By Amanda Raymond

amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

The City of Salisbury has been organizing the New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower event for the last three years, with around 150 to 200 people attending for the last two years.

This year, the city has decided to extend the event from an hour to a four-hour night.

And after starting a new tradition last year, Woodleaf is at it again with its Tomato Drop.

New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower starts at 8 p.m. and will continue until midnight at the Bell Tower Park on the corner of West Innes Street and South Jackson Street. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department organizes the event.

Vivian Koontz, parks and recreation event coordinator, said the department extended the time to make the event a full evening of activities.

The celebration will include live music from the band Live House and DJ Doublebass. There will be a live video feed of Times Square provided by Fibrant. Free hot chocolate, coffee and other snacks will be served. There will also be outdoor games like cornhole and garden checkers.

The fire department will attend the event and ring its fire bell at midnight to mark the New Year.

Koontz said they are keeping an eye on the weather for tonight. If there is a good chance of rain, the event will be moved to the F&M Trolley Barn at 125 E. Liberty St. The city will announce any changes on their Facebook and other social media pages.

Novant Health, Venue Services and Downtown Salisbury Inc. are the event’s sponsors.

Tomato Drop

The Woodleaf Tomato Drop will start at 9 p.m. at Unity Presbyterian Church at 885 Woodleaf Barber Rd., Cleveland.

The free event will include live music, variety show entertainment and refreshments. Parking is also free.

The huge 10-foot diameter tomato will descend from 75 feet as the countdown to midnight goes on.

Call 704-287-4248 or email woodleaftomatofestival@yahoo.com for more information.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.