December 31st, 2012

DELMARVA, Coastal Towns in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia Ring In the New Year in Unique Ways

People around the world will welcome the New Year with noisemakers, kissing and screams….and grapes too!!

All of the following towns are in the Delmarva Peninsula.  Some of them have been ringing the New Year in unique ways.  Check them out.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia – It is the only resort island in Virginia.  Tonight they celebrate with a Pony Island Horseshoe Drop and Costume Parade.  This year’s theme is Cowboys & Aliens.

Plenty of costumes and a lighted horseshoe.  It is not Swarovski Crystal; they say it does sparkle quite a bit.

On New Year’s Day, take The Polar Pony Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean for a cause.  More info?  Check http://www.chincoteaguechristmas.com.

Princess Anne, Maryland – The Midnight Muskrat Dive will take place at Midnight.  This rodent has provided a living for trappers since settlers arrived in Somerset County.  Somerset County is the southernmost county of Maryland on the Eastern Shore.  Marshall P. Muskrat, a stuffed muskrat sporting a black top hat and bow tie is the Master of Ceremonies for this event.  More info. and photo?  Check http://www.marylandlife.com/blogs/around-maryland/midnight-muskrat-dive

Berlin, Maryland – Only 10 miles west from Ocean City, Maryland, Berlin is a historic and quaint town.  Full of shops, restaurants and cafes.  The Atlantic Hotel is the center of the town.

On New Year’s Eve a handmade ball, covered in holiday lights will be lowered from the rooftop of the apartment building, above Towne Center Antiques.

It is a free event, but there will be food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase.  The event will be taking place from 8 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.

Note:  Horse and carriage rides will be available for a tour of holiday decorations.

Ocean City, Maryland – As part of their Winterfest celebration, Ocean City will ring their New Year with a fireworks display at Northside Park, located at125 St. & Bay, at midnight.

Winterfest will stay open extended hours tonight.

On Tuesday, January 1st the 19th Annual Penguin Swim 2013 will be taking place at the Princess Royale Hotel, located at 91st St. & the Ocean in Ocean City, MD.  This is a benefit for Atlantic General Hospital.  Register at 11:30 a.m.  Swim at 1:00 p.m.  More info?  http://www.penguinswim.atlanticgeneral.org.

Lewes, Delaware – Toot the Horn and Drop the Anchor at Lightship Overfalls.  Festivities will start at 11:30 p.m.  Refreshments and fire pits to keep you warm.  The music will keep you hopping!!

Lightship Overfalls is the only National Historic Landmark that does a ball drop on New Year’s Eve.

Happy New Year’s!!!!!!