Georgetown, Del., Nov. 21, 2006: Sussex County will come together to ‘make merry’ and give the less fortunate a reason to be hopeful this holiday season during the 23rd annual Caroling on The Circle event, Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, in Georgetown.

Sussex County Council is once again proud to host Caroling on The Circle in downtown Georgetown. The community singing event doubles as a food drive for the hungry and needy of Sussex County each year, drawing hundreds of residents who come together to sing Christmas carols and collect food for area pantries, churches and food banks.

The tradition – now sponsored by County Council – started in 1984 as part of a statewide, community based effort to help feed the hungry.

This year’s festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Sussex County Courthouse with Spanish caroling by the El Centro Cultural group. Traditional caroling will commence at 7 p.m., with guest singers Anne Maloney, Orville Nichols and Donna DeKuyper. Caroling on The Circle this year also will include the ceremonial Christmas tree lighting by the Town of Georgetown.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be served after the festivities at the Georgetown Fire Company, one block to the south of The Circle. There even will be a visit from Santa Claus.

All are welcome to attend. Participants are asked to bring with them canned goods and other non-perishable food items for donation. Anyone who cannot attend, but who still wishes to contribute, can drop off canned goods Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the County Administrative Offices building, next to the courthouse, in downtown Georgetown.

Sussex County Administrator David Baker said Caroling on The Circle has helped numerous families over the years, and this one will be no different.

In recent years, Caroling on The Circle has drawn hundreds of participants and collected as many as 20,000 canned goods and other non-perishable items. In its inaugural year, in 1984, the event drew an estimated 3,500 people, according to published reports at the time.

“We appreciate the past support of county residents who donated food for those who are in need,” Mr. Baker said. “We look forward to that support continuing this year as we celebrate the holiday season.”

Caroling on The Circle will be held regardless of weather. In the event of rain or snow, it will be moved inside the fire hall on South Bedford Street. For more information, call (302) 855-7742 or (302) 854-5000.