It’s not too early to start planning how you want to celebrate the last day of 2024 in Delaware.

Here are a variety of different ways you can ring in the New Year in the First State.

New Years Furry Ball, Newark  

A unique subculture exists of people who enjoy wearing furry costumes, and they’re affectionately known as “furries.” The New Years Furry Ball is an annual experience that’s been dedicated to this costumed crowd since 2005. This two-day event will be held in a hotel and features a dealers den, dancing and more. The game room opens on New Year’s Eve   

Early sign-ups are available until Saturday, Dec. 14. Standard admission to this year’s ball includes a buffet dinner. The ball starts Monday, Dec. 30 until Wednesday, Jan. 1.  

Embassy Suites By Hilton Newark Wilmington South (654 S. College Ave., Newark) at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30; and from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Standard admission starts at $50 (early registration) or $55 at the door. Minor registration for ages 13-17 is $45 (early registration) or $50 door. Free for ages 12 or younger (must be accompanied by parents/guardian). Visit newyearsfurryball.com.  

Noon Year’s Eve, Wilmington  

Brandywine Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve has a reputation of being cooler than most celebrations. Due to popular demand, there will be two time slots available for this event: 10 a.m. to noon or noon to 2 p.m. The first ball drop is at 11 a.m. (guests can arrive at 10 a.m.) and the second is at 1 p.m. (guests can arrive at noon).  

Please make sure your kids dress appropriately, because this cool event is held outdoors. Instead of champagne, sparkling apple cider will be served. Since this event might sell out, online registration is highly recommended.  

Brandywine Zoo (1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to noon or noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $5 for non-members; free for members and children aged 2 or younger. Visit brandywinezoo.org or (302) 571-7747.  

STOMPing into the New Year, Greenville

Kids will ring in the New Year with live birds. Seriously, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science likes to keep its celebrations interesting. This party is for all ages and features a live bird presentation from Animal Behavior & Conservation Connections, plus a special science-themed ball drop that will leave your little ones “STOMPing into the New Year.”   

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (4840 Kennett Pike, Greenville) from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 31. Admission is $3 to $17. Visit delmns.org or call (302) 658-9111.  

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Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve party, Wilmington  

Adult fans of “The Great Gatsby,” people who are 21 or older, will step into the New Year while dressed in their favorite threads from the Roaring Twenties, for a special party that’s also a fundraiser for Safe Haven Healing (SHH).  

The party will include dance music, cigar roller, fireworks at 9 p.m. (weather permitting), surprise live entertainment, Whiskey treasure hunt (seek clues and find treasure), hors d’oeuvres and light snack stations, unlimited complimentary Gatsby-themed drinks, dessert station, ball drop Prosecco toast, open bar from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and a prohibition pull to benefit Safe Haven Healing. 

All net proceeds from this party will benefit Safe Haven Healing, an organization that’s a hub for survivors of trauma tied to sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence, according to SHH’s website.  

Riverfront Events (760 Justison St., Wilmington) from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Early bird tickets (until midnight on Black Friday) are $149 per person. General tickets are $199 per person. Visit facebook.com/WilmingtonWhiskeyClub.  

Rusty Rudder New Year’s Eve party, Dewey Beach

Life’s a beach and folks are going to ride this wave one final time this year in a NYE bash with musical acts on two stages. The lineup features Love Seed Mama Jump, Gab Cinque Band, Stealing Savanah, Triple Rail Turn, Hector, and Hugh. 

There will be an open bar/cocktail hors d’oeuvres, plus fireworks.  

Rusty Rudder (113 Dickinson Ave., Dewey Beach) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $115. Visit rustyrudder.com or call (302) 227-3888.  

Bellefonte Cafe: New Years Eve Masquerade Ball, Wilmington  

You can mask your identity and step into the New Year in style at Bellefonte Cafe’s inaugural Masquerade Ball. Enjoy the complimentary spread of hors d’oeuvres, drink specials and groove the night away on the dance floor. Guests will have a champagne toast at midnight to ring in the New Year. The upstairs dining room will be available for dining with reservations available at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.  

