Acorn sculpture made of copper is surrounded by confetti.

Ringing in the New Year, North Carolina-Style:
Community Countdown Traditions Across the State

Author: Jasper Villa, Marketing Intern

As we celebrate the halfway point of the decade, there is no doubt that this New Year’s celebration will be one to remember. The ball drop is a tradition that started on December 31, 1907, in Times Square, and continues to bring us joy as we count down with friends and family by our sides. Take a look at some of the most iconic local adaptations that take place in towns all over North Carolina.

Raleigh—Acorn Drop

A tradition that began in 1992, Raleigh’s celebration involves a 10-foot, 1,250-pound steel sculpture. “The Great Raleigh Acorn” is lowered above City Plaza at 7 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

Acorn sculpture made of copper is surrounded by confetti.
Iconic Raleigh New Year’s Eve acorn drop. 
Photo courtesy of Raleighnc.gov.

Mount Olive, NC—Pickle Drop

Held at the University of Mount Olive, a giant, glowing pickle is slowly dropped into a pickle jar at 7 p.m. sharp. This time-relished tradition started in 1999.

A fire truck crane lifts a glowing green pickle into the evening sky above a large Mt. Olive pickle jar.
New Year’s Pickle Drop in Mt. Olive, NC.
Photo courtesy of Mount Olive Pickle Company.

Marion, NC—Gold Nugget Drop

Marion celebrates North Carolina’s gold-mining past with an 80-pound, six-foot gold nugget made of triangular metallic plates. Residents gather in the town square for costume contests, wagon rides, and the dramatic midnight nugget descent.

A glowing gold abstract heart sculpture is lowered over a crowd gathered in a town square at night.
Gold nugget drop in Marion, NC. Photo courtesy of Romantic Asheville. 

Burgaw, NC—Blueberry Drop

Although blueberry season has long passed, the town of Burgaw continues the tradition with its annual blueberry drop. Activities take place throughout the historic downtown district before the night concludes with the lowering of a large, illuminated blueberry.

A blue, light-wrapped sphere frames a crowd gathered outdoors at night.
Blueberry drop in Burgaw, NC. 
Photo courtesy of The Carolina Traveler. 

Morehead City, NC—Crab Pot Drop

One of the state’s quirkiest New Year’s traditions, Morehead City’s celebration features giant crabs. The town drops the creatures into a large pot on the waterfront to honor the region’s fishing heritage. The smaller crab meets his fate at 6 p.m., and the larger does at midnight. The celebration concludes with fireworks on the waterfront.

A crab-shaped decoration made of colorful lights sits on the ground at night.
Crab drop in Morehead City, NC. 
Photo Courtesy of WNCT. 

Citations

Yearly Pickle Drop Event | Mt. Olive Pickle Company

The Great Raleigh Acorn Gets Ready for New Year's Eve | Raleighnc.gov

New Years Eve Gold Nugget Drop, Marion

Burgaw Blueberry Drop - Carolina Traveler

Downtown Countdown | DMHC