When it comes to time to greet the New Year, I am in a mixed marriage. Jill Jasuta Photography is an out-on-the-town gal. I am a stay-at-home guy. It’s my turn this year, so the only thing I will see dropping when 2016 arrives is my head on the pillow. That said, don’t let me spoil your fun! Here is your handy dandy 2016 New Years Weekend Guide for the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, as well as Southern Delaware.
THE MIDNIGHT DROPS
• EASTON: There will be two Crab Drops here, one at 9pm for kids and early-to-bed types, and the other at midnight. There are a slew of fun events around town–ukelele jams, juggling shows, local guitar heroes, and many more, all a part of First Night Talbot. Oh, and you can try to make yourself a fish hat as cool as this guy’s over in crafting zone.
• PRINCESS ANNE: Some one of these not-my-turn years when we go out on the town, I hope to convince Jill Jasuta Photography that I have to see the Midnight Muskrat Dive in Princess Anne before I die. His name is Marshall P. Muskrat, by the way, and he really does wear that top hat in the photo up top.
• OCEAN CITY: The Ocean City fireworks will be at Northside Park come midnight. The big Winterfest of Lights display will still be open.
• ROCK HALL: This is another fun option for families in need of early-to-bed departure times. The wacky Hat Parade gets going at 6pm. Yes, there are prizes involved. (I have not been able to locate reliable info on whether the big Rockfish Drop is happening at midnight this year. Maybe a reader up that way will let us know in the comments so I can update? Otherwise, call the town at 410.639.7611.)
• DEWEY BEACH: They are having a Ball Drop event.
• BERLIN: There is a Ball Drop in Berlin, too.
• SALISBURY: Around this downtown Ball Drop, there will be fireworks, live music, a Food Truck Alley, and more. They are billing the affair as one geared to fun-loving families. I believe it’s put on by the same volunteers who do the 3rd Friday events, so it should be a good one.
• CHINCOTEAGUE: The Horseshoe Drop is the big thing here. There will be a fun costume contest and promenade as well. This year’s theme is “All American Cowboys.”
• CAPE CHARLES: The Dropping of the (crab) Pot is a tradition that’s just two short years old, but I’m betting it turns out to be a keeper. That’s the 2015 pot in the photo collage up top. Fireworks are planned as well.
• BETHANY BEACH: There will be a Beach Ball Drop on the Boardwalk.
• LEWES: The historic Lightship Overfalls throws a big Anchor Drop bash.
• GEORGETOWN (Del.): On the circle downtown, there will be a Raise the Ball event. I am not sure if they plan to literally raise a ball or not? Perhaps a Georgetown person can fill us in here.
DEPT OF SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
If traditional NYE events are not your speed, here are a few other possibilities.
• MURDER: The Milton Theatre will be presenting an audience-participation New Years murder mystery. There are two shows planned, one of them with an after midnight start time.
• MAGIC: In Millville (Del.), , there will be a kid-friendly magic show at 4:30pm, followed by a New Years Eve bash at 6pm, complete with countdown. More info at this link, too.
NEW YEARS DAY: CHILLY DIPS
Not to get all Scrooge-y on you again, but no, I absolutely will not be running into the ocean on Friday, Jan. 1. That said, don’t let me spoil your fun!
• The Ocean City Penguin Swim
• The Dewey Dunk
• Exercise Like the Eskimos (Bethany Beach)
• The Chincoteague Pony Plunge
FIRST DAY HIKES
I’m not quite sure when this all started, but the notion of starting each new year with a Jan. 1 hike is something I can’t seem to get grumpy about.
• Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes
• Delaware Seashore State Park in Dewey
• Killens Pond State Park in Felton
• Trap Pond State Park in Laurel
• Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles
• Assateague State Park on Assateague Island
• Elk Neck State Park in North East
• Janes Island State Park in Crisfield
• Pocomoke River State Park near Snow Hill
• Tuckahoe State Park in Queen Anne
Whatever you decide to do, here’s hoping that this New Years Weekend Guide helps get your 2016 off to a fun, safe and blessed start.
–Written by Jim Duffy
NOTE: If you want to spread the word about an event this week, feel free to do so in the comments below here or back on the Secrets Facebook page.
