New firework show planned for Island of Lights NYE beach ball drop

KURE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — After rainy weather forced fireworks and the beach ball drop to be cancelled last year, organizers are excited about the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve celebration this year including a new firework show.

More than 2,000 people are expected to watch the beach ball drop on Pleasure Island this year. It is a part of several holiday celebrations put on by the Island of Lights that start in November with the Lighting of the Lake Celebration.

Island of Lights President Frances Massey said the beach ball drop is the newest tradition on the calendar. She said the beach ball drop has become a huge event that started in a very unique way about 20 years ago.

“Our beach ball at that time was made out of PVC pipe and chicken wire with garland in it, no lights and the kids that year thought there was candy in it and when it hit the ground, they tore it up,” Massey said. “Now our beach ball is 6-8 feet in diameter with lights.”

The fun starts at 9:00 Saturday night in Kure Beach. Massey said they will also be shooting the fireworks off from the pier. She said that is a first for the event. The event switches off each year between Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

The countdown starts 10 seconds before midnight. Massey said they will have a DJ and some food items.

Click here to learn more about the Island of Lights Celebrations.