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Sarasota families celebrate New Year's Eve downtown

Residents and visitors soak up the remaining hours of 2016 before the Pineapple Drop in Downtown Sarasota.


  • By Amanda Morales
  • | 4:30 p.m. December 31, 2016
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Downtown Sarasota buzzed with excitement to welcome the new year with the annual Pineapple Drop. 

While most Americans wait for the ball to drop in the Times Square, Sarasota residents prefer a tropical twist on the tradition and countdown to the Pineapple Drop at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenue. 

Families filled Main Street to enjoy carnival rides and the chance to win prizes with games on New Year's Eve. The event started during the day with games and picked up in the evening with live music.

Caleb Overholt looks down to see how far he'  s climbed.
Caleb Overholt looks down to see how far he' s climbed.
Dana Till takes a spin on a dinosaur ride.
Dana Till takes a spin on a dinosaur ride.
Hazel Maggin catches some air on a bungee jump.
Hazel Maggin catches some air on a bungee jump.
Heather Taylor gives her son Malachi a pep talk before he takes on the challenge climb for a chance to win $100.
Heather Taylor gives her son Malachi a pep talk before he takes on the challenge climb for a chance to win $100.
John, Steve, Stevie and Mary Boyle
John, Steve, Stevie and Mary Boyle
John Boyle clears the obstacle course.
John Boyle clears the obstacle course.
Laura, Michael and Gracelyn Colon
Laura, Michael and Gracelyn Colon
Malachi Taylor takes on the challenge climb.
Malachi Taylor takes on the challenge climb.
Mitchell and Merrick Parker are ready to celebrate the new year on Main Street.
Mitchell and Merrick Parker are ready to celebrate the new year on Main Street.
Nathan Frantz takes a twirl on a tea cup ride with his son Elliott.
Nathan Frantz takes a twirl on a tea cup ride with his son Elliott.
Families enjoyed the final day of 2016 in Downtown Sarasota.
Families enjoyed the final day of 2016 in Downtown Sarasota.
Sarasota residents usher in the new year with the Pineapple Drop downtown.
Sarasota residents usher in the new year with the Pineapple Drop downtown.
The main attraction for the Pineapple Drop was lifted into the air at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenue for New Year's 2017.
The main attraction for the Pineapple Drop was lifted into the air at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenue for New Year's 2017.
Photo by Amanda Morales
Sarah, Avery and Jake Portugal check out the rides on First Street.
Sarah, Avery and Jake Portugal check out the rides on First Street.
Shane DeVooght of Superiorland Concessions looks forward to having a front row seat to the Pineapple Drop.
Shane DeVooght of Superiorland Concessions looks forward to having a front row seat to the Pineapple Drop.
The Tornado ride spins on Pineapple Avenue.
The Tornado ride spins on Pineapple Avenue.
Yal Wang takes in the coaster during the carnival for the Pineapple Drop.
Yal Wang takes in the coaster during the carnival for the Pineapple Drop.

 

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