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Return Day won't happen in 2020

Delaware Public Media

The latest casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic is Return Day. 

The post-election celebration to “bury the hatchet” won’t happen in 2020 because of coronavirus concerns and restrictions on large gatherings.

 

The Sussex County Return Day Committee announced Thursday night it is scrapping Return Day, usually held two days after Election Day in Georgetown.

"I think the general consensus is just disappointment," said Delaware GOP Chair Jane Brady.

Her Democratic counterpart, Erik Raser-Schramm agrees.

"There's definitely a vibe of disappointment among candidates and elected officials and again just to reiterate that disappointment is just because they wanted to be there but they understand the importance of canceling this event," said Raser-Schramm.

Raser-Schramm is floating the possibility of a virtual Return Day after the general election.

"People still enjoy getting on Zoom cause it's the only way to see folks together. So, we might have an opportunity to put something like that together," said Raser-Schramm. "I would still love to have some type of virtual opportunity to bury the hatchet. I think that's an important message that has always come out of Return Day. And I think just because the physical event is being canceled, it doesn't mean you can't do something virtually."

 Brady has no issues with that.

"Would be glad to do something that would be a livestream and let people see the importance of getting on with governing."

The last time Return Day was not held was from 1942 through 1946 because of World War II.

Joe brings over 20 years of experience in news and radio to Delaware Public Media and the All Things Considered host position. He joined DPM in November 2019 as a reporter and fill-in ATC host after six years as a reporter and anchor at commercial radio stations in New Castle and Sussex Counties.
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