Here are just a few of the things Pennsylvanians drop (or raise) on New Year’s Eve related to the environment, agriculture and wildlife--

-- Recycled Ball, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County: The “Future of Pittsburgh” ball is a 1,000-pound, illuminated orb made entirely of recycled materials, symbolizing Pittsburgh’s continuous efforts to be a “green” city. (Photo)

-- Mushroom, Kennett Square, Chester County: Bring in the New Year at the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” Kennett Square. For the fourth time ever, a 700-pound stainless steel mushroom will be lowered to count down the New Year as a nod to the town’s acres of fungus fields.

-- White Rose, York, York County: Join the crowd in smelling roses all the way until midnight as a white rose descends from the sky in Continental Square, symbolic of the War of Roses between Lancaster and York.

-- Pickle, Dillsburg, York County: Although Dillsburg has nothing to do with pickles, the town sure does know how to have fun with its name. Get into a real “pickle” as Dillsburg celebrates its annual Pickle Drop at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.

-- Hershey’s Kiss, Hershey, Dauphin County: Begin the New Year at the “Sweetest Place on Earth!” where a Hershey’s Kiss is raised amongst a sweet-toothed crowds.

-- Bologna, Lebanon, Lebanon County: Join the excitement in Lebanon as crowds count down the seconds with the famous 16-foot Lebanon Bologna coming to a stop at the stroke of midnight. Start off the year by being amazed, amused, and maybe even hungry.

-- Marshmallow Peep, Bethlehem, Northampton County: For a truly one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve celebration, First Night Bethlehem “peeps” with pride.

-- Beaver, Beavertown, Snyder County: Watch Bucky the Beaver descend from the sky this New Year in Beavertown in the Susquehanna River Valley. This life-size beaver got his name from a community contest that was held before the event’s second year. He is held in the air by a 75-foot ladder and slowly lowered to the ground, landing at midnight.

NewsClips:

StateImpact: 10 Stories From 2016 Worth Hearing Again

StateImpact Most Read Energy Stories Of 2016

(Written By:Carrie Lepore, Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary of Marketing, Tourism, and Film.)

[Posted Dec. 30, 2016]

1/2/2017