So, you’re not going to have a rockin’ New Year’s Eve at Times Square?  But you want to do something more than put on your jammies and watch the ball drop on television.  Never fear —here are some events here in Washington County on New Year’s Eve.

–Eastport — 11th annual Sardine and Maple Leaf Drop.   A maple leaf is lowered at 11pm to celebrate the start of the new year in neighboring Canada.  a New Year’s Eve Brass Band will play O Canada.  Then at midnight (EST), the sardine is lowered as the band plays the traditional Auld Lang Syne.   Events and specials abound around town all day long.  This year, the event even got a mention in Coastal Living’s 13 Awesome New Year’s Parties on the Coast (And What They Drop!). Sponsored by the Tides Institute.

–Machias — Tacky Sweater Run.  This fun-run is 2.3 miles and runners are encouraged to run in their tackiest, ugliest sweaters.  Prizes are awarded for the tackiest sweater, tackiest hairstyle and tackiest facial hair.  More info can be found at www.healthyacadia.org

Downeast Lobsta Drop – The lobster will hold blueberries in one claw and a blueberry rake in the other and will drop at midnight near Pat’s Pizza.  Other events around town on New Year’s Eve include a magic show and a comedy show, a bonfire and a ‘hat’ parade. This is the first year for this even and we hope it will become a yearly tradition.