Havre de Grace is a city that loves their traditions. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has put a damper on the normally robust calendar of events in 2020.
One of the biggest traditions of the year is the annual New Year’s Eve Duck Drop and fireworks, which takes place at the Concord Point Lighthouse, located in Historic Havre de Grace.
Why a duck you may ask? Well, Havre de Grace happens to be the “Decoy Capital of the World,” and we even have a Decoy Museum in town!
Twenty years ago, Ed Grainger, of the Susquehanna Hose Company, came up with the fun idea of dropping a duck from a fire truck to ring in the New Year. Since 2000, the event has continued to grow and this will be the 20th Anniversary.
Normally, the event draws thousands of families from all across Maryland, who come not only for the novelty of a duck drop, but also for the food and family friendly musical acts that grace the event. This year, in an effort to limit crowds, the city has decided against the usual food and entertainment; however Havre de Grace, never being a city to shirk tradition, will not ring in 2021 without fireworks and the dropping of the duck! Mayor Martin recognizes this is a special tradition for the town and asks that anyone who wishes to view the duck drop and fireworks wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Bill Martin, the mayor of Havre de Grace, loves events and was determined to keep traditions alive, including this year’s NYE Duck Drop. “We do not want Covid to take all of the traditions away. Safety is a priority – we are practicing common sense and doing things smarter,” Martin stated. “
The city has also teamed up with the State Theater of Havre de Grace to live stream the event for those who prefer to stay home.
Jared Noe, owner of the State Theater of Havre de Grace, opened his doors this past year, and then had to close shortly thereafter due to the pandemic. The historic theater is now operating at 50% capacity, per the current Governor’s restrictions. The State Theater is all about supporting the community and was excited to team up with the City of Havre de Grace to live stream the festivities.
There will be a live show from 8pm to 10pm at the State Theater of Havre de Grace, featuring Rich Presberry Jr. and his acoustic duo Soul Trip, and the Hamilton Four, who Noe describes as 80’s music mixed with Indie Rock. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door. The entire show will also be streamed free of charge for anyone who is looking for an upbeat virtual New Year’s Eve experience. The live stream show will be available on ExploreHavredeGrace.com.
While Noe would much rather have a packed house on New Year’s Eve, he’s glad that he’s able to offer the community something fun and memorable and chooses to focus on the positive, “We are bringing more creative people together who wouldn’t have banded together as quickly if it weren’t for the pandemic,” Noe stated.
With the entertainment covered, the restaurants decided to join together and come up with a new concept for 2020.
Bruce Clarke, owner of River City Public House and Laurrapin Caterers, approached the city to ask for their support for a New Year’s Eve restaurant collaboration, and true to form, the city was quickly onboard – even offering to donate party favors and commemorative champagne glasses.
With the City’s support the,“New Year’s Quackin’ Eve Taste of Grace Box” was born.
Stephanie Golumbek, co-owner of MacGregor’s Restaurant, is excited to be part of the NYE restaurant collaboration. “I was over the moon happy about the collaboration because we haven’t gotten to work with River City Public House and Coakley’s Pub before. I was honored to be included with the long-standing restaurants,” Golumbek stated.
The three owners met at the back bar at Coakley’s to come up with the New Year’s Eve menu, each choosing the signature dishes their customers love.
The “Taste of Grace” Box for 2 is $79 and includes the choice of one starter to share, choice of two entrees, choice of two desserts, a pair of commemorative champagne glasses, and party favors. The boxes can be purchased at tasteofgrace.eventbrite.com.
Chelsea Sneddon, manager of Coakley’s Pub, is proud to be a part of the festivities, “The NYE event will allow people to still feel a part of the community, but from the comfort of their home,” Sneddon stated.
Coakley’s Liquors has also gotten creative and is offering custom liquor baskets for people to create signature cocktails at home.
Other Havre de Grace establishments will also be offering New Year’s Eve specials.
The Vandiver Inn, located a few short blocks from the Concord Point Light House, will be featuring a New Year’s Eve dinner for dine-in or carryout. Chef, Susan Muldoon, is teaming up with Chateau Bu-De Winery to offer a four-course wine pairing dinner. The Vandiver Inn, a popular wedding venue, has pivoted tremendously this past year expanding their Monday night Supper Club to themed 2Go meals. Their meals never disappoint, and if you are looking for a NYE getaway, their guest rooms are cozy and located within walking distance to the waterfront, restaurants, shops and attractions.
Backfin Blues: Creole de Graw, will be offering cocktail baskets as well and their drinks are always over the top amazing – Jalapeno Palomas, Cranberry Mules, Jalapeno Elderflower Gin & Tonics and Smoked Manhattens will be a great addition to all the NYE festivities
I must say, I am always impressed by what the City of Havre de Grace can do – even when facing a global pandemic. As a Havre de Grace resident and event planner, it has been exciting to see the local businesses try new concepts, team up, and support the community. They certainly have an enormous amount of “heart and hustle.”
We asked Mayor Martin what his greatest challenge as mayor has been throughout the global pandemic. “It has definitely been making sure city services remain uninterrupted, navigating city hall, changing DPW shifts, and all the behind the scenes stuff, Martin said, “When it comes to events, I just feel that sometimes you need leadership that says this is not going to beat us.”
We commend Mayor Martin, the City Council, the small businesses, and residents that make Havre de Grace a fabulous place for families to live and thrive. We cannot imagine ringing in 2021 anyplace else but Havre de Grace. We truly are Havre de Grace Strong.
2 thoughts on “Havre de Grace will Ring in 2021 with the 20th Annual New Year’s Eve Duck Drop & Fireworks”
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1999 Council Member Richard Tome and a small committee planned a Duck Drop to celebrate 2000. They designed the duck, added lights and held their breath that rigging an old city truck would actually drop the duck. It did! The Susquehanna Hose Company offered a fire truck after the first two years that made setup much easier. Ed Grainger stepped up to keep the now very popular tradition going after Richard Tome moved out of HdG.
Thanks Cathy! We didn’t know that and we will add that to the post. Such a creative idea from Mr. Tome and the Committee, we can only imagine their collective sigh of relief when it worked!