PRINCESS ANNE — Once again, Main Street Princess Anne is throwing a New Year’s Eve party downtown, heralded as one of the most unique celebrations in the nation.

The New Year’s Eve Midnight Muskrat Dive is a quirky street party of local food, culture and traditions, with the featured star Marshall Muskrat, a dapper taxidermied rodent decked in a deep green felt top hat and a pale green silk cape, colors reminiscent of the hues of its marsh habitat.

Fresh local oysters, Smith Island cake and party favors will be available for all attendees at no cost. The evening will offer dancing in the street, games, tarot readings, face painting and — at midnight — a sparkling cider toast as the town’s beloved Marshall Muskrat dives into 2025 from atop a 30-ft tall contraption, engineered by local maker and NASA engineer Jim Leether.

Music for this memorable event will feature the band A Breath of Fresh Air and between sets a DJ will play popular line dance songs and more.
Main Street manager Carrie Samis announced that this year, three downtown restaurants — Sugar Water, Sisters With a Twist and CROPA Station — will be open and offering special menus. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and tents to set up “tailgate-style” and invite family, friends and neighbors to join the party.

“There will be opportunities for photos with Marshall Muskrat and, this year, a giant muskrat mascot will also be in attendance, dancing and participating in all of the fun,” she said. The first Muskrat Dive was New Year’s Eve 2011.

The event to usher in 2025 starts at 9 p.m. New Year's Eve and continues through midnight. Those who would like to stay over may book a room at the Washington Hotel, right in the center of it all at https://bit.ly/NYEMuskratDive. Follow Main Street Princess Anne on Facebook and @visitprincessannemd on Instagram for details and updates.