Tell City Apple Drop Returns to City Hall Park New Year’s Eve

Tell City will host its annual New Year’s Eve Apple Drop at City Hall Park on the Main Street riverfront, drawing families and residents from Tell City, Cannelton, Troy and surrounding townships. The event centers on a large illuminated apple, an homage to the city name and William Tell tradition, which will be lowered at midnight and accompanied by live music, children’s countdown activities, vendors and fireworks along the Ohio River.

Organized by the Tell City Parks and Recreation Department with support from local civic groups, the Apple Drop functions as more than a party. It is a civic event that helps anchor winter tourism and downtown business activity during a traditionally slow retail season. Local small businesses often sponsor booths and donations, and community nonprofits use the gathering to conduct food and toy drives that benefit Perry County families through the winter months.

City officials and event planners will coordinate public safety and logistics with Perry County emergency services and chamber listings for road closures and staffing. Downtown public parking and street parking will serve most visitors, and the park area is typically ADA accessible, though organizers advise verifying temporary ramps and staged routes for each year. Because the celebration is outdoors in winter, municipal channels will post alternate plans or cancellation guidance in the event of severe weather. Residents should check the Tell City municipal website and the Parks and Recreation Facebook page the week of the event for final staging details and any street closure notices.

The Apple Drop is free to attend, making it an accessible civic ritual for seniors, families and younger residents alike. For volunteers the event offers a direct way to engage with local government and nonprofit partners, while for business leaders it presents an opportunity to support downtown vitality during a low season. Reporters and organizers seeking official details should contact the Tell City Parks and Recreation office and consult Perry County visitors and chamber listings for coordination on safety and logistics.