New Year's Eve in New York involves a massive crystal ball and millions of people packed into Times Square like sardines. It's iconic. It’s also kinda predictable. If you drive about an hour west of Atlanta, right near the Alabama border, you’ll find a small town called Tallapoosa that does things differently. They drop a possum. Specifically, a taxidermied possum named Spencer.
The possum drop Tallapoosa GA is one of those Southern traditions that sounds like a fever dream until you’re actually standing there in the cold, smelling funnel cakes and hearing a local band cover classic rock. It’s authentic. It’s quirky. And honestly, it’s a lot more meaningful to the locals than a shiny ball sliding down a pole.
The Birth of Spencer the Possum
Tallapoosa wasn't always "Possum Tropolis." Back in the day, the town was a mining hub. It had a rough-and-tumble reputation. But as the mines dried up, the town needed a new identity. Around the late 1990s, a local taxidermist named Bud Jones had an idea that would change the town's trajectory forever. He found a roadkill possum—this is a key detail, because no animals are harmed for the event—and decided to preserve it.
He named him Spencer. Why Spencer? It was a nod to Ralph L. Spencer, a businessman who tried to turn the area into a wine-making empire in the late 1800s.
Bud didn't just stuff the marsupial; he put him in a plexiglass cage covered in Christmas lights. The first drop was small. A few folks gathered around. But word spread. Humans have a natural magnetism toward the bizarre, and a glowing, stuffed possum descending from a holiday light-covered pole is the definition of bizarre.
Why a Possum?
You might wonder why they didn't pick something more "majestic." A hawk? A deer? Nah. The possum is the ultimate survivor. It’s a creature that thrives on the fringes, much like many small rural towns trying to stay relevant in an era of massive urbanization.
There’s a grit to it.
Tallapoosa embraced the "Possum Tropolis" nickname with zero irony. They lean into it. The event is a celebration of local culture, a refusal to be just another exit on I-20 that you blink and miss.
What Actually Happens at the Possum Drop Tallapoosa GA?
If you show up at 10 PM, you’re already late for the good parking. The festivities usually kick off early in the evening. It’s a dry event—meaning no alcohol is sold on the streets—which gives it a very specific, family-friendly vibe. You’ll see toddlers in thick camo jackets and elderly couples who haven't missed a drop in twenty years.
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The schedule isn't some corporate-timed production. It’s loose. There’s live music, usually a mix of country, gospel, and the kind of rock and roll that makes you want to tap your toes even if you don't know the lyrics. Food vendors line the streets selling the hits: fried Oreos, hot dogs, and heavy bowls of chili to keep the winter chill at bay.
Then there is the "Possum King and Queen."
Local kids and teens compete for the titles. It’s not a high-fashion pageant. It’s about community spirit. Seeing a teenager wear a crown while standing next to a taxidermied marsupial is a level of Americana you just can't manufacture in a boardroom.
The Midnight Moment
As the clock ticks toward twelve, the crowd gathers around the "Possum Pole." Spencer sits at the top, glowing in his cage. The countdown starts. 10, 9, 8...
When the ball drops in NYC, people scream. When Spencer drops in Tallapoosa, there’s a sense of shared belonging. He lowers slowly. He doesn't fall; it’s a controlled descent. When he hits the bottom, fireworks explode over the historic buildings of downtown.
It’s loud. It’s bright. It’s over in a few minutes, followed by a chorus of "Happy New Years" and the collective migration of several thousand people back to their pickup trucks.
Addressing the Controversy: Is it Cruel?
Every few years, animal rights groups catch wind of the possum drop Tallapoosa GA and start a petition. They compare it to the "Opossum Drop" in Brasstown, North Carolina, which used to use a live animal.
Here is the thing: Tallapoosa is different.
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They use a taxidermied animal. Spencer passed away from natural causes (well, a car tire, likely) decades ago. There is no living creature being stressed out by loud noises or bright lights. The town is very clear about this. They respect the wildlife; they just happened to turn one specific member of that wildlife into a permanent local celebrity.
