New Year’s Eve is one of the most awaited celebrations, and every city has its own unique way of welcoming the New Year. In North Carolina, the celebrations are anything but ordinary. From dropping a giant pickle to lighting up fireworks, the towns here have some truly one-of-a-kind traditions. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting and unusual New Year’s Eve events in North Carolina.
The Pickle Drop
If you’re a fan of pickles, then the town of Mount Olive is the place to be. Mount Olive is famous for being the pickle-making capital, and for over 20 years, the town has celebrated the New Year by dropping a giant pickle. But this event happens a little earlier than midnight. The pickle drop starts at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by fireworks and door prizes. So, if you’re in the area, you can enjoy the pickle drop before the clock even strikes midnight!
The Acorn Drop
In Raleigh, also known as the “City of Oaks,” the tradition is a giant acorn drop. This event has been happening for over 30 years. The large copper and steel acorn drops to celebrate the New Year. This tradition began in 1992 when public relations agent John A. Watkins decided to create a symbol for Raleigh, similar to New York’s apple or Atlanta’s peach. The acorn drop happens at midnight, but there’s also an early countdown at 7 p.m. for those who can’t stay up late.
The Flea Drop
Eastover, located in Cumberland County, hosts a family-friendly celebration that ends with the flea drop. Yes, you read that right—a flea drop! The festivities begin at 10 p.m. with music, a flea jump contest, and a moon pie eating contest. At the end of the night, they drop a lighted flea to ring in the new year. It’s a fun and quirky tradition you won’t find anywhere else!
The Gold Nugget Drop
If you love a little sparkle, Marion, NC is the place to be. The town drops a giant gold nugget at midnight. Marion is located in McDowell County and has a population of around 8,000. This drop is a symbol of the town’s rich history and celebrates the gold mining past. It’s an exciting event for anyone who loves a touch of glamour in their New Year’s celebrations.
The Blueberry Drop
Burgaw, NC is known as the “blueberry capital” of the area, and it’s only fitting that they drop a giant blueberry to welcome the new year. The festivities in Burgaw start at 5 p.m. and go until 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks. Burgaw also hosts a Blueberry Festival in the summer, and its New Year’s Eve blueberry drop is a great way to kick off the year.
The Pig Drop
Newport, NC has a fun tradition involving a pig—well, not a real pig, but a cardboard cutout of a pig! The town drops a lighted cardboard pig at 7 p.m. as part of its New Year’s Eve festivities. The event is family-friendly and features plenty of fun activities, making it an enjoyable evening for people of all ages.
The Egg Drop
In Nashville, NC, Braswell Family Farms hosts an exciting New Year’s Eve egg drop event. The family-friendly celebration runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and ends with a grand fireworks show. It’s a unique way to ring in the new year with your loved ones, especially if you have kids.
The Badge Raising
For those who love a touch of nostalgia, Mount Airy (also known as Mayberry, made famous by the “Andy Griffith Show”) raises a giant sheriff’s badge to ring in the New Year. The event takes place in the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History’s courtyard. It’s a tribute to the town’s connection to the iconic TV show and a fun way to start the year.
The Bear Drop
Finally, in New Bern, NC, the tradition is to drop a bear to welcome the New Year. New Bern is known for its black bears, so it only makes sense for the town to celebrate with a bear drop. The town hosts a block party starting at 5:30 p.m., with the Bear Cub Drop happening at 9 p.m. and the main Bear Drop at midnight. It’s an exciting event that brings the community together to celebrate.
Conclusion
Whether you’re watching a giant pickle drop or waiting for a bear to descend, North Carolina has some of the most unique New Year’s Eve celebrations you can find anywhere. These fun and quirky traditions make the celebrations memorable and bring people together in a way that’s fun for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve celebration that’s different from the usual, North Carolina has something special waiting for you!
(Source: newsbreak.com)
