New York City’s glittery ball drop is probably the most famous New Year’s Eve event in the country. But you don’t actually have to leave Arizona to see a dropping object to ring in 2015.
In Flagstaff, it will be a giant pine cone dropped off a hotel, twice, with an earlier drop for families. In Prescott, expect a cowboy boot. And in Show Low, it will be a playing card — a deuce of clubs. That pays homage to how the little town supposedly got its name. Legend has it, a settler won a ranch through a card game by showing the lowest card.
Around the country, these New York City-inspired New Year’s Eve events are nothing new. For the past 20 years, the city of Brasstown, N.C., has used a live possum. But this year, after recent protests, the organizer said he’ll use a road-kill possum — or maybe a pot of possum stew.