New York can keep its ball and its frigid temperatures: When it comes to ringing in the new year right, the pineapple never disappoints.
To usher in 2018, more than 25,000 people went downtown New Year's Eve for games, rides, food and libations at Sarasota's annual Pineapple Drop celebration. Restaurant patrons enjoyed dining outside while watching the crowds walk Main Street, while others clustered around one of the two stages with live music at the event, hosted by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association.
A nearly full moon illuminated the star of the evening, the pineapple, which was lowered to Main Street and Lemon Avenue during the final moments of 2017.
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Thank Beckmann, BJ Beckmann, Amy Hathaway and David Patterson
Stella, Blake and Emma Hartshorn enjoy the carousel.
Emily Chana picks out her prize.
Scott, Cameron and Jackson Kiefer with Kirsten Hawley
Sharrie Vandamme, Carolyn Thomas and Brooke Thomas
Kaili and Nicholas Winn
Sydney Rosen bounces during the celebration.
Maryanne and Tylor Galomb with Taj, Caleb and Rachel Medeiros
Laura Griffith and John Martin
Ruth Becker shows off her festive bike.
Amya Bryant and Valeria Howard slip down the super slide.
Amani Jackson, Amya Bryant, Amira Bryant, Olivia Timmons and Valeria Howard
The pineapple presided over the evening at Main Street and Lemon Avenue.
Evelina Gardner zooms down the super slide.
Sophia, Kris, Dominic, Jacqueline and Gianna Swain
Julie and Nardulli Giuseppe
Sophie Bell almost makes it to the top of the ladder.
Jim Coppola and Rosa Brown attempt to win a prize at one of the game stands.
Barbara Parrish with granddaughter, Emily Chana
Katie Hill picks out her festive wear for the evening.
Christine Hopkins and Sean Reinsma
Faith Martin, Carlos Moreira and Carlos Moreira Jr.
More than 25,000 people attended the annual event on Sunday night.