Bellefonte Cafe (804 Brandywine Blvd., Wilmington) from 8 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $100. Visit facebook.com/thebellefontecafe or call (302) 761-9175. 

Jeff’s Tap Room, Bridgeville  

The band Sticky Situation will play the final show of the year At Jeff’s Tap Room. The event also includes free party favors, free champagne toast, and free breakfast.  

Jeff’s Tap Room (416 Market St., Bridgeville) at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Visit jeffstaproomandgrill.com or call (302) 337-8602. 

Bally’s Dover Casino Resort: New Year’s Party

The 21-and-over crowd will dance the night away with party band To The Max. This NYE celebration will heat up in the Fire & Ice Lounge. Tickets include party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.  The dress code is upscale fashionable.  

Bally’s Dover Casino Resort (1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $25-$35. Visit casinos.ballys.com/dover or call (800) 711-5882.

Gus’s Crab Shack, Port Penn 

The band LeadFoot will mash the pedal toward a fun time as guests buckle up for 2025.  

Gus’s Crab Shack (29 W. Market St., Port Penn) from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Cover charge is $5. Visit gusgotcrabs.com, facebook.com/GusCrabs or to RSVP call (302) 598-2685. 

Roll into 2025 at Mid County Lanes, Middletown    

There are three major ways that bowling fans can celebrate the New Year at Mid County Lanes.   

NYE Kickoff is $169.99 (per lane is up to six guests) and includes three hours of unlimited cosmic bowling (noon to 3 p.m.), bowling shoes, one large pizza and a pitcher of soda, and unlimited attractions: laser tag, Frog Hopper and bumper cars.  

Family Fun Party is $199.99 (per lane up to six people) and includes three hours of unlimited cosmic bowling (4-7 p.m.), bowling shoes, pizza, salad, wings and fries buffet, and an arcade card. 

Final Countdown Party is $299.99 (per lane – up to six people) and features four hours of unlimited cosmic bowling (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.), bowling shoes, full dinner and dessert buffet, unlimited fountain drinks, an arcade card, unlimited attractions: laser tag, frog hopper and bumper cars, New Year’s party favors, champagne toast, giveaways and countdown to midnight.   

Mid County Lanes (875 N. Broad St., Middletown) on Tuesday, Dec. 31. NYE Kickoff is from noon to 3 p.m. and tickets are $169.99. Family Fun Party is from 4 to 7 p.m. and tickets are $199.99. Final Countdown Party is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and tickets are $299.99. Visit midcountylanes.com or call (302) 378-0677.  

Newark Senior Center: NYE Celebration  

Come dressed to impress at this BYOB celebration that features entertainment by DJ “Bradly” Brad. There will be a toast to the New Year and the catered main course includes mushroom burgundy London broil and tri-colored Tortellini Alfredo. There will be a photo booth for guests, 50/50 and raffles. Visitors are encouraged to bring an appetizer or dessert to share.  

Newark Senior Center (200 White Chapel Drive, Newark) from 6to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $35. Visit newarkseniorcenter.com. For more info, email Maura at maura@newarkseniorcenter.com or call Maura at (302) 737-2336 ext. 101. 

The Wheelhouse: NYE Party, Lewes  

There’s a $30 all-you-can-eat buffet with your name on it at The Wheelhouse’s NYE party.

Live music will be performed by The Jimmies upstairs, and there will be no cover charge for that show. Folks will also enjoy a midnight champagne toast. Appetizers: salad, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie board and sticky meatballs. Accompaniments: mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and veggies. Main course: Mediterranean veggie pasta, chicken Marsala. Carving station: smoked salmon platter, steamship round and Porchetta. Homemade soup: seafood bisque. Endless desserts: assorted dessert bar and chocolate fountain.  

