“Everything is free:” Princess Anne’s annual ‘Muskrat Dive’ makes grand return this New Year’s Eve

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Are you looking for a unique way to bring in the New Year? If so, all roads may lead to Princess Anne as the annual Muskrat Dive makes a return this Sunday.

The block-party style event will include food, dancing, prizes and more. At midnight, Marshall will dive into the new year from a 30-foot telescoping pole.

Main Street Princess Anne Manager Carrie Samis said the event brings out hundreds near and far. “People who travel from DC, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, and other surrounding areas. Locals also come as well,” Samis said. “It brings our community together for sure and we celebrate what’s special about Somerset County.”

Samis told 47ABC the tradition started nearly 12 years ago in Princess Anne, which is the heart of Somerset County. The area is surrounded by marsh land and those marshes are filled with muskrats.

Samis also said that the event is an economic booster for the town as well and brings people downtown to visit many of their shops and restaurants. “It’s always nice to get people downtown at different times of the day and night because our historic downtown is beautiful and it’s lit up nice for the holidays,” she said.  “Everything is free. We’re throwing a great New Years Eve party, and you just have to show up with your friends and family.”

Some new aspects this year include live DJs on the 1’s and 2’s and free horse and carriage rides downtown. Squeaky’s Cafe will also be open and will have great food and drink specials.

The event kicks off on New Years Eve at 9 p.m. in downtown Princess Anne.