Residents need not be alarmed when they see a big red object hovering over downtown Franklin on New Year’s Eve. Unlike the recent phenomenon elsewhere in America, this object is identified and familiar. The six-foot-tall, 1,300-light ruby will be lowered at the intersection of Main, Iotla, and Phillips streets at 9 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
The Ruby Drop is in its 11th year and while the event has changed drop times in recent years, saying Sayonara to 2024 will remain mostly the same as a year before.
Tim Crabtree of Crabtree General Store and Motor Company Grill said last year’s decision to have two ruby drops proved to be successful. Families with kids and those going to parties came out to the first one, but many people also showed up for the traditional midnight drop.
The live music last year was a hit, so Crabtree said there would be two bands this year, one for each drop. Music will be by the Franklin-based bands The V8’s and the Blue Mountain Movement.
Along with the ruby drops, there will be carriage rides, the Tiny Camper Photo Booth, plus Red’s Lemonade Stand. The photo booth and carriage rides are free.
“There’s always a possibility of something new, you never know what might happen,” Crabtree said.
As part of the festivities, the Town of Franklin’s Social District will be extended through 12:30 a.m. This means revelers with Social District cups can drink in the designated areas. Various downtown stores and restaurants will stay open later for the festivities.
Operation Think Twice, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office free ride service, will be happening again this New Year’s Eve. Starting at 10 p.m., people can call 828-349-2104 for a safe, free ride home, no questions asked.