We all know Pennsylvania has some unique traditions, and New Year’s Eve doesn’t disappoint with various drops happening across the commonwealth.
From the large mushroom dropped in Kennett Square to the Pac-Man Drop in Hanover, we’ve put together a list of the most unique drops that will ring in 2019.
The Mushroom Drop, Kennett Square
At midnight every new year, a lighted mushroom descends from a crane in the heart of “The Mushroom Capital Of The World.” The fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus drops during the climax of an event that includes food vendors, entertainment and live music.
“The Big Apple will never compare to our mushroom,” Tim O’Brien of Kennett Square said after 2015’s drop. “It will never come close to the amazing wonder that happens in Kennett Square every year.”
If you want to check out the Mushroom Drop, click here.
The Peep Drop, Bethlehem
Credit: Just Born Inc.
While is doesn’t happen at midnight, a large fiberglass Marshmallow Peep will drop during Peepsfest at the iconic SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The festival takes place at the famous former steel mill from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. At 5:15 p.m., an 85-pound lit Peep Chick that comes in at 4.5 feet tall marks the new year. Peeps, which were created in the 1950s by a Russian immigrant, have grown in popularity over the decades and have become a staple in candy culture.
If you want to check out the Peep Drop, click here.
Strawberry Drop, Harrisburg
Outside the Hilton in Harrisburg, a large strawberry that is lit will drop from the top of the building at midnight. A dance party will take place before and fireworks will happen after.
If you want to check out the Strawberry Drop, click here.
The Pickle Drop, Dillsburg
Credit: RadioFan
While dill pickles really have nothing to do with Dillsburg, the borough certainly takes advantage of the food item with its new year’s party and fireworks display. The larger-than-life pickle is dropped in the center of town during an all-night party that last into the early morning hours.
If you want to check out the Pickle Drop, click here.
The Bologna Drop, Lebanon
Changing the tradition from a real 16-foot bologna, the Bologna Ranger mascot will be lowered while carrying a smaller bologna near the Lebanon Farmer’s Market. The event that starts at 10 p.m. and rages into the new year.
If you want to check out the Bologna Drop, click here.
The Wrench Drop, Mechanicsburg
Credit: Wrench Drop
Taking a cue from its start as a town filled with mechanics who repaired wagons, the historic community drops a large wrench from a crane. The annual midnight drop following a night of partying and music provided by a DJ.
If you want to check out the Wrench Drop, click here.
The Hershey Kiss Drop, Hershey
The town known as the “sweetest place on Earth” spares no expense on New Year’s Eve. The community that is home to the famed chocolate company holds a night-long celebration that caps off with the dropping a 300-pound replica of a Hershey Kiss candy. The 2018 headliner is singer Steve Augeri, former front man for the band Journey. The fun will conclude after midnight with fireworks. The event has been ranked among the best new year’s celebrations by USA Today and has been featured on CNN.
If you want to check out the Hershey Kiss Drop, click here.
Pac-Man Drop, Hanover
Credit: Timeline Arcade
For the fifth New Year’s Eve, Timeline Arcade will drop a Pac-Man replica. They will also have live music, video games, and food trucks. One of the bands being featured will be Mick Jaguar and the Sly Cats.
If you want to check out the Pac-Man Drop, click here.
