How to Go
What: New Carlisle New Year's Eve Ball Drop
Where: Main and Washington streets, New Carlisle
When: Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Admission: Free
More info: 937-845-9492
You can take your pick of the New for New Year’s Eve – New Carlisle or New York.
Both offer the chance to celebrate with a large ball dropping to welcome in 2016 in a festive atmosphere. It just depends on whether you want big-city frills or intimate small-city feel.
“A lot of people have seen the New York event. What we put on is maybe not to scale but just as fun — a good, wholesome family event,” said Mike Lowrey of the Heritage of Flight Festival committee that puts on the ball drop, now in its seventh year.
Festivities will kick off at 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, in downtown New Carlisle with the action centered on Main and Washington streets. There is no cost to attend.
The family atmosphere is emphasized. A local DJ will spin music, including the popular chicken dance.
Local shops will be open and food vendors will have goodies to complement whatever the weather may bring. Other returning attractions include a live cake auction from Cake Creations and a 50/50 raffle.
Lowrey said no alcohol is allowed at the event, and law and fire department representatives will oversee safety.
Then there’s that big 7.5-foot, 200-pound ball made of aluminum that comes down 90 feet from a crane provided by Jim Bobo each year.
“For a town as small as we are, it’s a really big ball,” Lowrey said.
Of course, you could also watch a ball drop on television, interrupted by loud hosts and frequent commercials. Or celebrate by joining up to 2,000 local community members to start 2016.
“Get out and away from your electronics and your TV for a night,” Lowery suggested.
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