No Peach Drop to ring in 2020 -- but you can still see the big peach

ATLANTA — For the first time in decades there will be no Peach Drop in downtown Atlanta.

But you can still see the peach and county leaders are working on plans to bring back the tradition.

Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts has a long history with the Peach Drop.

Last month, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the city would ring in 2020 without it this year -- breaking a 30-year tradition.

“I was a little disappointed that it was canceled, having been involved in as long as I have been,” Pitts said.

So, Pitts came up with an alternative. He’s showing off the peach from the ground for a change.

“This is an iconic symbol. We’re inviting the public to come down to see it ,touch it, feel it, take pictures in front of it."

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Pitts told Channel 2’s Christian Jennings with certainty there will be a Peach Drop next year and the event will be bigger and better than ever. They just need a new location.

For decades, thousands have gathered at Underground Atlanta to watch the Peach Drop.

“There are any number of other options for it in the downtown area, including our government center outside, including the Centennial Park, including Atlantic station – two or three have already expressed interest in it,” Pitts said.

Pitts said they’re hoping the private sector -- corporations and nonprofits --- will get involved to help make next year’s New Year’s Eve celebration the best yet.

“That became the first notion, is partnering with the convention bureau and reaching out to them to talk about the Peach Drop as a centerpiece for all the other events that are happening downtown,” said Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson.

The big peach will be on display in the atrium of the Fulton County Government Center through the end of January for anyone who wants to stop by and get a picture or even a selfie.

Atlanta welcomes 2019 with the 30th annual Peach Drop Channel 2's Michael Seiden was in the middle of the excitement.

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