From possums to peaches, Georgia locals have come up with creative ways to bring in the new year. Come New Year’s Eve in Houston County, they’ll be flocking to the historic downtown district of Perry for the Buzzard Drop.
What is it?
The Perry Buzzard Drop, as the name would suggest, takes place in the Houston County town of Perry each year. The event is not new, as the city will be celebrating its 12th drop as it welcomes in 2025. However, it has been growing in popularity through the years. In 2023, event organizers anticipated 2,000 visitors for the New Year’s bash, equivalent to just under 10% of Perry’s entire population.
Perry’s senior communications manager, Tabitha Clark, told local news station 13WMAZ last year that the buzzard drop tradition started with a problem. Over a decade ago, buzzards were migrating to Perry for the winter to rest on the town’s water tower. The feathery freeloaders caused some damage to the tower, so the town took action.
A plastic buzzard, made with real feathers, wards off the migrating birds as a practical form of pest control turned into a New Year’s tradition.
What is there to do?
The Perry Buzzard Drop event begins at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Kids can get their faces painted or request a creation from a variety of balloon artists until 9:30 p.m. Middle Georgia Gellyball will be on-site until midnight for anyone interested in stepping inside their arena. Event organizers will also be offering Trailer Flash up until midnight to help visitors capture their perfect Buzzard Drop memory.
At 8 p.m., there will be a Kiddie Countdown for all the children who can’t miss their bedtime to cheer in the new year. Come midnight, Perry will “light up the sky” with fireworks and drop the buzzard to officially celebrate 2025.
Rock cover band Party Knights and DJ Mixmaster T will provide music for the night. Food and drinks should also be in high supply.
“Join us in downtown Perry for an unforgettable celebration as we countdown to midnight in true Perry style,” according to event’s webpage. “Enjoy live music, tasty food, family-friendly activities, a special kiddie countdown, and the grand finale — the buzzard drop to ring in the new year!”
The buzzard drop will take place on Carroll Street when the clock strikes midnight.
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