The New Year’s Eve tradition of dropping objects was started in 1907 by the New York Times’ owner to help promote the status of the newspaper’s new building. Since then, other locales have held “drops” of their own to highlight their local history, culture or creativity. Here are some that make our list for creativity or just plain fun:
Mission "Impossumble": In Brasstown, N.C., a 20-year tradition of the New Year's Eve Possum Drop won't be the same this year. A challenge from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is forcing organizer Clay Logan to alter plans from lowering a live possum in a tinsel covered box. Despite offers from local possums to play dead for the event, Logan has not yet finalized this year's plan. Options include a road-kill possum or pot of stewed possum. More on the story.
What are the odds of this? In Vegas, it appears Mother Nature is taking over festivities, planning a special drop of her own – snow falling from the skies. That's right, Sin City won't be so hot New Year's Eve as an early forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of snow and a 32-degree low. See what advice city officials have for tourists.
The Motor City: Detroit rings in the New Year with "The Drop" of a giant letter "D." The event was started by two businessmen seeking a way to celebrate the passion that they and others have for their beloved city. More on the 5th annual event here.
Melon plunge: Now this sounds like fun – watermelons plunging from 75 feet to a giant "splatform." The town of Vincennes, Ind., started the drop in 2008 to highlight the great-tasting watermelons harvested from thousands of acres of Ice Age glacier enriched soil in Knox County. More on the melons.
Pennsylvania nails it: Residents of West Fairview will be treated to nail drop. Not a toe nail but an actual 7-foot, 50-pound nail to mark the history of the Harrisburg Nail Works factory. The drop is part of the town's 200th anniversary. In nearby, Hanover, a giant Pac Man will descend at a local arcade. More on both events.
A few places have crabs: It seems the folk in Hampton, Va., know how to party. In downtown Hampton, they will drop a giant crab pot and kick off a dance contest themed Disco Inferno. This is their first crab pot drop and something tells us it won't be the last. In Easton, Md., the Crab Drop is part of an annual family friendly alcohol-free event. The event, which originated in Boston, features an early drop for those who want to be in bed at midnight and for traditionalists, there's still the 12 a.m. drop of a 6-foot-wide crab.
We love a newbie: Baton Rouge had so much fun at its first Red Stick Revelry last year they are doing it again this year. Why a red stick? Hint: Baton Rouge.
ATL style: And of course there's our very own 26th Annual Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta. The entertainment lineup and more.
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