LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — As the new year approaches, the Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department plans to bring in the new year with drinks, food, and something one-of-a-kind.
"We are going to have a giant, blueberry truck, hanging from the top of our ladder truck and when it get closer to becoming the new year, we're gonna be doing a ball drop just like New York City does it," said Brianna Mandak a firefighter at Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department.
The six-foot wide blueberry is a fitting way the volunteer department says to ring in the new year and also pay homage to the area's rich history.
"In the 40s and 50s, a lot of the residents in Wilkes-Barre Township used to pick blueberries and sell them to local bakeries," said Mandak. "It's our little way of being back our history."
Briana Mandak says The first-ever blueberry drop looks to offer a safe New Year's Eve celebration for the local community while also generating funds for the fully volunteer department.
"Any profits made from the event is going to go right to the firehouse," said Mandak. "It's going to help us out with turnout gear, any equipment that we're going to need for the trucks."
With 2024 fast approaching, Mandak says the anticipation for a successful drop is only building.
"I think we're in a little bit of suspense to see how well of a crowd we get," said Mandak. "We are just all excited to see how well it's all going to work out."
The event kicks off at 7 PM and will be held at Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department.