No Peach Drop in downtown Atlanta on New Year's Eve, city says

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - The City of Atlanta has announced that there will not be a Peach Drop New Year's Eve celebration in downtown Atlanta.

"This year, the City dedicated our resources to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and other local activities directly serving the community. While a worthy tradition in the past, the Peach Drop has not been an annual event since 2017. Each year is different, and we can always reevaluate next year," according to a city spokesperson.

The Peach Drop debuted in 1989. It was canceled in 2019 because the city reportedly couldn't secure Underground Atlanta as a location. Instead, it was put on display at the Fulton County Government Center that year. Then, it was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.

It returned last year and was attended by about 65,000 people, according to Underground Atlanta's owner, Shaneel Lalani. 

"We had hoped the city would have been part of our celebration event," he said Friday night. 

Workers construct the for the big Peach Drop celebration at Underground Atlanta on Dec. 30, 2022. (Billy Health / FOX 5)

Lalani says Underground Atlanta will host its own festivities this year, including entertainment, nightlife, a block party and a fireworks show at midnight. "It's going to be our own party, you know, with our tenants, so we're really looking forward to that."

Last year, Lalani says Underground Atlanta's businesses were closed for safety and security reasons with large crowds. 

However, with no Peach Drop this year, businesses will be allowed to stay open and they're preparing for the big night. 

"I'm really excited we get to open this year," said Khalilah Womack, owner of I Scream Ice Cream Rolls. "It's a popular destination for New Year's Eve, so we hope to make, you know, back what we could've made last year plus some extra."

For more information on Underground Atlanta's New Year's Eve plans, visit their website: undergroundatl.com