LEWISTOWN - Break out the Hartley's potato chips and the noisemakers because it's that time of year again for Central Pennsylvania's premier New Year's Eve celebration - the Great Chip Drop.
Now entering its third year at 7 p.m. Thursday, Lewistown's Chip Drop has become one of the most popular yearly events in the Juniata Valley, and draws media coverage from near and far.
First started by two former reporters from The Sentinel, Nick Malawskey and Sam Price, the Great Chip Drop continues to grow and has overwhelming community support year after year.
During the first Chip Drop on Dec. 31, 2007, attendance was estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 people. Although the following year's attendance dropped a bit, due to single-digit temperatures made even colder by a biting 25-mile-per-hour wind, people still came in droves. This year, organizers are expecting the largest turn out yet.
"Last year's fireworks almost didn't happen and then at 11:58 (p.m.) it got totally calm, it was the weirdest thing," Price said of the eerie break in the wind that occurred moments before the fireworks were scheduled to go off.
This break from the wind last year is just one example of how the event continues to be blessed with good luck and great support, said Price, who is the executive director for Community Partnerships Resources Conservation and Development.
Jim Tunall, president and executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, said the Chip Drop has really turned into something special.
Tunall said the event is a "phenomenal addition" to the Juniata Valley that filled a void in the community.
"I can't say enough about the dedication from the founders ... they really get it and they are working hard to keep it great ... Sam has brought a huge shot of energy to RC&D," Tunall said.
In addition to his usual hectic schedule, Price continues to coordinate the New Year's Eve celebration and he credits the success of past Chip Drops to a unified effort of community leaders, local government and businesses that support the festivities.
"Even during this economic climate, the business community has been very supportive. I think that says a lot about our community," he said.
Price said Hartley's has been a wonderful company to work with to pull off the yearly event. In addition to supplying the ceremonial 6-by-9 foot bag that is dropped at the stroke of midnight, Hartley's also donates 1,000 bags of chips every year to give away during the event.
"This year, City Hook and Ladder (fire company) will be dropping the 9-foot bag at midnight ... Mayor Deb Bargo will preside over the countdown. She has been a part of the event since the very beginning," Price said.
This year's bag of chips given away by Hartley's also will come with a chip-clip from the Penn State Learning Center in Lewistown, "just in case you don't finish your chips," Price said with a laugh.
"Lewistown Hospital sponsored the fireworks along with Hartley's, and this wouldn't happen without their support," Price said of the often high cost affiliated with a pyrotechnics display.
As in years past, the popular Conestoga wagon rides from Dayze Gone Bye carriage rides will be back to take event attendees on evening tours through downtown Lewistown.
"The carriage rides are definitely a very popular part of the Chip Drop ... we get a lot of phone calls about the carriage rides," Price said.
There also will be plenty of activities for children, with Toodles the Clown offering the Kids Corner at the old Montgomery Ward Building, next to the Mifflin County Historic Courthouse on the square.
In addition, Price said with a sponsorship from Metzler Forest Products, professional clown Peachey Keene will be at the New Year's Eve celebration from 8 p.m. to midnight.
"Peachey Keene will be walking on stilts, performing some magic and general clowning around, it's a pretty big development for the kids," he said of the world-famous clown.
The Chip Drop Grand Procession will be at 8:30 p.m., and kids will get to march in the parade with the giant chip bag, Price said. Music will begin at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the historic courthouse, in addition to G-Man Entertainment outside with other performers and strolling musicians.
There also will be public restrooms and a defrost station for people to get warm during the evening's outdoor activities. In addition, many of the local restaurants that line or are within a block of the square will have extended business hours, and the Salvation Army and the Upper Room will be open to the public, Price added.
The McCoy House Museum will hold special hours during the celebration, with holiday decorations on display provided by the Mifflin County Garden Club.
