At a Glance
- Dozens of U.S. cities drop quirky items like fruits, veggies, sea creatures, and custom balls on New Year’s Eve.
- The tradition began in 1907 with a 700-pound, 5-ft ball in Times Square and has since inspired copycat celebrations nationwide.
- Highlights include a giant cheese wedge in Wisconsin, a 600-pound MoonPie in Alabama, and a 15,000-ball beach-ball bash in Florida.
- Why it matters: These festive drops boost local pride, attract tourists, and showcase each community’s unique character.
In 2026, cities across America will ring in the new year with a colorful array of drops that range from oversized cheeses to giant sea creatures. While the iconic Times Square ball has been a staple since 1907, many towns have carved out their own quirky traditions that reflect local flavor and culture. From Florida’s beach-ball bonanza to Pennsylvania’s pickles and bologna, the celebrations promise a playful and memorable countdown.
Coast-to-Coast Celebrations
The ball-drop craze has spread from the East to the West, with cities like Plymouth, Wisconsin, and Key West, Florida, adding their own twists. In Wisconsin, a giant cheese wedge takes center stage, while in Florida a conch shell and a massive beach-ball tower join the festivities. Across the country, the copycat spirit continues to grow, turning ordinary objects into headline-making countdowns.
- Cheese wedge, Plymouth, WI
- Chile pepper, Las Cruces, NM
- Pinecone, Flagstaff, AZ
- Conch shell, Key West, FL
- Bologna, Lebanon, PA
- Pickle, Dillsburg, PA
- Potato chip, Lewistown, PA
Fruit & Food Drops
Many towns incorporate fruit and other food items into their countdowns, often rooted in local agricultural traditions. Miami’s ‘Big Orange’ and Sarasota’s pineapple drop highlight Florida’s citrus and tropical bounty, while Milwaukie, Oregon, and Traverse City, Michigan, showcase cherry drops. In Atlanta, the peach has been replaced by a ‘digital drone peach’ in the sky, and Temecula, California, drops brightly lit grapes.
- 600-pound MoonPie, Mobile, AL
- 400-pound yellow Peep, Bethlehem, PA
- 10-foot pierogi, Whiting, IN
- Idaho potato drop, Boise, ID
- 6-ft glittery pickle, Mt. Olive, NC
Seafood & Specialty Drops
Waterfront towns celebrate the sea with shrimp, crab, oyster, and even a giant walleye. Brunswick, Georgia, drops a shrimp, while Easton, Maryland, features a crab drop. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, offers an oyster drop, and Port Clinton, Ohio, showcases a 600-pound walleye named Wylie.
- Shrimp drop, Brunswick, GA
- Crab drop, Easton, MD
- Oyster drop, Bay St. Louis, MS
- Walleye drop, Port Clinton, OH
- Beach balls, Panama City Beach, FL (15,000 balls)
The Legacy of Times Square
The original 700-pound, 5-ft ball has become a global icon, and its legacy inspires countless local versions. The tradition, dating back to 1907, began with a massive ball that has since been replicated in many forms, from papier-mache fish to fiberglass fish.
Key Takeaways
- New Year’s Eve drops are nationwide, reflecting local culture and creativity.
- Food-based and sea-based drops range from cheese wedges to giant walleye.
- Some traditions, like the possum drop, have ended due to legal and ethical concerns.
As 2026 approaches, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a kaleidoscope of quirky countdowns that celebrate community spirit and bring a splash of whimsy to the night sky.
