New Year's Eve Duck To Drop In Havre de Grace To Ring In 2021

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — The coronavirus pandemic is not getting in the way of the Havre de Grace Duck Drop.

Mayor William Martin announced at Monday's City Council meeting that the annual Havre de Grace tradition will go on as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.

“We’re dropping the duck,” Martin said.

Dropping a duck has been a New Year's tradition in Havre de Grace since 1999, so this year will mark the 21st anniversary of the Havre de Grace Duck Drop. Firefighters from the Susquehanna Hose Company will suspend a foam duck from a fire truck and drop it at midnight.

"We’re going to drop the duck because that’s our tradition, and there are probably going to be fireworks," Martin said, adding: "I probably shouldn’t have said that.”

The road by Concord Point Lighthouse will be closed for the event, which will have some modifications for this year's festivities due to the public health emergency.

"We’re not really pushing the advertisement on this," Martin said. "There’s no concessions or dancing going on" as in years past.

The Maryland Department of Health issued a health advisory limiting indoor public gatherings to 10 people, effective Dec. 17. Health officials also advise Marylanders against all nonessential activities and holiday gatherings with people outside their immediate households.

The mayor said the city had been able to hold its Holly Jolly Festival and Candlelight Tour with modifications, such as wearing face coverings and keeping distance.

"It’s important to do this because … COVID shouldn’t take away things from us,” said Martin, who recovered from the virus after contracting it over the summer.

"It’s a tradition, and in many ways, we really really need to bring in 2021 with a bang," Martin said. "Many people feel that way."

There will be no hot chocolate, no dance party, no concessions and no DJ, the mayor said.

"Not against the law to walk down to Concord Street at 11:58 on Dec. 31st. What I’m saying is, it’s a free country, of course," Martin said. "So if you feel like taking a stroll on a cold December night to see a duck get dropped, then God bless you. But we also [will] live-stream it so for those who wish to stay in and avoid any kind of crowds."

The duck will drop at midnight to signal the new year near the Concord Point Lighthouse, 700 Concord Street, in Havre de Grace.

See Also:

• Travel Restricted, Gatherings Limited In MD: Governor Hogan
• Mayor Thanks HdG For Support During His Coronavirus Recovery
• Duck Drop Changes Venue For 2019
• Havre de Grace Mayor Tests Positive For Coronavirus