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New Year could drop in Chagrin
(by Barbara Christian - January 12, 2011)
WINDOW ON MAIN STREET, BY BARBARA CHRISTIAN
New Year could drop in Chagrin
Are you tired of watching the same old Times Square New Year's Eve falling-ball schtick? Me too. That's why it's time Chagrin Falls had its own party, complete with a midnight object drop from the top of the Shutts family Chagrin Hardware store, the tallest building in town.
And it's right on Riverside Park, which is the perfect place for a party. Now, all we have to do is add a heated tent, cool entertainment, warm refreshments, and voila! A new tradition is born.
But who could host the New Year's Eve party? Who among our local organizations has the fortitude, unflagging enthusiasm, stamina? Who has the physical power and can-do spirit? The Chagrin Valley Jaycees, of course.
OK, then, it's settled. On Dec. 31, 2011, Chagrin Falls will host its first annual New Year's Eve "drop party."
The only question now is, what should Chagrin Falls drop off the hardware store roof as our town's personal welcome to the brand new year. What object describes Chagrin Falls? What is our town's most recognized icon?
Please, not a lighted ball. The Times Square ball is repeated in other New York cities, namely Buffalo and Seneca Falls. So let's not do that.
Here's where Chagrin Falls can separate itself from the pack. Let's take our cue from places like nearby Port Clinton, where folks celebrate the New Year by dropping a 600-pound Fiberglas walleye in recognition of its most famous sport-fishing catch.
At midnight up in Traverse City, Mich., they drop a cherry in celebration of that region's cherry-growing expertise.
The list of New Year Eve object de drops seems endless.
Pennsylvania has a bunch of good ones. In Bethlehem, Pa., home of the company that makes marshmallow Easter peeps, party planners let loose with a giant, bright yellow chick, while Dillsburg town folks drop a giant pickle. In Lebanon, it's a 150-pound Lebanon bologna.
Down in Florida, Panama City celebrates the new year by dropping an 800-pound, multicolored and lighted beach ball.
So what is it we could drop to signal the new year? The falls is our most famous attribute but not easily translated to a drop-able object.
A lighted pumpkin to commemorate the annual Grove Hill roll is a possibility. On second thought, it's probably too controversial.
The Jaycees might consider dropping its giant Triangle Park Christmas tree as a fitting end to the holiday season. Everyone in town with a chain saw could help cut it into pieces for a log-rolling contest on the river. That's just silly and probably not covered by the Jaycees' insurance policy.
Or how about at midnight the Jaycees slowly lower their Jaycee of the Year as the crowd chants, 10 ... 9 ... 8 ... 7 ... It would be a fitting last hurrah for the honoree, who traditionally gives up his title in February.
Hmmm ... dropping a human being off a building even in slow mo is probably not mentioned in the insurance policy either.
What do you want to bet Chagrin native and stuntman Ted Batchelor would do it while on fire? OK, how about this? Chagrin Falls' first annual New Year's Eve drop watch party will star Ted Batchelor on fire riding a giant popcorn ball off the roof of the hardware store. Perfect!
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