Here’s 1 vote for keeping the Perry Buzzard Drop

Most Americans are used to watching the ball drop from Times Square in New York City on TV, but this year Mayor Jimmy Faircloth and the city of Perry decided to put on their own version with the “Buzzard Drop.”

In front of 1,000-1,500 people, the city did an exceptional job for it being the first ever buzzard drop. The night consisted of a local band playing, several restaurants including Rusty’s and the New Perry Hotel serving food and beverage specials as well as vendors selling New Year’s souvenirs. Everywhere people went, places were packed and it showed with long lines, but everyone was upbeat and excited throughout the night even though the temperatures dropped into the high 30s.

Even the Perry community seemed to enjoy the event. Talking to the folks at The Coffee Cup during my visit for coffee on Thursday morning, they seemed impressed with the way things turned out.

Several of their employees said they didn’t leave the coffee shop until 1:30 a.m., illustrating how hectic the night was.

For the first 23 years of my life, I was used to watching the ball drop on NBC or MTV, but when I moved to Middle Georgia and heard about this event, I knew it would be something fun to attend and not sit at home watching it on T.V. again. Being able to bring my girlfriend along with me made this night even more special.

Both of us had a great time, and being able to experience something like this so local is unique in it’s own way. I am hoping that the city continues to do this event for years to come and even adds some more entertainment possibly down the line.

Faircloth, Mary Beth Bass, Economic Development Coordinator, Police Chief Steve Lynn and the city of Perry should be commended on their job well done from the planning, preparations and putting on this event. It goes to show that strong communities like this can put on great events for the public; it will be exciting to see what everyone in Perry has in store for year two.

HHJ News