Tifton makes plans to ring in 2025 with annual New Year’s ‘Matt the Gnat’ Drop
TIFTON, Ga. – The Gnat Drop is back in Tifton, Georgia, promising to keep the party buzzing straight into 2025.
While some cities celebrate the new year by dropping a ball or a peach, Tifton has its own unique tradition.
The city will host its annual Gnat Drop on December 31st at the American Legion Fairgrounds on Highway 82. Festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. and continue until 1 a.m., offering a one-of-a-kind way to ring in 2025.
“We believe that this is going to be one of the biggest Gnat Drops that we’ve had. Our highlighter, for one, that will take the stage about 10 pm – 10:30 pm, is zone three. They are a young group of males that just do an outstanding job and they sing all types of music. Then we have a Hispanic DJ that is going to blow everybody away,” said Melissa Hughes, Tift County Commissioner.
In addition to live musical entertainment, the gnat drop will feature a variety of unique activities designed to offer fun and excitement for attendees of all ages.
Including the event’s mascot, ‘Matt the Gnat.’
“We don’t have one car show, we have two car shows. One coming from Valdosta; then we have a local group here, cruising into 2025. Something that we have never had is, we have a kids zone. Last year, the kids were enjoying it so much. When the adults were out dancing, the kids would join in. So, this is kid friendly. We’re asking the parents to bring their children out. And, we have vendors. We’re asking everyone to come out to support the vendors. Countdown to midnight. Fireworks will explode and we are excited about that also,” said Hughes.
Tift County Commissioner, Melissa Hughes, shares insight into the origin of the Gnat Drop tradition.
“My fiancée is actually from Macon, and when he would come to Tifton, he would complain about our gnats. You know, the gnats are south of Macon, that’s why it is called the gnat line. And when he would come, he would always complain, “The gnats, y’all need to do something about these gnats.” and one day he said y’all should have a Gnat Festival. And, I thought that was the craziest, silliest thing. So, I got a committee together, these guys here. We sat at a table and said, this just may work,” said Hughes.
Residents are encouraged to attend the New Year’s celebration, an event that fosters community connection, creates lasting memories, and welcomes the new year with joy and unity.
“We just want people to come out and enjoy. The Gnat Drop will take place right here at Tifton, Georgia,” said Hughes.
De’Andra Jacobs reporting.
Copyright 2024 CBS 44 News South Georgia. All rights reserved.
