Atlanta won't have a Peach Drop this year, officials say

ATLANTA — There won't be a Peach Drop in Atlanta when the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, according to the mayor's office.

A spokesperson confirmed the beloved New Year's Eve tradition won't happen this year. Typically, an 800-pound peach falls from a 138-foot tower to help count down to a new year, bringing in people from all over the state to Atlanta as a festive tourist attraction.

RELATED: Peach Drop makes long-awaited return with thousands in attendance

Mayor Andre Dickens' office pointed to the collection of other events and commemorations held this year that required resources as one reason for the decision not to stage a Peach Drop this year.

“This year, the City dedicated our resources to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and other local activities directly serving the community. While a worthy tradition in the past, the Peach Drop has not been an annual event since 2017. Each year is different, and we can always reevaluate next year," a spokesperson for the mayor said.

The mayor's office also highlighted the mayor's increasing of the cultural affairs budget by $500,000 this year and the launching of the first Youth Pride Festival + Summit, among other events and programs the city put on.

Festivities won't necessarily be fruitless without the Peach Drop. Underground Atlanta, which typically is the venue for the city's New Year's Eve celebrations announced that it will be fully open to the public and invites people to head downtown by midnight for a free fireworks show. There will be other events hosted at or near the venue, people can check for updates here.

After taking a three-year hiatus, the Peach State staple made a comeback in 2022. Revelers gathered to welcome in 2023 with the Peach Drop at Underground in Atlanta. 

Though the Peach Drop won't help Atlantans count down to the new year - there are other similar traditions across the state where people could celebrate in similar fashion. From McDonough's Geranium Drop to Tallapoosa's Possum Drop, here's an eclectic list. 

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