The Wheelhouse (7 Anglers Road, Lewes) from 6 to 9 p.m. (in downstairs bar room) and 8 p.m. to midnight (in Harbor View Room) on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Visit facebook.com/wheelhousede or call (302) 291-2163.  

White Panda New Year’s Eve bash, Dewey Beach   

A forecast of heavy EDM vibes is set to rain down buckets of joy over Dewey Beach, thanks to the mashup master White Panda. This event, which is for ages 21 or older, is likely to sell out, so you might want to get tickets early.   

White Panda is a mysteriously masked DJ who played Firefly Music Festival multiple times, and he’s known for delivering wild remixes. Knappy will open the show.  

Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $42. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.   

Flying Ivories: New Year’s Eve extravaganza, Milton   

Back to close out Milton Theater for another straight year, The Flying Ivories will deliver three hours of New Years excitement. Flying Ivories features two dueling pianists that dish up an all-request, rock ‘n’ roll sing-along. The Flying Ivories’ songbook covers everything from Metallica to Arethra Franklin.   

Milton Theatre (110 Union St., Milton) from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $31.50 to $40. Visit miltontheatre.com or (302) 684-3038.  

Docklands Riverfront New Year’s Eve party, Wilmington  

It’s a one-stop shop to ring in 2025 at Docklands Riverfront. This event is for ages 21 or older. Ticket options include general admission, preferred dining room seating and VIP preferred lounge seating.   

General Admission highlights include open bar, dinner buffet, valet, photo booth, Champagne toast, party favors, coat check and full access to both live bands. But GA doesn’t include guaranteed seating. 

Preferred Dining Room includes all of the amenities of the GA package, while adding the opportunity to reserve your own space.   

VIP Preferred Lounge Seating reserves you a space in a lounge under the tent. Lounges will have access to a private bar and buffet, plus seating for the duration of the night.  

Docklands Riverfront (110 S. West St., Wilmington) from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31. Tickets are $125 to $175 (plus fee). Visit facebook.com/DocklandsRiverfront or docklandsriverfront.com or (302) 658-6626.   

Irish Eyes NYE bash, Lewes   

Ring in the New Year downstate with DJ Surf and shake off your stress from 2024, before starting anew.   

Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant (213 Anglers Road, Lewes) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. No cover charge. Visit irisheyespub.com or (302) 645-6888). 

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Tonic Seafood & Steak: New Year’s Eve, Wilmington

You can move to the sounds of Bruce Anthony and Lyric Drive while enjoying a la carte dining. There will be a midnight champagne toast.  

Tonic Seafood & Steak (111 W. 11th St., Wilmington) from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. No cover charge. Visit tonicsns.com, facebook.com/tonicsns or call (302) 777-2040.   

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters. 

Less than two years after his arrival, Lee Hull is out as Delaware State University football coach.

DSU announced Tuesday it was parting ways with Hull, whose two-year stint yielded just two wins and, it turns out, little optimism about the immediate future.

Alecia Shields-Gadson, DSU’s athletic director since 2021, is also leaving “to pursue new opportunities,” according to the university. She has worked in DSU athletics since 2016, previously as a senior associate AD.

She’ll be replaced by Tony Tucker, a long-time educator who has been working at Delaware State as a senior associate vice president overseeing athletics since 2023.

Tucker sparked Wilmington High to the state basketball title and was Delaware Player of the Year in 1983, then starred at the University of Delaware after transferring from Rhode Island.

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Delaware State has gone 2-21 overall and 0-10 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in football under Hull. The Hornets lost their five MEAC games this fall by an average score of 46-18. Only one DelState player, running back Jaden Sutton, made the All-MEAC first or second team.

The only victories were 48-0 last year over Virginia University of Lynchburg, a National Christian College Athletic Association school, and this season 17-15 over Sacred Heart, a fellow NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision outfit.

Delaware State has now endured 12 straight-losing football seasons and hasn’t won the MEAC since 2007.

