By MEGAN HUSSEY
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Although it is usually associated with bright parties and endless champagnes, the New Year’s holiday can also be considered a time of family celebration. And this year in Hernando County, a cheerful trio of family events aims to start the new year with some good net fun: making lots of memories and starting new traditions in the process.
And speaking of tradition: The Brooksville Tangerine Drop, which debuted in 2001 in recognition of Hernando’s historic tangerine industry, is making a big comeback to the community this year.
Brooksville’s New Year’s Eve tangerine drop falls from 9pm to midnight on December 31 at Bud McKethan Park, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd.
“It’s a free event for families,” says a flyer of the event. “Music, games and then it’s tangerine time!”
In fact, the centerpiece of this event will be the fall of a tangerine to commemorate the New Year, which also marks the first time this fall has occurred in 11 years and the return of a Hernandez tradition.
“Oranges and, more specifically, mandarins were one of the main industries in the area. About half a century ago, almost all prominent citizens also owned fields of orange trees. Bankers, lawyers and doctors owned groves.” , Rocco Maglio told The Hernando Sun. “Wayne Vutech was the leader of a group that wanted to create an event that highlighted the tangerine. They decided they would leave a tangerine on New Year’s Eve.”
Over the years, the symbolic tangerine, which descended from a weather balloon, came to take the form of an eight-foot fiberglass tangerine that dropped a metal tube. The latest incarnation of the mandarin is an eight-foot-diameter orange balloon sponsored by The Hernando Sun. Community partners include the city of Brooksville, Farmer and the Dell, Archer Painting, Crumpton Welding Supply, The Enrichment Centers and the Kiwanis Brooksville Ridge. The event will celebrate the memory of Julia Janette Jinkins, a major Drop contributor and volunteer who died on Thursday, June 6, 2020.
The New Year’s Eve Tangerine Drop will feature musical performances by Bill Creel and Joe Solomon, former Hernando High School teachers, who spread county pride through their shows and open mic nights in Brooksville and Spring Hill.
And somehow, it seems appropriate.
“The tangerine drop … brings a piece of Hernando’s story to the forefront,” Maglio wrote in The Sun.
Elsewhere in Hernando, the Locomo Skate-Dance Party, 10451 County Line Rd., Spring Hill, will host a unique New Year’s Day event, perfect for families wishing to celebrate New Year’s Eve. during the day.
The third annual annual Locomo neon party, held annually, will be held on Tuesday, December 31, from 12 to 3 p.m.
“Ring the new year a little early with your kids as you celebrate 2021 together!” invites a flyer of the event. “This is an ideal event for families where all ages are welcome.”
Guests are encouraged to bring their fun bright neon gala if they opt for this daily New Year’s skating session, which will also include two balloon drops for age groups, games, prizes and drawings.
“What inspired us to organize this event was now that we have children of our own, we know the little ones get tired before the midnight bells!” said Chris Milano, owner and site manager of The Locomo Skate-Dance Party.
Advance tickets for Locomo’s New Year’s Day Day Family Party are on sale now for $ 6.50 and will be available for $ 8 on the day of the event. Admission includes regular skates and party favors. Call (352) 340-5904 or write [email protected] for more information.
“This event allows children and families to make memories together in a fun and safe environment during the day,” Milano said.
Along similar lines and lanes, families who prefer to make pine nuts for their New York City festivities are encouraged to attend the New Year’s Eve party at Spring Hill Lanes, 3447 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, a party that will include bowling and unlimited shoe rental, party favors, a party of video clips with dance songs from several decades and a toast with champagne (with non-alcoholic drinks available for the younger group). A minimum of 4 people per lane is required for this Cosmic Style Bowling session, with dimly lit screens and music video.
“This is a great way for the whole family to spend time together as a family and have fun,” said Carlos Martins, co-owner of Spring Hill Lanes. “Everyone is welcome, from young to old.”
Martins says Spring Hill Lanes ’New Year’s Eve party has been held for at least 20 years.
“Everything from snacks to music is for all ages,” Martins said. “And at midnight, we show the ball falling on the video screens.”
The Spring Hill Lanes New Year’s Eve party will be held from 9:00 p.m. to 12:15 p.m. Children 4 years and under are free and children 5 to 10 years pay $ 12 per ticket. Those over the age of 11 pay $ 18 per person. Call (352) 683-7272 for more information or visit the Spring Hill Lanes reception to purchase tickets.
“We’ve always been a family business,” said Martins, who runs Spring Hill Lanes with Brother George Martins and with the help of other family members. “It’s right that we offer something for everyone.”