it

A tradition built every two years

Become a Vendor

Booths, stalls and stands have lined The Circle since the earliest Return Days. Bring yours in 2026 — the vendor application is open.

Vendor Registration

March in the Parade

Bands, floats, carriages and community groups make the parade. Enter your organization with the 2026 parade entry form.

Parade Entry

Sponsor Return Day

Return Day is free to attend because sponsors and program book advertisers make it so. Put your name behind the tradition.

Sponsorship & Ads
The story

Why Delaware returns

In 1791, the State Law moved the Sussex County seat inland from Lewes to a newly named town: Georgetown. Every vote in the county had to be cast there on election day — and the same voters would return two days later to hear the results read aloud. Hence the name: Return Day.

Although the date of the first Return Day is uncertain — it could have been as early as 1792 — it has been celebrated in Georgetown since about 1812. Voting districts came in 1811, but the Board of Canvassers, presided over by the Sheriff, still met in Georgetown two days after the election to announce the final tally. The crowds kept coming, and a tradition took hold.

Read the full history →

A legal state holidayReturn Day is on Delaware's official holiday calendar — a half day in Sussex County.
More than two centuriesCelebrated in Georgetown since about 1812, with roots in the act of 1791.
One of a kind"The only event of its kind in the nation." — Delaware Public Archives
The traditions

What happens on Return Day

I

The Parade

Winning and losing candidates ride together through Georgetown in horse-drawn carriages and antique cars.

II

The Town Crier

The returns of the election are read aloud to the assembled crowd — just as they have been for generations.

III

Burying the Hatchet

County party leaders plunge a hatchet together into a box of sand from Lewes, closing the political season.

IV

The Ox Roast

A Return Day custom since the 1800s — and the sandwiches are free.

With thanks

Our supporters

State of Delaware Sussex County Town of Georgetown Delaware Electric Cooperative Freeman Foundation Techno Goober

2026 sponsors include: Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium · Chorman Spraying · Delaware State Police Federal Credit Union · Community Bank Delaware · Megee Motors

Become a Sponsor

Plan your visit

Return Day is held on The Circle in Georgetown, Delaware, on Thursday, November 5, 2026. It is free to attend — and it is a Delaware state holiday, observed as a half day in Sussex County.

Read the FAQ