New Carlisle fired up for 10th New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

The New Carlisle New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is adding something new this year, it’s ninth annual celebration. MARSHALL GORBY / STAFF

The New Carlisle New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is adding something new this year, it’s ninth annual celebration. MARSHALL GORBY / STAFF
Local News
By Brett Turner
Dec 27, 2019
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“Drop and give me 2020” could be the slogan for this year’s version of the annual occasion at the stroke of midnight in New Carlisle.

A new decade makes it even more special and you can top it off with it being a 10th anniversary of the New Carlisle New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 downtown with activity focused around Main and Washington streets. The event is presented by the Heritage of Flight Committee and admission is free.

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If that wasn’t enough, this year will bring fireworks. Who said Independence Day should be the only occasion to light up the night skies?

The fireworks would’ve gone off to signal 2019, but wind prevented it, so organizers are hoping for Mother Nature’s cooperation this time out.

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Thousands of people line Main Street in anticipation of last year’s ball drop on New Year’s Eve in New Carlisle. MARSHALL GORBY/STAFF

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“For our small town, this is pretty cool,” said Mike Lowrey, the committee president. “We’re really excited, fireworks just add a special feeling. It should be a good evening.”

There’s also a feeling of satisfaction the Ball Drop has lasted. It began a decade ago as part of a bicentennial event and was designed to be a one-and-done.

The Heritage of Flight Committee saw a good thing and didn’t want it to end and picked up the responsibilities, helping raise the funds to put it on by sponsorships.

Lowrey has special memories of that first year and the changes and improvements made since, especially the addition of the 7.5-foot, 200-pound aluminum ball that comes down a crane to usher in each new year. He extended thanks to Bobo Construction for the use of its crane to drop it.

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Ice sculpting again will be part of the activities at the New Carlisle ball drop on New Year’s Eve. MARSHALL GORBY/STAFF

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Other attractions will include popular attractions such as ice sculpting on site, horse-drawn carriage rides, food and downtown shops will also be open late. An added feature will be ceramic coffee mugs marking the occasion and gift cards given away through a raffle every 10 minutes or so from the main stage.

Lowrey sees this as just the first decade completed of many to come as long as the people enjoy it.

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“We’ve been a growing tradition where everything’s free except for food and family-friendly,” he said. “We’re not New York or Chicago, but we can make it the biggest thing we can for anybody who wants to come out.”

HOW TO GO

What: New Carlisle New Year's Eve Ball Drop

Where: Main and Washington streets, downtown New Carlisle

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Admission: Free

More info: www.facebook.com/NewCarlisleHeritageofFlightFestivall

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About the Author

Brett Turner