The Possum Drop
New Year's Eve Celebration
Tallapoosa, GA



So, you made have heard some Crazy Rumors about our NYE Celebration.

Below is the actual history and a little background information on The Possum Drop in Tallapoosa, Ga.

We Do Not use.....and, we have NEVER used a Live Possum at our NYE Celebration.



Our History



The Possum Drop Tallapoosa, Ga.





Beginning as a gold-mining town, Tallapoosa was known by several names in its early days, including Possum Snout, (named after a local Indian Chief) Pineville and Pine Grove. The Indian name of Tallapoosa was taken from the nearby river known by that name. In 1839, Tallapoosa established a post office and the town was incorporated in 1860.
In late 1886, a businessman Ralph L Spencer arrived in Tallapoosa, Georgia where he spent time in a variety of business ventures. It is Ralph L. Spencer who is credited for creating the late nineteenth century boom in Tallapoosa, Georgia.
Tallapoosa is a small town in a quaint setting, picturesque with historic homes, museums, and parks Although located just off busy I-20, you'll soon feel relaxed with Tallapoosa's slower pace and friendly smiles. Many honorable citizens have come from this community as shown by the Veterans Memorial and Medal of Honor Park. Once named Possum Snout, Tallapoosa celebrates its heritage every year with the Possum Drop to welcome the New Year.
The possum used in the NYE Celebration is a Taxidermied Possum named "Spencer" after Ralph L Spencer. The possum was found deceased in a roadway by local Taxidermist Bud Jones many years before the event began in the mid 1990's.
Recently NPR published a story on Bud and Jackie Jones and how he found the possum in the road. Click the More Button below to read the full story.


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Over the past ten years the possum drop has grown tremendously, with people traveling from around the world to celebrate NYE in Tallapoosa, Georgia.





In 2010 the Tallapoosa Economic Development Committee began to be use the celebration as a tool to promote the city and its businesses. Local businesses were asked to sponsor the event to cover the cost of music, entertainment and other expenses. With the help of its sponsors the Possum Drop grew to attract newcomers to not only to the city of Tallapoosa, but the entire West Georgia area. With Tallapoosa being located near the state line and neighboring cities in Alabama, the celebration also has sponsors from these areas making it now a regional NYE Celebration.




Cain Law Office Building





At Midnight, Spencer our famous possum is lowered from atop the Cain Law Office Building.

Constructed in 1891, the building was home to the Farmers & Merchants Bank, the first bank in Tallapoosa,



In 2017 the Peach Drop in Atlanta, the largest NYE Celebration in the southeast was cancelled when underground atlanta, the location of the peach drop was sold to a private developer.





The Possum Drop organizers saw this misfortune and seized the opportunity to further grow the Possum Drop NYE Celebration.

Local Media also helped spread the news the Possum Drop could be an alternative celebration for those wanting to ring in the New Year on NYE in Georgia.

With the cancelation of the Peach Drop in Atlanta, the Possum Drop in Tallapoosa arguably became the largest New Year's Eve Celebration in Georgia.




On The Air on
WKNG AM 1060
Promoting
The Possum Drop



Coast to Coast and
Around the World



Below are a few News Articles our event has been featured in.

Click on the photos to see te complete article.



16 weird things we drop to ring in the new year





7. Possum Drop — Tallapoosa, Georgia In this town in West Georgia, which was once called “Possum Snout,” Spencer, a stuffed possum in a ball covered in holiday lights is lowered.



Meet Bud & Jackie Jones





In 2018 NPR Story Corps did a wonderful article on Bud & Jackie Jones, including the story of how Bud found our famous possum Spencer.



"Nothing solidifies the New Year like fireworks, a midnight kiss and … a possum at least in west
Georgia.





Here's a great article by West Georgia Living Magazine on The Possum Drop.



The Possum Drop in the news in Peoria Illinois





In looking at ideas to improve their city, one Journalist asked if maybe a Possum could help improve their city.


Luciano: "In a city desperate for ideas, can a possum play in Peoria?​"



One of the Biggest and Best Known Drops in the State of Georgia





From the AJC:

You’re much better off staying in Georgia, this Dec. 31. From north to south, in big cities and teeny towns, they’re putting their own highly creative and representive twist on the traditional ball drop. At midnight, everything from an oversized possum and a shamrock to — yes, really — a big buzzard wearing a formal top hat will come on down to help usher in 2017.



Honey Boo Boo attends The Possum Drop!





In 2013 "The Learning Channel" (TLC) chose Tallapoosa, Georgia and The Possum Drop as the filming location and theme for The New Year's Special for their hit television show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo"

The episode was filmed live on NYE 2013 at The Possum Drop.

(Yes, It WAS quite an evening to remember)



Experience a New Year's event that will leave you speechless at the Tallapoosa Possum Drop.





9 of the best family-friendly New Year's celebrations in Georgia



The Possum Drop is
In the News
Coast to Coast &
Around the World!





Through the years the Possum Drop in Tallapoosa, Georgia has been featured in news by some of the largest news outlets across the country.

On NYE 2019 our Host of The Possum Drop, George Franco did a live interview on the Australian Broadcasting Network (ABC)

which aired live over Australia.



What makes people return year after year to celebrate
New Year's Eve in
Tallapoosa, Georgia?



Music



Top Tier Bands and Professional Staging & Sound.



Entertainment



Entertainment and Activities for All Ages.



Atmosphere



Imagine celebrating
with thousands of
friends and family members
on New Year's Eve in a
Friendly Small Town.





Music ~ Entertainment ~ Atmosphere





Join us
New Year's Eve ~ Saturday December 31, 2022
as we
Ring in 2023



We look forward to celebrating with you and your family & friends

New Year's Eve at The Possum Drop in

Tallapoosa, Georgia.





Tallapoosa, Georgia. USA


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