Possum on a branch

Clay’s Corner Possum Drop: A New Year’s Tradition Returns

Lots of cities have a New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, but have you ever heard of a Possum Drop? Brasstown, North Carolina, the self proclaimed “Opossum Capital of the World”, is home to a New Year’s Eve celebration like nowhere else in the country. Clay’s Corner gas station, the most iconic spot in Brasstown, hosts the annual Possum Drop, in which one of the town’s beloved critters is housed in a cage and lowered to the ground at the stroke of midnight. Just a short drive from our cabins, this extremely popular New Year’s Eve event near Murphy, NC is a unique and fun way to welcome in 2015. Read on for all of the information that you need to know about the festivities.

(See Related: 7 Reasons to Spend New Year’s Eve in a Murphy NC Cabin)

Possum Drop Location 

Clay’s Corner is located at 11005 Old Highway 64, Brasstown, NC. To access Clay’s Corner from Murphy, simply follow US Route 64 East for several miles until reaching the intersection with Old Highway 64. Turn right on Old Highway 64 and Clay’s Corner is just 1.6 miles down the road on the right side.

What to Expect at Clay’s Corner Possum Drop Closeup of a banjo player

Clay’s Corner 21st Annual Possum Drop is a one of a kind New Year’s celebration that climaxes with a countdown to midnight with the lowering of the opossum! The event features a full evening of entertainment leading up to midnight on December 31st. Highlights include the “Blessing” by the Brasstown Brigade, in which local men shoot off rifles, play the tuba, and commemorate the new year with lighthearted lunacy. Another hilarious tradition is the Miss Possum Contest: a special pageant for Brasstown men dressed up like “beautiful” women .

The tentative schedule for this year’s fun is as follows:

9:30 PM: Pre-show warm up with bluegrass music from the Barker Brothers

9:45 PM: “Eulogy to a Possum”, presented by Larry Witcher, Professor of Useless Knowledge

9:55 PM: Song by Madison Logan

10:00 PM: The “Blessing” by the Brasstown Brigade

10:10 PM: Arrival of the Evening’s Guest of Honor, the Possum!

10:30 PM: Gospel Tribute by the Barker Brothers

10:45 PM: Possum Idol Sing Off

11:15 PM: Miss Possum Contest

11:45 PM: A Tribute to Service Men and Women

red fireworksOf course, the grand finale is a countdown to midnight featuring the opossum drop and an incredible fireworks display! To learn more about the Possum Drop, visit the official Clay’s Corner website: https://www.clayscorner.com/

Where to Stay Near the Possum Drop 

After attending this New Year’s Eve event near Murphy, NC, spend the night with us at Mountain Country Cabins. Whether booking a one bedroom cabin or a cabin with three bedrooms or more, our comfortable accommodations feature all the modern amenities you need for a relaxing visit to the mountains. For more information about staying with us for New Year’s, visit the Mountain Country Cabins Contact page or give us a call today!