The 24th annual New Year’s Eve Bologna Drop won’t be the same as its 23 predecessors, thanks to COVID-19.
But it will be going forward.
Though the drop is not open to the public because of Gov. Tom Wolf’s order limiting the size of outdoor gatherings, the event (at an undisclosed location) will be livestreamed on the City of Lebanon’s Facebook page.
City of Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello will emcee the program, starting at 11:50 p.m. Dec. 31.
“Dropping a Lebanon bologna has become a tradition in Lebanon city and we did not want our tradition to go by the wayside because of COVID,” Capello wrote in an email.
Read More: The history of Lebanon’s Bologna Drop
“So many of our community members have seen traditions changed or canceled because of the pandemic and we wanted the community to know that, although different, Lebanon will hold onto our traditions and celebrate ushering in the new year steadfast in our commitment to our community.”
She said the bologna drop is dedicated “to all of our essential workers — our health care workers, our police, fire and public works employees who keep us all safe in different ways. We will get through this — together.”
Read More: After taking a break this year, Bologna Fest will return in 2022 better than ever
The bologna used in the drop will be processed at the Weaver plant, and Godshall’s Quality Meats will donate it to the Lebanon Rescue Mission, according to the city’s website.
The Lebanon Foundation is hosting the drop, which is being organized by the city. Sponsors of this year’s event, in addition to the foundation and the city, are Godshall’s Quality Meats, maker of Kutztown and Weaver’s bologna; UPMC; Big Bold Ideas; Tom B. Morrisey; E&E Fabrications; and Lebanon Farmers Market.
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