Ox roast is tradition at Return Day

Sussex County’s unique post-election tradition continues this week, as Return Day will welcome politicians from throughout the First State to Georgetown for a ceremonial event that ends with Democrats and Republicans literally burying a hatchet in sand. 

The biannual event started around the turn of the 19th century after the county seat moved from Lewes to Georgetown, and voting districts were established.

By 1811, the process of announcing the final election tallies two days after the election was set, hence the term Return Day, describing the day when voters would return to hear the results. In modern times, political rivals have often ridden in carriages together during the parade through Georgetown.

One of the many Return Day traditions is an ox roast, where visitors can get a free ox sandwich after the election returns ceremony.