The distinction matters. In Brasstown, legal battles eventually led to the end of their live-animal tradition. Tallapoosa, meanwhile, sails through because you can't really traumatize a stuffed animal.
The Economic Impact of a Stuffed Marsupial
You might laugh, but Spencer is a massive economic engine for Haralson County. Small towns across the South are struggling. Main Streets are boarding up. But on December 31st, Tallapoosa's population swells from about 3,000 to nearly 10,000.
Local diners stay open late. Gas stations sell out of snacks. The "Possum Tropolis" merchandise—t-shirts, hats, ornaments—flies off the shelves.
This isn't just about a weird hobby. It’s about survival. By leaning into their "weirdness," Tallapoosa created a brand that brings in tourist dollars that keep the lights on for the rest of the year. It’s a lesson in niche marketing: if you can't be the biggest, be the most memorable.
Logistics: If You’re Planning to Go
Thinking about making the trip? Don't just wing it.
- Dress in layers. Georgia winters are bipolar. It might be 50 degrees at 6 PM and 28 degrees by midnight.
- Bring cash. While some vendors take cards, the signal in a crowded small town can be spotty. Cash is king for that midnight funnel cake.
- Arrive early. The main streets are blocked off. If you don't want to walk half a mile, get there before the sun goes down.
- Check the humidity. If it’s raining, the event usually goes on, but the "glow" of Spencer's cage is a bit muted through the mist.
The event is held at the intersection of Head Avenue and Alabama Street. It’s the heart of the town. You can't miss it. Just look for the giant pole with the glowing box at the top.
Why This Tradition Still Matters in 2026
We live in a world that is increasingly sterilized. Every shopping mall looks the same. Every "downtown revitalization" project seems to involve the same gray paint and Edison bulbs.
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Tallapoosa feels real.
The possum drop Tallapoosa GA represents a refusal to be homogenized. It’s a middle finger to "normalcy." When you stand in that crowd, you aren't a "consumer" or a "user." You’re just a person watching a stuffed possum celebrate the passage of time with a bunch of other people who think it’s just as funny and charming as you do.
There is a vulnerability in it. It takes guts for a town to say, "Yeah, we’re the possum people. What of it?" That authenticity is why it’s appearing on travel bucket lists and why people drive from three states away to see it.
Other "Drops" in the South
If you enjoy the absurdity of the possum drop, you should know Georgia is a hotbed for this stuff.
- In Bethlehem, GA, they drop a star (predictable).
- In Perry, GA, they drop a large peach (classic).
- In Gainesville, GA, they drop a chicken (it’s the poultry capital, after all).
But none of them have the character of Spencer.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you want to experience the possum drop Tallapoosa GA the right way, follow this plan:
- Book a stay in nearby Villa Rica or Bremen. Tallapoosa is small and lodging fills up fast. Staying 15 minutes away gives you more options and a quieter place to crash after the noise.
- Visit the Bud Jones Taxidermy Museum. If it’s open during your trip, go see where Spencer came from. Bud is a local legend, and the museum is a treasure trove of Southern folk art and natural history.
- Grab dinner at a local spot. Support the local economy before the street vendors take over. Look for places like the Dub Den; they’ve been part of the fabric of the town for years.
- Buy the shirt. Seriously. It’s a conversation starter for the rest of your life.
The Possum Drop isn't just an event; it's a testament to the fact that you don't need a million-dollar budget to create something that people love. You just need a sense of humor, a little bit of community spirit, and a taxidermied marsupial named Spencer.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the official Tallapoosa Possum Drop Facebook page or city website in early December for the finalized band lineup and any weather-related updates. If you are traveling with a large group, consider carpooling, as the residential streets around the drop zone become very congested by 9:00 PM. Lastly, make sure to bring a portable heater or blankets; standing on asphalt for four hours in late December is no joke for your feet and joints.