A column originally published on New Year’s Eve 2015.
You stand in the brisk night air on the brink of a new year, surrounded by family and friends on a street in downtown Lititz, waiting for the town’s iconic symbol to descend and signal the start of 2016.
The only problem is, there isn’t a symbol, or a community New Year’s Eve celebration. No chocolate drop descends in Lititz to draw the attention of CNN and the nation, the way Hershey’s iconic Kiss does down the road.
For a town with more than enough icons to drop, or raise, into the night sky, and a clear passion for celebrating everything from arts and crafts to independence, there is a startling lack of festivity on the last night of the year.
Has Lititz dropped the ball on New Year’s Eve?
A Moravian tradition
There is one long-standing observance. The Lititz Moravian Congregation hangs a Moravian star before Advent, and it remains in place through its annual Watchnight Service on New Year’s Eve, a service the congregation has held since the 18th century. Everyone in town is welcome. But there is no community celebration.
What should Lititz drop?
Perhaps the powers that be simply can’t decide which local item to drop.
The obvious choice would be a Wilbur Bud. Lititz residents consider Wilbur Buds a food group, and the town is home to the historic chocolate factory where the little drops, which predate Hershey’s Kisses, were made.
Or would a pretzel provide just the twist Lititz needs to make the “must-see” live broadcast list? The town is home to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the first commercial pretzel bakery in America. A chocolate-covered pretzel might be the perfect culinary compromise.
What about a golden microphone, lowered from the General Sutter Inn, in honor of the Clair brothers, Roy and the late Gene, whose legendary sound company helped the world experience live concerts at full volume and whose legacy has drawn Grammy-winning stars to rehearse in Lititz?
A New Year’s Rocking Lititz Eve
Maybe the Clairs could persuade some of their concert-prepping clients at Rock Lititz to belt out a few songs for the locals. The star-studded evening could end with a massive Moravian star rising under the night sky. After all, the star has drawn Lititz together since the 1700s.
Imagine standing near Church Square as a larger-than-life Moravian star, built by the stage wizards at Atomic, rises to the east to the countdown of townsfolk, followed by “Auld Lang Syne” ringing out over Clair Global speakers.
Pass the pretzels and the Wilbur Buds, and let’s show the world how to celebrate.
Happy New Year
Happy New Year, Lititz! May you have a wonderful and safe celebration, and a stellar year ahead.
Correction: An earlier version of this column said the Lititz Moravian Congregation raised a star during its Watchnight Service. The star is hung before Advent and remains in place through the service. A Moravian star was reportedly raised at a 2006 New Year’s Eve community event in Lititz.
Ringing in the new year safely
- Dress warmly. Midnight temperatures in Lancaster County are often well below freezing.
- Plan a ride home or choose a designated driver.
- Arrive early for a good view, since crowds build before midnight.
- Keep children close in crowded areas.
Small-town celebrations
Communities across Pennsylvania mark New Year’s Eve with their own quirky drops, from pickles to pretzels. Local celebrations offer a family-friendly alternative to big-city crowds.
Whatever the plan, many residents say the best part of the night is sharing it with neighbors and friends.