WAYNESBORO – New Year’s Eve Boro Blast once again brought families to downtown Waynesboro for a festive night of activities, highlighted by a ceremonial dump truck lowering and a shower of balloons to ring in 2026. The annual celebration ran from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Main Street Park and the former Elks Lodge, drawing crowds to enjoy kid-friendly attractions, hands-on learning and prize giveaways.
Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. organized the Boro Blast at Main Street Park, 25 E. Main St., and the Kids Zone at 66 W. Main St., creating a walkable celebration throughout the borough’s downtown. Families packed the park for the countdown to the 7 p.m. balloon drop that served as an early New Year’s celebration for children.
The evening also included the popular Money Machine, where participants stepped into a wind-filled booth and tried to grab as much swirling cash as possible. Following the balloon drop, organizers announced door prize drawings and Money Machine winners as the crowd looked on.
A dump truck honoring D.L. George & Sons was lowered as part of the festivities to recognize the company’s more than 60 years in business and longtime support of the community. The truck was created by Waynesboro Area Senior High School art teacher Trish Morris and her National Art Honor Society students, who designed and decorated the display.
Spectators gathered in Main Street Park as the truck was slowly lowered, treating the moment as a symbolic “drop” to welcome the new year. The tribute underscored the event’s focus on local businesses and partners.
Activities for children were spread throughout the event area, including a KidsZone with games and entertainment. The Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library set up a STEAM Station, giving youngsters a chance to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on activities.
Organizers promoted the Boro Blast as an affordable, family-centered way to celebrate, with many activities offered at no charge. Food trucks and other vendors lined the streets, giving attendees plenty of options for snacks and hot drinks.
Champion ice carver Danny Kissel was featured in Main Street Park, where he drew a steady crowd as he transformed blocks of ice into detailed sculptures. His live carving served as one of the night’s main attractions, providing a visual centerpiece for the park.
Music and announcements kept energy high as families rotated between the ice carving, KidsZone and other activities. The combination of art, games and performances helped maintain a steady flow of visitors throughout the 2.5-hour event.
The balloon drop at 7 p.m. filled Main Street Park with color as hundreds of balloons rained down on cheering children and adults. After the countdown, Mainstreet Waynesboro representatives turned to prize giveaways, calling names for door prizes donated by local businesses.
Vanessa Williams and Lacey Richelle L. Garrison Sheldahl were named winners in the Money Machine contest. Their prizes capped an evening that organizers said showcased community spirit while offering a safe, early New Year’s Eve option for families in and around Waynesboro.
