ELLERBE — Step aside, New York City — there’s a new drop in town as the Berry Patch gears up for its inaugural Ellerbe Berry Drop this New Year’s Eve.
Lee Berry, co-owner of the Berry Patch, said the idea came from his wife, Amy Berry, who also co-owns the famous site.
“There’s nothing to do for New Year’s. Me and Amy sat around. It was her idea, ‘you ought to drop a berry.’ It went from a little berry to ‘okay, I’m going to spend $12,000 and just make it big.’ I found out I’m 2 feet shorter than the berry in Iowa. I may add an extension on the one that I got and finish out the bottom— then I’ll be two feet bigger,” Berry said.
“I’m all about drawing recognition to Ellerbe. I think it would be something good to do. Bring people here, give something to do that night,” said Berry.
The event is already shaping up to become a yearly celebration.
“If we do it again next year, I’m going to build another one a little bigger. I will make sure that I have the biggest one next year.”
New Year’s Eve festivities at the Berry Patch will feature live bands and food trucks, leading up to the much-anticipated berry drop.
“Starting at 8 p.m., we’ll have live bands at the Berry and food trucks until midnight. About a quarter till, we’ll shut everything down and we’ll light up the berry and start descending it. We haven’t decided if it will be a 15 minute drop or a 30 minute drop, but probably 15. As soon as it hits the ground, we’ve got the Ellerbe Fire Department to shoot off the fireworks. You’ll be able to see the fireworks from anywhere within two miles of the Berry. You can go Green Lake Road— anywhere you’ll be able to see those fireworks,” explained Berry.
The celebration continues on New Year’s Day, when the Ag Center will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for kids to play, with several food trucks available.
Berry hopes the festivities will draw attention beyond Richmond County.
“I really hope it gets televised by a big television company. That’s what I’m shooting for— just to put us on the map,” said Berry.
He added that the Berry Patch’s broad online following may help bring more visitors and more revenue into the area.
“A lot of our Facebook people are from out of county, out of state and they’re talking about coming down for us,” Berry said. “Maybe that’ll bring some revenue to the hotels and restaurants.”