The parade

The Return Day Parade

Horse-drawn carriages, antique cars, and every candidate — win or lose.

Winners and losers, riding together

The Return Day parade is the heart of the tradition: winning and losing candidates ride through Georgetown together in horse-drawn carriages and antique cars, joined by bands, floats, fire companies and community organizations from across Sussex County.

2026, as announced by the Return Day Committee — Master of Ceremonies: Hunter Landon · Parade announcers: Jimmy Weller and Colin Walls · Color announcer: Russ McCabe.

Your voice for Return Day — 2026 announcers Jimmy Weller, Russ McCabe and Colin Walls

2026 route & timing

214th Return Day parade route map — November 5, 2026, Georgetown, Delaware

Tap the map to view full size. The 2026 parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. There is no rain date.

  • Route: up W. Market Street, around The Circle, out E. Market to S. King Street, returning by E. Pine and W. Pine to the finish near Sussex Central Drive
  • Parade staging west of town (bands staging off Margaret Street)
  • Food vendors on N. Bedford Street; the ox roast, Main Stage and information booth at The Circle by the Sussex County Courthouse
  • Portable restrooms along the route — marked on the map

Enter the 2026 parade

There is no charge to enter the parade. Entries are open in these categories: float, marching band, individual or group marching, costume character, scout troop, equestrian, and antique marching. Entry deadline: October 31, 2026. Staging and formation details are sent after your form is received; lineup assignments by the committee are final. Mail entries to Sussex County Return Day, Inc., P.O. Box 55, Georgetown, DE 19947, or email sussexcountyreturnday@gmail.com.

Safety note from the committee: anyone caught throwing items (such as candy) from a vehicle will be removed from the lineup immediately.

Download the Entry Form (PDF)  Registration Info

See it from The Circle

Thursday, November 5, 2026 · Georgetown, Delaware.

Getting There