Update 12.31.18, 12 pm:
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Main Street Martinsburg has announced the New Years Eve Apple Drop has been postponed.
“Due to the Inclement weather that is in our area, MSM Apple Drop has been postponed until Saturday, January 5th in conjunction with Frosty Fun Day 1-3pm,” said Executive Director Randy Lewis. “Free Apple Donuts and Free Apple Cider will be given out at the Square by Orr’s Farm Market.”
More information on the Frosty Family Fun Day can be found here.
Original 12.30.18:
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A free family New Year’s Eve event in Martinsburg’s town square is only in its second year, but is quickly becoming a community tradition.
Main Street Martinsburg and several local sponsors are teaming up for the New Year’s Eve Apple Drop. While the eastern panhandle is known for its abundance of apple orchards, the apple dropping in the town square didn’t come from a tree. Instead, Musselman High School’s art classes helped piece together the illuminated feature.
On Thursday, the apple was transported from the school in the bed of a pickup truck. Next year, a different group will take responsibility for designing and constructing the apple.
“I think that Ryan Seacrest would be proud,” said Jim Klein of sponsor Shepherd University Martinsburg Center. “Last year’s apple…I believe there was about 7,000 lights on this thing.”
Klein believes not only does the event help bring the community together, but also the numerous businesses near the square that can benefit from the increased foot traffic.
“Downtown Martinsburg has grown,” said Klein. “So many new business owners have invested in making downtown safe and wonderful. There’s so many different food options. It’s just a great opportunity to fellowship.”
A twist in this New Year’s Eve celebration is the time of the apple’s descent from atop of the fire ladder. Main Street Martinsburg Executive Director Randy Lewis said the 6 pm countdown time confused some people during the inaugural event, but was planned with the community in mind.
“We wanted to do something for families because New Year’s Eve is about being with family. So we thought let’s have it early in the day so then if people do want to go out and celebrate at midnight, or before that, they can. So you’ll see a lot of families. A lot of people coming down just cheering on our Apple Drop.”
The festivities begin at 4:30 in the town square. Free apples, apple donuts, apple cider and other local refreshments and dining will be available. There will also be live music leading up to the drop.
“It’s a great sense of pride and community spirit seeing everyone on the square,” said Lewis. “Just watching our community event or the big Apple Drop. It’s a good feeling.”
According to their website, Main Street Martinsburg was established in 1992 to help revitalize downtown’s commercial district. It is one of 12 such programs across West Virginia.