Business Growth Strategy

When it comes to ringing in the New Year, Times Square may have set the standard with its iconic ball drop, but not every celebration follows the traditional route.Across the United States, many towns have embraced their creativity, swapping the glowing sphere for something a bit more eccentric. From giant Peeps to a big peach, these local twists on the countdown offer a refreshing departure from the norm, reflecting the unique culture and history of each community.Who needs a ball drop when you can lower a huge block of cheese? Here are some of our favorite creative ways communities celebrate the start of a brand-new year.Peep drop in Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaPeeps are a sweet treat usually enjoyed around Easter with marshmallow rabbits covered in colorful sugar going in Easter baskets for people of all ages. But in the eastern Pennsylvania town of Bethlehem, Peeps are celebrated on New Year’s Eve too!Each year, the town, which is home to the Peeps and Company headquarters, hosts PeepsFest, and rings in the New Year with the help of a 400-pound chick, which stands 4 feet and 9 inches tall. The drop is always followed by fireworks.Watch footage from the 2021 PeepFest drop in the player below:Mt. Olive Pickle Drop in North CarolinaThe North Carolina town of Mt. Olive is also home to the famed pickle company of the same name. Staying true to the town’s legacy, each year on Dec. 31, instead of dropping a ball at midnight, a pickle drops. The pickle is three feet tall and lights up, rivaling the Times Square ball with a briney twist. This year will be the 25th year for the Mt. Olive Pickle Drop!Cheese drop in Plymouth, WisconsinWhat’s more Wisconsin than cheese? The annual Sartori Big Cheese Drop on New Year’s Eve in the town of Plymouth, Wisconsin, dates back to 2007 and will continue this year.The highlight of the event is marked by a countdown and the lowering of a giant wedge of Sartori’s BellaVitano Gold Cheese. See a video of the annual cheese drop in the video player above!Chile drop in Las Cruces, New MexicoNew Mexico is known for its delicious, spicy chile peppers, and the southern New Mexico town of Las Cruces celebrates this every new year. At midnight, a 19-foot chrome chile featuring 400 feet of LED lighting drops from a crane to commemorate the new year.In past years, the color of the chile was a surprise for guests. But as of 2021, attendees get to vote on the official state question by scanning a QR code, making it a personal and exciting experience for locals and visitors.Peach drop in Atlanta, GeorgiaThe peach drop may be the second-most famous NYE drop, after the famous Times Square ball, of course.The New Year’s Eve Peach Drop in Atlanta is a cherished tradition, marking the countdown to the new year. Held at Underground Atlanta, a giant illuminated peach descends as crowds cheer. The event embodies Atlantas vibrant culture and Southern charm, drawing thousands annually.