REHOBOTH, De. - First grinches, now scrooges. That's the message from the Schellville Christmas village who say people are scalping reservation tickets that are already free. With demand high for the popular Christmas site some people are reserving a spot then selling it to others trying to get in. Schellville director of marketing Alyssa Titus says they have been able to accommodate almost all walk-ins and suggests going around 4 or 7 when the village isn't as crowded.
“We find that so unfortunate because we are so excited to have this be a free event for the community so we highly encourage you to even if you don't have reservations if you come early and come at 4:15 before we open and get in that no reservation line, you are more than likely to get in fairly quickly,” Titus said.
Schellville is asking people to report anyone who is selling reservation spots. Margaret Gehrice lives in the area and is trying to get into the village next week.
“I thought the scalping was abominable because Schell brothers are trying to do something to bring the community some Christmas spirit,” Gehrice said.
When the village first opened, it was vandalized several times. Titus says a food truck's tires were slashed Sunday night but that police have a lead. She has also told the 45 volunteers who work every shift to be more vigilant.
“We have many more cameras that are installed well before our next opening so we will be keeping a watchful eye on everything,” Titus said.
Because the reservations are made by private people there is not much Schellville officials say they can do to stop the scalping. It is unknown if Sunday's incident is connected to any of the previous incidents. The director says starting this Thursday Schellville will be open 7 days a week until December 31st.
