Shell Factory rings in the New Year
Three years ago, the Shell Factory started a new tradition — ringing in the New Year a tad early so that those who like to be home before the page officially turns at midnight have a celebration option.
COVID caused a pause in 2020 and 2021, but the attraction swung its doors wide open this year as they celebrated the Early Bird Ball Drop at Tommy’s on Saturday, with champagne, party hats and an 8 p.m. ball drop.
General Manager Anne Sheridan said she was happy with the great response and that they were able to do it again.
“The communities around here are older and they don’t want to stay up all night. The response is phenomenal. They want to party, but not until midnight,” Sheridan said. “Why not an early bird ball drop?”
Singer Sase provided the entertainment, and the Southern Grill had a special menu that melded the new year with the college football games going on at the same time.
The response packed the parking lots.
Vicki Johnson was one of those who came for a good time and loved the idea of an early ball drop.
“… Sase is here and I had to see her,” Johnson said. “I’m really close and come here a lot, especially since I’m a Green Bay Packers fan (The Shell Factory hosts a fan club for the team). Besides, look at us, we’re not going to be up at midnight. We’ve been there, done that.”
Barbara Royal is from North Carolina and came down to assist her sister. She said when her sister goes to the Shell Factory, she comes along.
“We might not be up when the ball in New York drops at midnight. I might not see it. So this is a good thing to have,” Royal said.
That wasn’t it for the celebration. On Sunday morning, the Shell Factory hosted a “Hair of the Dog” party, with a Bloody Mary special and a “special handover cure menu.”
“We’re ready for this. People want this and we’re listening carefully and ready to do it again and give them what they want,” Sheridan said. “Starting Monday, Tommy’s will be open seven days a week.”
For more information on the Shell Factory, go to shellfactory.com or call 995-2141.