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The Hornets had gone 5-6 in 2021 and 2022, which seemed to indicate progress under coach Rod Milstead, the former DSU All-American offensive lineman who won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. But he was dismissed after five seasons in charge, having gone 17-33 overall and 7-18 in the MEAC.

Hull was then hired in December of 2022, as Delaware State was enamored with his previous success as head coach at MEAC rival Morgan State. The Bears were 12-12 in his two seasons, winning a share of the MEAC title and making the NCAA playoffs his first season in 2014, when he was MEAC coach of the year.

Hull left for a brief NFL stint before returning to college football and had been offensive coordinator at MEAC rival Howard before moving to DSU, where he couldn’t repeat his Morgan State success.

Now Hull, 58, is out with Delaware State, again, searching for someone to resurrect its faded football fortunes.

His departure comes before the first day high school Class of 2025 graduates can sign to accept scholarships for next year. Adding to the challenge is that Delaware State opens the 2025 season at FBS-bound Delaware, which it has never beaten in 11 tries.

Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.

MUNCIE, Ind. — An Indianapolis man who was drunk when he caused a fatal head-on crash on Interstate 69 in Delaware County was sentenced Monday to 24 years in prison.

Walter Saucedo-Mendoza — who will observe his 32nd birthday this week — had pleaded guilty in Delaware Circuit Court 1 to two counts of causing death while driving while intoxicated and a single count of criminal recklessness.

According to Indiana State Police, Saucedo-Mendoza’s Kia Forte was traveling northbound in the interstate’s southbound lanes on Nov. 12, 2023, when it collided head-on with a southbound Chevrolet Malibu driven by Victoria Elaine Cox, 32, of Fort Wayne.

Cox and her husband, Evan Daniel Cox, 26, were pronounced dead at the scene, near the 234-mile marker and the Indiana 32/67 interchange in Daleville.

Authorities said Saucedo-Mendoza’s blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.186 soon after the collision. In Indiana, a motorist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher is considered intoxicated.

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State police said the Indianapolis man’s car was traveling at 88 mph at the time of the crash.

At Monday’s hearing, Judge Judi Calhoun imposed a pair of 11-year sentences, to be served consecutively, for Saucedo-Mendoza’s DWI convictions.

He received a two-year sentence, also to be served consecutively, for the criminal recklessness conviction, which stemmed from damage sustained by a third vehicle.

Calhoun said she took exception to references to the interstate crash as an “accident.”

“This wasn’t an accident,” the judge said. “It was a crime.”

Calhoun said Saucedo-Mendoza made decisions both to become intoxicated and to then drive.

She said the “carnage and destruction” from his actions would “never be forgotten.”

Deputy prosecutor Steve Sneed recommended that the Indianapolis man receive a maximum sentence of 26 years and six months in prison.

He said Saucedo-Mendoza’s crimes had taken “two wonderful, amazing, truly gifted individuals from this Earth.”

According to Sneed, the Indianapolis man began his wrong-way trip up the interstate’s southbound lanes in Hamilton County and traveled through Madison County before his deadly encounter with the Fort Wayne couple near Daleville.

Four witnesses — the parents of both crash victims — testified about the devastating impact the couple’s deaths had on both family and friends.

Angela Schaefer, Victoria Cox’s mother, urged Calhoun to “please send a message to society” in sentencing Saucedo-Mendoza.

“He snuffed out one of the brightest lights who ever walked this Earth,” she said of her late daughter.

Evan Cox’s father, Dobie, also urged the judge to send “a message that says choosing to get behind the wheel impaired … will not be tolerated.”

Saucedo-Mendoza said he was “extremely remorseful for my actions.”

He indicated he was contending with personal problems at the time of the crash and maintained he had not consumed alcohol since that time. He also said he since had undergone counseling and attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

“I understand there are no excuses for what happened,” he said, also noting that he was seriously injured in the collision.

His defense attorney recommended the Indianapolis man receive a 10-year sentence.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.