WeatherFanatics: Bid Farewell to 2013 With the Five Most Unusual New Year's Celebrations

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Bid Farewell to 2013 With the Five Most Unusual New Year's Celebrations

By Kristen Rodman, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

December 28,2013; 7:48PM,EST

While the New Year's Eve ball drop in New York City's Times Square may be the most famous way to bring in the new year, it is surely not the only way.
Multiple cities across the nation have their own special New Year's traditions, but here is a list of our top five most unique drops for bidding adieu to 2013.
1. The Conch Shell Drop

Live from the roof of Sloppy Joe's Bar, the conch shell will be lowered for the 21st time in Key West's history. (Photo courtesy of Sloppy Joe's Bar).
One of the Sunshine State's most renown vacation cities, Key West, Fla., will host its 21st annual dropping of a 6-foot queen conch shell this New Year's Eve. Inspired by local artist Tobias McGregor in 1993, the conch shell drops at midnight from Sloppy Joe's Bar on the corner of the infamous party street, Duval Street. Along with the shell, confetti, streamers and lights typically adorn the celebrations.
2. The Giant Peach Drop
Said to be the largest New Year's Eve celebration in the Southeast, Atlanta will throw its 25th yearly peach drop on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. The 16-hour event begins at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 at Underground Atlanta, featuring rides, street food, music and performances, according to the event's website. Sponsored by M&Ms Peanut, the 800-pound giant peach will be dropped at midnight to commemorate the year.
3. "The Puck Drops Here"
In collaboration with the 2014 Bridgestone National Hockey League Winter Classic game in Ann Arbor, Mich., the city will drop a 10-foot hockey puck embellished with 6,000 LED lights on New Year's Eve this year. Hosted by the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the puck will drop at midnight after six hours of live entertainment, according to the bureau's website.
4. The Big Cheese Drop

Bystanders watch as the big cheese is raised above the crowd. (Photo courtesy of the Plymouth Arts Center).
Popularly known for its cheese production, the state of Wisconsin will celebrate the new year by dropping a large ball of cheese in the city of Plymouth. In its seventh year of existence, this year's big cheese drop will be sponsored by Sargento, Sartori and Masters Galley. A masquerade ball dinner and dance at the Plymouth Arts Center will precede the ceremony.
RELATED:
Will it Snow at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 2?
AccuWeather Winter Weather Center
PHOTOS: Frozen Bubbles Create 'Whimsical' Winter Art
5. The Kiss Drop

Hershey's kiss is getting prepared for its big New Year's Eve debut. (Photo courtesy of Hershey).
Located in the hometown of one of North America's largest chocolate manufacturers, the Kiss Drop takes place in Hershey, Pa. The 12-foot high, 300-pound Hershey kiss will be raised three stories at the Hershey Press Building and prominently dropped midnight to toast 2014.

Have questions, comments, or a story to share? Email Kristen Rodman at Kristen.Rodman@accuweather.com, follow her on Twitter @Accu_Kristen or Google+. Follow us @breakingweather, or on Facebook and Google+.

On Social Media

AccuWeather Updates