Hundreds of Delawareans lined West Market Street in Georgetown just two days after the state’s midterm election. They cheered on both winning and losing candidates riding in carriages and cars, participating in a parade. It’s a hallmark of Sussex County’s long-held biennial celebration, Return Day.
The event happens on the Thursday after Election Day, marking the official end of the campaign trail in a distinct First State practice.
“As the rest of the country’s politics can often consist of name calling, division and the vilification of opponents, that is not the Delaware way,” said Hunter Landon, the emcee of the event’s official ceremonies. “In Delaware, this unique tradition that has lived on for hundreds of years serves as a guiding light that win, lose or draw. We come together and put aside our differences for the betterment of the First State.”
The day is marked by a literal “burying the hatchet” moment. Sussex County political party leaders bury an actual hatchet in a box of sand from Lewes.
“Today we’re all Americans — not Republicans, not Democrats,” said Tom Molnar, chair of the Sussex County Republican Party, after the hatchet was officially buried.
