‘Delco Happy Hour’ has become a coronavirus internet sensation
The de-facto motto of Delaware County is a line from the old Jimmy Buffet song: “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.”
Of course, in these days of social distancing and takeout, Happy Hour is a thing of distant memory. A memory from a simpler time, like, 2 weeks ago.
For some, the stay-at-home order just means “Happy Hour” can now run 24 hours. It’s a way to take those limes and make a Margarita.
Out of the silence comes the Facebook group “Delco Happy Hour.”
“A couple of weeks ago, on a Thursday night I put a mention on Facebook about a social distancing happy hour with neighbors,” said Norwood’s
Karen O’Connor. “A friend of mine from Bloomsburg tagged me in a post about a neighborhood happy hour they were doing in her area.”
So, at 11:42 p.m. on March 19, O’Connor talked with friends and started the Facebook group.
By the next morning, there were 600 requests to join. By 5 p.m., the traditional Happy Hour so many have quoted, the group was up to 2,500 members.
From the small beginnings of three Interboro classmates talking about a fun way to break up the day, “Delco Happy Hour” has exploded into over 50,000 members and might just be the hottest thing going as the coronavirus shutdown continues.
“It’s been crazy,” O’Connor said. “The numbers keep growing. I think we are approving about 100 a day.”
The page has also been a boom to the alcohol business. Although the state shut down the liquor stores, beer brewers and stores have remained open.
2SP Brewing Company in Aston was trying to find avenues to sell beer after the restaurant business dried up.
“We put a post on the page about doing delivery,” said MIke Contreras, Director of Sales and Marketing for
2SP. “I thought it would get a little bit of notice. Maybe a couple of likes.”
Contreras was not expecting what actually happened.
“I think the last time I checked, there were over 6,000 likes and tons of comments,” said Contreras. “So, we talked to our vendors and decided to do home delivery a couple of days a week. It’s worked out better than we ever expected.”
The group also has turned into a sounding board for those in fear, isolation and just need to talk.
Meanwhile, “Delco Happy Hour” has become a one-stop place for Delaware County entertainment.
Just last weekend, Aunt Mary Pat hosted a Facebook live show. Musician Mike Barclay performed. More will be coming as long as everybody is sitting at home.
“One of our moderators knew
Mary Pat and that worked out,” said O’Connor. “We want to keep it going. At some point we’d like to ask for donations to help out the performers and workers who are having a hard time.
“Really, though, it’s been fantastic.” So, raise a glass and join Delaware County in making its own Happy Hour.