Ready for the Idaho Potato Drop? It was voted to be among top New Year’s celebrations
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Vincent Medina, Idaho Statesman
BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — The Idaho Potato Drop in downtown Boise is fairly new when it comes to New Year’s Eve traditions, but it has grown in popularity and has caught the attention of people nationwide.
A new USA Today list ranked the Potato Drop — the first one took place on Dec. 31, 2013 — as one of the Top 10 New Year’s Eve “drops” in the United States.
Most people are very familiar with the annual tradition in New York City, with a large ball dropping to hit at midnight to ring in the new year in Times Square, but dozens of cities across America have created a “spin on the occasion with unique items being lowered” as one year gives way to the next.
The nominations were curated by USA Today travel editors and voted on by readers, according to a news release. And the Potato Drop, which takes place by the Idaho Capitol, fared incredibly well, coming in at No. 2 on the Top 10 list.
What was No. 1? See the list at the bottom.
What’s the Idaho Potato Drop about?
The celebration starts at 6 p.m. in front of the Capitol as the GlowTato — a large, fabricated, glowing potato — rises, according to the Idaho Potato Drop website. The organization also uses the event to raise awareness for local nonprofit organizations in need.
The festivities this year will include live music and entertainment, with the main show coming from North Mississippi Allstars co-founder Cody Dickinson, with special guest Ben Wilson of Blues Traveler and Idaho’s Jeff Crosby. There are also other bands, as well as game and competitions, including for skiers and snowboarders who compete for cash and prizes in the IPD Urban Rail Jam.
“When the countdown to the new year begins, the Inland Crane will ‘Drop’ it like it’s hot to a Sir Jag Pyro world-class pyrotechnic display,” according to the Idaho Potato Drop website.
Proceeds from the Idaho Potato Drop support charities and organizations such as So Good, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline.
“Idaho will forever be connected to the mighty potato, so you might not be surprised that Boise drops a glowing potato at midnight on New Year’s Eve,” the USA Today story about its Top 10 list read. “It’s part of an annual celebration that also features fireworks, music, art performances, and sporting events.”
Here was the Top 10, voted on by readers:
- 10. Times Square Ball Drop (New York City)
- 9. Pickle Drop (Mount Olive, North Carolina)
- 8. Possum Drop (Tallapoosa, Georgia)
- 7. Beach Ball Drop (Panama City, Florida)
- 6. Peeps Chick Drop (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
- 5. Great Pinecone Drop (Flagstaff, Arizona)
- 4. Pierogi Drop (Whiting, Indiana)
- 3. Shrimp Drop (Amelia Island, Florida)
- 2. Potato Drop (Boise)
- 1. Ball Drop (Ludington, Michigan)