Perry to drop buzzard on New Year's Eve

For the third year in a row, New Year's Eve will go to the buzzards.

The Perry Main Street Advisory Board once again hosts the Perry Buzzard Drop, from 9 p.m.-12:15 a.m. Thursday in downtown Perry.

"It's been a really fun event and showcases our town," board chairwoman Susan Scagg said.

In addition to a giant buzzard's drop at midnight, the event features a $100 buzzard boogie dancing contest at 10:30 p.m., a Big Green Egg giveaway by International City Builders and a "Who Saw Bob" cash giveaway.

The event has grown in its three years.

The first year, around 2,000 people were in attendance, Scagg estimated, and that number grew to nearly 3,000 last year.

Although weather plays a factor in the size of the crowds, with the recent cancellation of the Cherry Ball Drop in Macon, Scagg hopes that some of those people who would have attended that event will come to Perry.

"It is a rain or shine event," she said.

Blackberry Breeze, a cover band that plays music from the 1980s and up to current songs, will perform.

Scagg said the board knew it wanted more dance music for 2015.

"We knew we wanted a high-energy band," she said.

Last year's buzzard boogie winner Lexi O'Neal, along with Val Sanders and Mayor Jimmy Faircloth, will judge the contest to see who can best shake their tail feathers.

Vendors include a beer and wine merchant as well as a souvenir tent.

Some restaurants, including The Coffee Cup, Rusty's and The Swanson, will remain open late that night.

After a night of celebrating, city of Perry residents can take a shuttle home for free.

This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 9:35 PM with the headline "Perry to drop buzzard on New Year's Eve ."