At a Glance
- Cities nationwide drop quirky items like cheese wedges, MoonPies, and 600-pound walleye.
- The tradition dates back to a 700-pound ball in 1907.
- From Florida’s conch shell to Ohio’s walleye, each drop reflects local flavor.
- Why it matters: It showcases how communities celebrate the new year with unique, local pride.
The United States has turned New Year’s Eve into a carnival of oddities, with towns across the country dropping everything from cheese wedges to giant walleye. These celebrations, which began with the iconic Times Square ball, have become a quirky national tradition.
A Nation of Quirky Drops
Cities from the Midwest to the West Coast launch their own drops, each item a nod to local culture. The list is long and colorful, with some of the most memorable drops including:
- Plymouth, Wisconsin – a giant cheese wedge
- Las Cruces, New Mexico – a chile pepper
- Flagstaff, Arizona – a pinecone
- Key West, Florida – a conch shell
- Lebanon, Pennsylvania – a bologna drop
- Dillsburg, Pennsylvania – a pickle drop
- Lewistown, Pennsylvania – a potato chip drop
Fruit & Food Favorites
Fruit and food drops are a staple, often believed to bring luck and wealth. Highlights include:
- Miami – the “Big Orange” drop
- Sarasota, Florida – a pineapple
- Milwaukie, Oregon – cherry drops
- Traverse City, Michigan – cherry drops
- Temecula, California – bright grapes
- Atlanta – a digital drone peach
Beach Balls and Flip-Flops
Some celebrations are all about beach fun. Notable events:
- Folly Beach, South Carolina – flip-flops dive into the ocean
- Panama City Beach, Florida – 15,000 beach balls dropped before a giant ball descends at midnight
Seafood & Potatoes
Waterfront towns honor their maritime heritage, while others celebrate humble staples. Key drops include:
- Brunswick, Georgia – a shrimp drop
- Easton, Maryland – a crab drop
- Bay St. Louis, Mississippi – an oyster drop
- Port Clinton, Ohio – a 600-pound walleye named Wylie
- Whiting, Indiana – a 10-foot pierogi
- Boise, Idaho – an Idaho potato drop
- Mt. Olive, North Carolina – a glittery green pickle, 6 feet long
| Item | Location | Weight | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Port Clinton, Ohio | 600 lb | Named Wylie |
| MoonPie | Mobile, Alabama | 600 lb | 60-second descent |
| Yellow Peep | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | 400 lb | Chick shape |
The Possum Drop Saga
A live possum drop once drew protests and court action, ending the event in 2019 in western North Carolina. A stuffed possum named Spencer still drops in Tallapoosa, Georgia.
The Times Square Origin
The tradition began in 1907 with a 700-pound, five-foot ball that debuted in Times Square. Copycat celebrations have since spread coast to coast.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. hosts a diverse array of New Year’s Eve drops, from cheese wedges to giant walleye.
- Local flavor drives the choice of drop, making each celebration unique.
- The tradition traces back to a 1907 Times Square ball and has evolved into a nationwide carnival.
These quirky drops turn New Year’s Eve into a playful showcase of regional pride, reminding us that the countdown can be as creative as it is celebratory.
