Nov. 5, 2008 – The biggest question in America was answered on Election Night, with Barack Obama voted as the next president of the United States. Now the biggest question in Delaware and Sussex County can be answered: President-elect Obama’s running mate, Delaware’s own Joseph R. Biden, is expected to attend Return Day 2008.
The Sussex County Return Day Committee has confirmed that Vice President-elect Biden plans to attend this year’s festivities, to be held Thursday, Nov. 6, in downtown Georgetown.
“We knew how important Return Day is to Sen. Biden, and we were confident that he would be here with us on Return Day no matter what, win or lose,” said Debra Jones, corresponding secretary for the Return Day Committee. “It will be an honor to have the vice president-elect of the United States of America among the great people of this community and this state.”
Because of the vice president-elect’s expected attendance, several changes are being made in the interest of security. These are:
· Required security checks of all individuals viewing the Return Day parade and festivities on The Circle. Spectators will have to pass through metal detectors in the vicinity of The Circle to gain access, and their personal effects, including purses, etc., will be subject to inspection;
· A prohibition of backpacks, coolers, large bags, and pets. Members of the public can bring lawn chairs. However, chairs WILL NOT be permitted to be left unattended. Any chairs that have been placed on The Circle today will be confiscated if not removed immediately.
The public is strongly encouraged to use shuttle transportation that will be provided from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Return Day, serving parking areas at Delaware Technical & Community College, the Georgetown Square Shopping Center (Dollar General lot) and the Sports at the Beach complex east of town.
Visitors also are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to allow for security checks.
