Ripley’s Believe It or Not makes the New Year’s Eve tradition a little hairy
As one year ends and another begins, the annual countdown is often marked with New Year’s Eve tradition dramatic fashion. This year, Ripley’s Believe It or Not is upping the ante on the ball drop event. While New York City might have its sparkly ball and Orlando has its orange, it is time to get a little hairy when saying goodbye to 2021.
Embracing the weird and celebrating the unique has always been the mantra of Ripley’s Believe It or Not. A visit to their various locations is a journey through the different. In some ways, that appreciation leads to be people embrace their own special characteristics.
During this year’s IAAPA Expo 2021 in Orlando, Ripley’s Believe It or Not showcased the Largest Ball of Human Hair. Started in 2019 by Ohio stylist Steve Warden, Hoss the Human Hairball has earned the hair-raising designation. At the trade show, many guests were encouraged to add their contribution to the Guinness World Record hairball through Ripley’s Shave the Beard and Make it Weird challenge, which was a fundraiser for Give Kids The World Village. The hairball now rolls in at over 225 pounds.
How is Ripley’s Believe It or Not joining the ball drop New Year’s Eve tradition?
The ball drop is a New Year’s Eve tradition, but Ripley’s Believe It or Not wouldn’t just drop any ball. On New Year’s Eve, Hoss the Human Hairball will say goodbye to 2021. Everyone can watch the fun on Facebook Live.
The hairball drop joins other unusual ball drops around the country. Beyond the Peeps drop, gigantic Hershey’s Kiss or that big piece of Sargento cheese, it seems that many cities add their uniqueness to the annual year end tradition.
Some cities look to animals for their drop inspiration. Tallapoosa, Georgia drops Spencer, a holiday light decorated taxidermy possum. In Eastover, North Carolina, Jasper a 30 pound ceramic flea descends from the sky.
Food is the more common item dropped as part of a New Year’s Eve tradition. From potatoes to chilis to cherries, many popular foods mark the end of one year and the start of the other. Given the past couple of years, maybe someone can devise a good luck food drop to change the trajectory of the 2020s.
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What other Ripley’s Believe It or Not uniqueness could be added to the New Year’s Eve tradition of the ball drop? Do you know a creative ball drop tradition that welcomes the new year?