CHAMBERSBURG– Chambersburg residents, prepare to bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the new year with a bang! On December 31st, the town will host a vibrant New Year’s Eve celebration brimming with entertainment, community spirit, and exciting surprises.
The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. in downtown Chambersburg with a unique shopping scavenger hunt. Armed with a punchcard, attendees can explore participating businesses, collecting stamps with each purchase. Completed punchcards enter a draw for a delightful downtown basket, packed with local goodies.
As the sun sets, the action shifts to Chambers Fort Park. Energetic tunes by DJ Lex will set the mood for the evening, while informative booths highlighting local community nonprofits offer opportunities to engage and learn. For some friendly competition, try your luck at the giveaway stands throughout the park.
At 7 p.m., prepare for a sugar rush with the exciting Candy Drop. Shafer Equipment Company, Healthy Communities Partnership, Boys & Girls Club of Chambersburg & Shippensburg, and Radio Remotes from VerStandig Media have joined forces to bring the fun to Chambersburg.
The momentum builds as we approach midnight. At 8:45 PM, anticipation takes center stage with a heart-pounding thousand-dollar giveaway. Don’t miss your chance to snag a windfall as we toast to 2024!
Finally, at the stroke of 9 p.m., the iconic Martin’s Famous Potato Roll drop takes center stage. It’s a picture-perfect moment to capture the spirit of the new year alongside loved ones and fellow community members.
The first annual New Year’s Potato Roll Drop, held in 2022, garnered a 2023 Townie Award for Special Events. “We couldn’t have accomplished this without DCI’s teamwork, as well as Martin’s and all of our generous sponsors,” says Sam Thrush, president of Downtown Chambersburg Inc. (DCI).
Thrush is looking forward to hosting the New Year’s Eve celebration again. “For years our town didn’t do anything special for New Year’s Eve,” he says. “Now we have droves of people coming out to celebrate, and we get to do it in a way that’s uniquely ours. It’s exciting to see the support we’ve gotten for it.”
He’s not the only person excited about the event. Julie Martin, social media manager of Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe and granddaughter of its founders, Lloyd and Lois Martin, says, “We greatly enjoyed celebrating with our loved ones at the first Potato Roll Drop. It is a privilege to share this moment with our employees, our families, and our community and experience the joy together.”
While most New Year’s Eve celebrations end shortly after the clock strikes midnight, Chambersburg’s fête concludes at 9 p.m. “Some might think 9 p.m. is too early to end a New Year’s Eve party,” Thrush quips. “But it’s really good for everybody. The 9 p.m. ring-in allows kids and adults alike to get to bed at a decent hour, and that helps everyone enjoy time with their families on New Year’s Day.” He smiles. “It’s just another way Chambersburg is set apart.”
