3… 2… 1… Happy New Year!
It’s 2019!
I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe time celebrating the countdown to a new year, new beginnings and lots of new adventures to come.
It was my first time ringing in the new year in Yuma, Arizona. This place has been my home away from home for the past two years as I anchor the local news here so it only seemed like the perfect place to be on New Years.
Last night was a first for Yuma as we began a brand new tradition. The Iceberg Lettuce Drop. We hung an eight feet by eight feet, 200 pound illuminated iceberg lettuce that dropped at 10 p.m. and midnight in our historic downtown. The gigantic lettuce head hung above the crowds like a beacon of hope for the new year.
Those reading this and wondering why iceberg lettuce? Well, it’s because Yuma is a farming town in the desert southwest. A major part of this rather quaint town is that we help feed the world. Yuma is the winter lettuce capitol of the world – a three billion dollar industry. If you’ve eaten any lettuce lately it probably came from a farm in Yuma, Arizona.
The other unique thing about this town is that we have sunshine almost 365 days of the year. We are crowned as the sunniest place on earth. I like to say our sunshine is what brings people in and our warm-hearted community gets people to stay.
Last night taught me that there is nothing quite like being in a small town on New Year’s Eve. The pride and joy is absolutely electric, and nothing shined more bright than the smiles on the children’s faces when they saw the lighted lettuce drop.
There was so much for the whole family to do. From live local performances to a rockin’ DJ, this was the place to be on New Year’s Eve. Live music by the Gwynn Sisters and Jason & Elle.
They also had a zip line where you could race an opponent down an alleyway. It could even drop you right off in front of one of our historic bars, Jimmy Dees.
If you choose to spend next New Year’s Eve in Yuma, one thing you won’t be disappointed in… the food. We like to keep it fresh and local here in Yuma. I started the night off at 251 Twisted Kitchen. It’s called a “twisted” kitchen because they like to take a spin off of traditional food. Click the images below to get a better look! I ordered their artichoke dip (best I have ever had!) and a tri-tip burrito. I also recommend checking out Da Boys, Jimmy Dees, Lutes Casino, The Pint House and Prison Hill Brewing Company on your visit here.
Remember how I said we like to keep it local here in Yuma. Well, most of the proceeds from the night went to the Yuma Community Food Bank and the Humane Society of Yuma.
Also, if you missed your chance last night to get an Iceberg Lettuce Drop shirt they are still selling them in the Visitor’s Center for $20.
*Sponsored post by Visit Yuma.
Caitlin Thropay 