Parade Picks

NewYork’s Times Square and its midnight ball drop may get all the glory, but there are other ways to count down to the New Year across the U. S.

PELICAN DROP

A 14- foot- tall pelican dives amid a display of fireworks and confetti in downtown Pensacola, Fla.

MOONPIE DROP

In Mobile, Ala., a 600- pound electric MoonPie drops at the stroke of midnight.

CHERRY DROP

An illuminated cherry hovers over Traverse City, Mich., for the annual CherryT Ball Drop, which celebrates the town’s top crop. Visit

Parade. com/ drop for other unique countdowns taking place around the country.