Photo by Cazimiro

Photo by Cazimiro

Nothing is dropped, at least officially, on New Year’s Eve in D.C.

A wooden “LOVE” stamp was once dropped at the Old Post Office, but it got off to a bad start — dropping at 11:58 p.m. in its first year. From the Post:

It got larger over the years and eventually weighed two tons, featured neon lights and was lowered from the 310-foot spire of the Old Post Office.

“We’re going to outdo New York,” boasted Mayor Marion Barry in 1985. “We think we might just take over and become the best single event.”

But like so many New Year’s resolutions, it simply never happened.

At first, tens of thousands of people came to see the midnight novelty, but crowds soon gave way to mere handfuls, and the cost became prohibitive. Today, no one drops much of anything in Washington anymore.

So where can you see something drop near D.C.?

  • Zero miles: From your couch, you can watch the Times Square ball drop from your TV or computer.

  • 40 miles: In a major score in the Baltimore vs. D.C. debate, 34th Street in Hampden will once again host its small, but joyous annual ball drop and running of Baby New Year.

  • 50 miles: Fredericksburg, Va. drops a globe in its Riverfront Park, followed by fireworks. This is not to be confused with Frederick, Md., which hosts a giant key drop.

  • 70 miles: Easton, Md. hosts its annual crab drop, as well as a First Night Parade of Sea Creatures. Travel about the same distance to Hagerstown, Md. for Krumpe’s Do-nuts’ Dougnut Drop at 7 p.m.
    • Filed Under: ball drops, new year's eve,