Weird Things ‘Dropped’ In North Carolina To Bring In The New Year

Everyone is familiar with the ball drop in New York City as one year rolls into the next.  Here are a few unusual and weird things dropped in North Carolina to bring in the New Year.

You may or may not have known that Raleigh is sometimes referred to as the city of oaks.  It got the name because of all the beautiful oak trees.  So for the past 30 years downtown Raleigh hosts an "acorn drop".  It is exactly like it sounds.  A huge acorn drops to ring in the new year.

Did you know that Burgaw, North Carolina is the blueberry capital of the world or at least North Carolina.  Maybe you have been there for the fun and festive Blueberry Festival.  It makes sense that they drop a giant blueberry at the stroke of midnight.

For the past 22 years, Mt Olive drops a giant pickle to usher in the new year.  We understand that event may not happen this year due to weather.

In Newport, North Carolina they turn to swine for an unusual way to swap years.  They don't drop an actual pig just a cardboard cutout.

And last but not least, very close to home are the Cherryville shooters.  Some gather together and fire off muskets to" ward off evil spirits" going into the New Year. To learn more about the schedule this year, get details here.

To learn more about the unusual things that get "dropped" in North Carolina for New Years, get details from ABC right here.

It's almost 2023, isn't it? How fun is this New Year going to be? I know I am super excited about the New Year and all of the exciting things to come into my life. I enjoy starting a New Year, because not only is my birthday at the beginning of the year, but I am also anticipating a fresh start. The start of a new year always means an opportunity to start new things. But, before we worry about what is coming we have to kick it off right.

New Year's Eve is a great time to celebrate some of the fun things in your city. North Carolina offers a lot of unique events to do for New Year's Eve. So, what shall we get into in North Carolina this year? Best Things NC is giving us the 6 best New Year's Eve events across the state. So why not figure out what you're doing this weekend? Now, is the time to start planning. Kick-off 2023 in a major way with these great celebrations. Click here for the full article to see what other celebrations may be happening in North Carolina.

Head to Raleigh, North Carolina for your New Year's Eve celebration. The 27th year is Raleigh's First Night Raleigh event. This annual event hosts nearly 100 performances in Downtown Raleigh. The celebration kicks off on New Year's Eve and gives the entire family time to celebrate throughout New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. There are not only performances but also a Ferris Wheel and amusement park ride that you can enjoy with the entire family. Finally, the big acorn drop will take place to ring in the New Year.

Looking for some good to enjoy this New Year's Eve? Dine at Mountview Restaurant to enjoy their dinner buffet with the family. Your dinner will include a five-course meal that is prepared by Mountview Bistro chef. Dinner will be 5 pm to 9 pm and you can book your reservation online.

Head to the Morehead Planetarium and enjoy New Year's Eve activities with the entire family. Starting at 2 pm, there will be games, shows, performances, and more for everyone to enjoy. There will also be food at plenty of food trucks for you to grab a great bite to eat. 

Head on over to Belmont to enjoy time at  Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for New Year's Eve. Enjoy live music and glowing hula hoop performances when you visit Belmont for New Year's. For any adults in your party, there will be a wine tasting offered at an additional cost. 

With no admission, enjoy some family fun at Beech Mountain. Family night begins at 7 pm and there are a selection of prizes, music, and more for everyone to enjoy. Get food and beverages while you're out there and have a good time to kick off the New Year.

Looking for some fun in the Queen City? Celebrate the night with CLT New Year's Eve celebration. Live music will begin at 8 pm and a beautiful firework show will happen at midnight. Not only is there live music for you to listen to, but great local food trucks to eat good during the celebration. The event is free and one of the best things for the whole family to enjoy.