By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN – The time is drawing near for that time to bid farewell to 2021 and usher in 2022.

So, grab yourself a taco, some fried clams, oysters, a hot dog or a beer, perch by fire pits, enjoy the music and watch the ball raised at the stroke of midnight during the return of Georgetown’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.

Last year’s event was not held due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A partnership of the town of Georgetown and the Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, this year’s event is shifting to the courthouse parking lot. The previous venue was The Circle.

Georgetown Chamber President/Executive Director Linda Price says organizers are anticipating a large turnout for the celebration, which runs from 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1.

“We want everybody to be festive. We are looking forward to a great turnout. We had such a great turnout for the Christmas parade, and people are just wanting to get out,” said Ms. Price.

There will be fire pits for warmth and picnic tables for seating and dining.

Food/beverage vendors include Dewey Beer Company, Stockley Tavern/JD Shucker’s, Friends Clams & Oysters, Hot Dogs & More, Richard Allen Coalition, El Gordo Taco and Chunky Monkey Kettle Corn.

“It is a really great variety of food,” Ms. Price said.

Food and beer will be available from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Music will be provided by Wade Perdue Entertainment. Mike Baker Photography is providing the photo booth for commemorative keepsakes.

Organizers do ask that patrons not bring any glass containers or bottles to this event.

“Just come out and enjoy themselves, enjoy the food and the entrainment … and get a commemorative photo,” said Ms. Price.

Event sponsors include 1st State Chevrolet and Preston Automotive Group, and possibly another area dealership, Ms. Price said.

Opposite of the famous ball drop in New York City’s, Georgetown’s celebration will culminate when the six-foot digital LED ball featuring more than 1,000 lights and several rotating signs is raised, flashing 2022’s arrival at midnight.

“Our ball doesn’t drop. It gets raised.” said Ms. Price.

Grand event postponed

The Grand, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and OperaDelaware announced jointly this week the postponement of their planned New Year’s Eve concert due to the rising COVID-19 numbers related to the omicron variant.

“We have every intention of rescheduling this performance for a date in 2022,” The Grand’s Executive Director Mark Fields said.,

“The holidays are an important time for all of us, and the last thing any of us wanted to do was to put our audiences, artists, and special guests at risk for infection at the height of this new wave.”

The evening was to consist of a two-act program beginning with traditional New Year’s concert music, including Viennese waltzes and polkas. The orchestra was to be joined by guest artists from OperaDelaware singing some operatic greatest hits.

The second act was to feature the talents of Tony-award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell for a celebration of Broadway standards throughout the years.

“The past two years has been such a challenging time for all who love, support, create, and perform live music,” says Brendan Cooke, OperaDelaware’s general director. “This concert was intended to be a joyful return to live performance by all three organizations, but that will need to wait until it is safe to gather in such large numbers again.”

Patrons are asked to wait to be contacted by The Grand in the New Year as it relates to their tickets. “There are a number of logistical pieces related to postponing an event of this size and your patience is highly appreciated,” said Mr. Fields.