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.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and building pages, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
