GEORGIA RADIO - As the year comes to a close, the town of Tallapoosa is set to host its renowned New Year's Eve celebration, featuring the iconic Possum Drop. The festivities, steeped in unlikely history, promise an unforgettable night filled with live music, delicious food, dazzling fireworks, carnival rides, games, and much more.
The celebration kicks off with live music starting between 6 and 8 pm, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The musical performances will continue through the night, building up to the main event—the drop of Spencer the Possum (long deceased - don't worry no live possums are dropped). Families are encouraged to attend, with a special early drop designed for the little ones.
According to the event's website, The Possum Drop, a tradition that has been a staple of Tallapoosa's New Year's Eve festivities since the mid-1990s, pays homage to the town's rich history. Originally a gold-mining town known by various names, including Possum Snout, Pineville, and Pine Grove, Tallapoosa has evolved into a picturesque community with historic homes, museums, and parks.
The town's transformation can be credited to businessman Ralph L. Spencer, who arrived in Tallapoosa in late 1886. Spencer played a pivotal role in the late nineteenth-century boom that shaped the town's identity. To honor his contributions, the taxidermied possum used in the New Year's Eve celebration is named "Spencer."
The choice of a possum for the celebration is a nod to Tallapoosa's roots, and the taxidermied possum named after Ralph L. Spencer was found deceased in a roadway by local taxidermist Bud Jones many years ago. The possum has become a beloved symbol of the town's heritage, and its descent marks the official countdown to the New Year.
Visitors and locals alike are invited to gather in the heart of Tallapoosa to witness the unique spectacle of Spencer the Possum's drop, ringing in the New Year with joy and community spirit. As the clock strikes midnight, the sky above Tallapoosa will light up with a spectacular fireworks display, marking the beginning of a promising year ahead.
The Possum Drop New Year's Eve Celebration in Tallapoosa is more than just a tradition; it's a testament to the town's resilience, history, and sense of community. So, come one, come all, and join Tallapoosa in bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new with open arms and a lively possum drop.
QUICK LINK: https://thepossumdrop.com
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