New Year's Eve In Maryland: Crab, Doughnut, Duck, Key To Drop

MARYLAND — Amid a surge in COVID-19 infections due to the fast-spreading omicron variant, some celebrations may be going virtual again this New Year's Eve. Others have been canceled.

For example, this year's New Year's Eve fireworks at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore were called off.

On Thursday, the town of Berlin canceled its ball drops and laser shows, citing "rising COVID-19 cases and multiple vendor cancellations."

Even so, traditions are continuing, in some cases with modifications, around Maryland, where a crab, doughnut and duck will drop as the clock ticks down on 2021 and 2022 begins. In Somerset County, a stuffed muskrat will coast down a zipline at the stroke of midnight — wearing a face covering to encourage others to do the same.

Whether ringing in 2022 at home or elsewhere, Patch has you covered.

Here are some events happening around the state and ways to celebrate virtually.

Crab Drop In Easton

A crab will drop in Easton on New Year's Eve during First Night Talbot 2022, and the party will be virtual for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus. The two-hour program starts at 7 p.m.

Key Drop In Frederick

The Civitan Club of Frederick holds a key drop at the Carroll Creek Promenade to ring in the new year. A DJ will be there starting at 11 p.m. The illuminated key will descend from the William O. Lee Memorial Bridge at midnight.

Donut Drop In Hagerstown

A doughnut will drop in the square of downtown Hagerstown , with fireworks to follow. Krumpe's Donut Drop runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Free Krumpe's doughnuts will be given out to the first 5,000 people. The children's zone opens at 5 p.m. and DJ Sidekick will start spinning at 5:30 p.m. Free coffee and hot chocolate will be offered at 6 p.m. At 6:59 p.m., the Krumpe's doughnut will drop.

Duck Drop In Havre de Grace

A foam duck will drop in Havre de Grace at the stroke of midnight, followed by fireworks. The Susquehanna Hose Company drops the duck from its ladder truck near the Concord Point Lighthouse. Duck Drop festivities will start at 10 p.m. with a live DJ at Concord Point Park. The city will live-stream the event.

Midnight Muskrat Dive In Princess Anne

A taxidermied muskrat will be dropped on a zipline at midnight in Somerset County. The annual muskrat dive features Marshall Muskrat, who will be wearing a mask. Live music will start at 10 p.m. and run until midnight. The event takes place outdoors on Somerset Avenue. Face coverings are encouraged, and organizers say masks and hand sanitizer will be available for free, thanks to the Town of Princess Anne and the Somerset County Health Department. The event will be live-streamed by Main Street Princess Anne, which advises people to stay home if sick.

Ball With Confetti To Drop In Salisbury

Salisbury's New Year's Eve Celebration and Ball Drop will ring in the New Year downtown. Billed as a family-friendly event, it features live music and confetti and runs from 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31, until just after midnight. It is at Main Street and North Division St., Salisbury.

In years past, other Eastern Shore towns have sparked their own traditions — Cambridge has had a boat drop — but it does not appear to be on for 2022. Berlin was to drop two balls this year but canceled the events due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Nearby in Virginia, Chincoteague will host the Pony Island Horseshoe Drop at midnight, along with a costume parade.

See Also:

• Where To See New Year's Eve Fireworks In 2021 In Maryland
• Baltimore City Cancels New Year's Eve Fireworks Show
• Havre de Grace Duck Drop To Feature Brighter Lights To Close 2021