By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN – Mother Nature has thrown a curve into Sussex County’s annual event that packs an evening of Christmas music and celebration with the community kickoff to an extended food donation drive.

Due to the weather forecast this evening for heavy winds and a brief period of rain, the 38th annual Caroling on The Circle event in downtown Georgetown has been postponed.

“Clearly we are disappointed in having to make this decision, but it is done with the safety of the public and our performers on stage first and foremost in mind,” said Sussex County Public Communications Director Chip Guy.

There is discussion about the possibility of a make-up date, but there is no alternate date to announce at this time, Mr. Guy said.

The 2020 edition of Caroling on The Circle 2020 was not held due to restrictions in place during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Coinciding with Caroling on The Circle is the Pack the Pod initiative, a food drive currently underway that will run through the end of December.

Each year, Caroling on The Circle serves as the centerpiece event to the County’s annual food drive, drawing hundreds of residents – along with the support of area schools, businesses and civic organizations – who turn out for an evening of carols and, more importantly, to lend a hand.

While the caroling event itself was put on hiatus in 2020, the annual food drive continued during the holiday season, collecting more than 15,000 items for distribution to area pantries, churches and food banks that feed families right here in Sussex County.

The public is asked to do their part to “Pack the Pod” – a 14-foot by 7-foot portable storage shed based on The Circe near the County Administration building – with donated food items.