Forget NYC: Town Set For New Year's 'Possum Drop'
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — In North Carolina, nothing says "Happy New Year" like a giant pickle. Except maybe a giant flea or a possum.
Towns and cities across the state are planning to welcome 2011 with their own distinct variations on the world-famous Times Square ball drop.
But one town takes their spin on the tradition to a whole new level — or rather, depth.
Clay Logan of Brasstown, North Carolina tells KNX 1070's Dick Helton about the annual "Possum Drop".
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In the Clay County community of Brasstown, people will gather for the annual lowering of the possum.
Raleigh will drop its famous acorn, while the Cumberland County town of Eastover will drop a 3-foot-tall, 30-pound flea made of fabric and wood.
A celebration in Kure Beach will include the dropping of a giant lighted beach ball.
In Mount Olive, the festivities include a giant illuminated pickle. But pickle fans need to get there early. Mount Olive celebrates midnight by Greenwich Mean Time, which means 7 p.m. in North Carolina.
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