THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2008

Georgetown, DE - Join history in the making when the winning and losing candidates from Election Day 2008 (November 4) ride together in open horse drawn carriages and antique automobiles in a biennial parade 200 years in the making. The PARADE steps off at 1:30 p.m. starting at Sussex Central Elementary School (former high school)proceeding east on Market Street around The historic Circle,turning at Grace United Methodist Church then west on Pine Street back to Sussex Central Elementary School. For more information call (302) 855-0722, fax 855-9088 or e-mail returnday@netzero.net.

BURIAL OF THE TOMAHAWK

After the parade join Delaware's political leaders on the  Main Stage on The Circle in front of the historic Sussex County Courthouse (circa 1837) to hear the Town Crier deliver the returns from the Courthouse balcony.

The dramatic "Burial of the Tomahawk" by Sussex County's party chairmen officially ends Delaware's political season.

Don't forget to grab a "free" OX ROAST SANDWICH available after the burial of the tomahawk on the south side of the Sussex County Courthouse parking lot. The slow cooked beef is barbequed open pit style starting on Wednesday night with a big party.

Before the parade, hundreds of vendors are located just off The Circle selling food of all kinds as well as crafts, etc.

Ceremonial Burial of the Hatchet from a past Return Day

Former Georgetown Mayor Layton Johnson

Reads the Returns from Return Day 2006

The ceremonial burial of the hatchet. Shown at Return Day November 9, 2006

UNIQUE RETURN DAY GIFTS & SOUVENIRS

Want to remember your experience at RETURN DAY? Then call the Return Day Office (302-855-0722) or e-mail info@returnday.org for a unique momento from RETURN DAY 2006 such as a limited edition commemorative coin, a lapel pin, sweatshirt, cap, raincoat, souvenir program,etc. Click to see the 2006 souvenirs. Call now while the selection is still good.

"WEDNESDAY NIGHT

ENTERTAINMENT "

When the beef starts cooking, including a whole steer on a spit, so does the party! Join your neighbors for a night of free musical entertainment, starting at 6 p.m. in the Sussex County Courthouse parking lot just off The Circle in Georgetown. The music ends at 11 p.m., but the ox cooks all night. Click here for entire Ox Roast night schedule.

Quote From 1878 newspaper article about Return Day:

"John M. Clayton, Delaware U.S. Senator and U.S. Secretary of State in President Taylor's administration once said of “Return Day” “that the man who had been to a political meeting in Dagsboro, seen Return Day in Georgetown and visited Paris had witnessed the three most interesting sights in the world!”

Provided by Russ McCabe, State Archivist & Jim Bowden, Return Day Committee