GEORGETOWN, Del., Nov. 18, 2005 – ‘Tis that time of year for turkey, for mistletoe, even a little snow. Toss in some singing and the spirit of giving, and you’ve got yourself instant holiday cheer.

There’s no better display of this than the annual Caroling on The Circle event in Georgetown, which will be held Monday, Dec. 5, 2005, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Sussex Countians will gather ‘round and lift up their voices for the 24th annual Caroling on The Circle, a tradition – now sponsored by Sussex County Council – that started back in 1983 as part of a statewide effort to help feed the hungry. Caroling continues to serve both as a holiday singing event and as a food drive to collect canned goods for the area’s less fortunate.

This year’s festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Sussex County Courthouse with Spanish caroling by the Youth Catholic Choir ‘Flor y Canto’ and the group ‘Lira Marquense.’

Traditional caroling will follow those groups, from 7 p.m. until about 8 p.m., led by regional recording group ‘Tapestry.’ The trio will perform selections from their latest CD release Snow on Snow on Snow, which will be available for purchase.

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

Everyone is invited to attend. Participants are asked to bring with them canned goods and other non-perishable food items for donation to local food pantries and churches. 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.

Sussex County Administrator Robert L. Stickels said Caroling on The Circle is something he looks forward to each year because of what it represents.

“This is a tradition that is definitively Sussex County. People of all walks coming together as one,” Mr. Stickels said. “But it is so much more than an event to come together and get into the holiday spirit. It’s our way of helping those in need by collecting thousands of canned goods.”

In years past, Carolling on The Circle has attracted as many as 1,000 participants, and raised as many as 20,000 canned goods and other non-perishable items. Mr. Stickels said he is hopeful Caroling will see strong numbers again this year.

“I know it’s been a very giving year, and many people are probably just about tapped out from giving to victims of hurricanes and other disasters in the last few months,” Mr. Stickels said. “But we’re asking for just a little bit more. There are people right here in Sussex County who are in need today.”

Caroling on The Circle will be held regardless of weather. In the event of rain, it will be moved inside the fire hall on South Bedford Street.

“Maybe we’ll get lucky and we’ll see a little snow instead,” Mr. Stickels said.