SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- A rainy and windy forecast has prompted the cancellation and modification of various New Year's Eve events on Delmarva.
In Sussex County, the Overfalls Lightship Foundation canceled its "Anchor Drop," citing the inclement weather. The Dewey Business Partnership also canceled its "Ball Drop" for the same reasons--the second year in a row.
"I think it is a big surprise. I didn't think the rain or the wind would be that strong that it would cancel anything," says Scott Cleaver with Gary's Dewey Beach Grill. "With the second year in a row now, I think that the local crowd and anybody that's coming from DC, Philly or Northern Delaware are going to be bummed out."
Cleaver expects the rain to keep some people at home, but said ticketed events at nearby venues could draw out others, and bring them to different establishments in lieu of the outside activities.
"I still think there's going to be a a strong crowd and people are going to be out, ready to have fun," he says.
The Dewey Business Partnership's Dewey Dunk on New Year's Day is still scheduled to take place at noon on Tuesday.
A few miles north, Matthew Frey with Crooked Hammock Brewery has faith that a big crowd will still come out to their "Keg Drop."
"Last year was really, really cold so I think it's an upgrade from what we dealt with last year," he explains. "A little bit of rain I don't think is going to deter too many people. We pre-sold most of our tickets so I think we'll have a really nice crowd here."
In Georgetown, the holiday has been rung in by raising a ball, rather than dropping it. That will no longer be the case, as the celebration has been moved inside to the nearby fire hall.
"We've started the tradition here," Mayor Bill West tells WBOC. "We've got the momentum and we don't want to change the momentum. So taking it from the circle to the fire hall let's us continue our event on a yearly basis and that's something great for the community."
For a complete list of New Year's Eve events, click here.
