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Ron Soto preps Sarasota's beloved pineapple for the New Year's Eve Block party and pineapple drop.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoTeresa Bibas and Susan Varga Patmagrian
Photo by Dariela DelgadoChristopher Marville, Kelly Jo Hoskins, Chelsea Guy, Michael Fox are part of the Dreamland Amusements.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoGunner, Shara, Rudy and Randy Muth enjoy the Dreamland Amusement games.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoGrace and John Martin rides the motorcycle carousel.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoLucas Buta plays a jazzy tune on his plastic trumpet to bring in the new year.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoBarbara Young, Alexis Vasilos, Bob Gifford, Lucas and Brian Buta.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoJackson O'Neil displays and sells new year nick knacks.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoMirra Bodi showcases her backflips.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoSonalis, Chef Mojo and Kahlil Muhammad.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoNancy and Ralph Dennington make a toast for the new year.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoBrian and Norri Zeman make a toast under the pineapple.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoLora Rust in her Smokin Momma Lora BBQ food truck.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoRebecca Zion and Christine Shields
Photo by Dariela DelgadoHaiven and Harper Moulds wear their pikachu hats for the new year.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoThousands of people gather under the pineapple for the first hour of the new year.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoRon Soto admires the pineapple as it brings thousands of people for the new year countdown.
Photo by Dariela DelgadoA little drizzle of rain didn't stop Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association from hosting its traditional New Year's Eve block party and Pineapple Drop on Main Street and Lemon Avenue on Dec. 31.
Event organizer Ron Soto starts working on the next pineapple drop in February. The stages, rides, generators and even the ice used for drinks has to be ordered well in advance. "It takes at least two days to set up the carnival up. This is a big production," Soto said.
Thousands of people gathered as the night progressed closer to 2023. Carnival rides, games, food and festive knick knacks gave families an array of fun activities to choose from as they waited for the first hour of the new year.
"Even though it's a lot of work and stress, at midnight when you see the thousands of people all out there enjoying themselves and having a good time, it's worth it," Soto said.
