By Theresa Russell
Posted On: Dec 14, 2022
Watching the Times Square ball drop at midnight on TV for New Year's Eve is a fun and traditional way to welcome the upcoming year. But why not kick it up a notch? These quirky, but cool countdowns get the drop on NYE with eclectic objects that reflect their locale. All while putting a special twist on Auld Lang Syne.
Photo credit: Imagination Station Toledo, Facebook
Bountiful Bouncy Bash
What's better than one bouncy ball? How about over 20 thousand bouncy balls! That's how Toledo's Imagination Station celebrates the new year. The science center's New Year's Eve EVE event drops 23,000 bouncy balls throughout the building on Dec. 30 at 2:33PM. For extra fun, there's activities to enjoy like decorating foam 2023 glasses, making wire and bottle cap noisemakers, and building a shaker noisemaker.
Note: RSVPs are not required, however admission to the New Year's Eve EVE Bouncy Ball Drop is first come, first served.
Delightfully Delicious Drop
You'll be a-glazed at the fun during Lakeside Chautauqua's New Year's Eve "Donut Drop." At Lakeside Pavilion, watch as a giant inflatable donut drops to sprinkle in the new year. Attendees can also enjoy music from DJ Sean Gill and of course - donuts!
Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio
Fishy Fun Festival
Cast your line to catch Wylie Walleye! This giant fiberglass walleye adorns Port Clinton's skyline every New Year's Eve. The LED-lit, 20-foot and 600-pound walleye is one fish that surely won't get away! Walleye Madness at Midnight festivities take place before the drop and include crafts and games for kids and a "Minnow Drop" at 4PM. There's also the Walleye Drop "Bar Swim" (luxury bus bar hop with seven stops) at 7PM and fireworks conclude this fishy fun festival.
Photo credit: Joe McCoy
Gorgeous Glass Gathering
Lancaster rings in the new year with a tradition that highlights their glass making history. Glass Town Countdown features a giant NYE globe made from individual hand-blown glass balls that raises into the air as midnight approaches. The event also features a fun street party filled with food, drinks, and a fireworks show.
Perfectly Poppin' Party
Who doesn't love popcorn? Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop definitely does! For New Year's Eve, the store constructs a giant popcorn ball to lower as the new year approaches. Named "Jupiter 2," this year's popcorn ball is being called the largest Popcorn Ball in the universe. It arrives at the shop on Dec. 15, where it'll reside until ready to drop on New Years Eve.
If you're looking for even more popcorn-themed fun, Marion caters to that with its annual New Year's Eve Pop-N-Drop. Events leading up to the midnight event include music by a DJ, hot chocolate, and popcorn.
Stunningly Shiny Show
Started to celebrated the city's bicentennial, the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in New Carlisle brings a stunning tradition to the Clark County town. As the minutes tick closer to the new year, watch as the giant illuminated aluminum ball descends from the corner of Main and Washington streets.
For more festivals and events, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
