Tallapoosa, Georgia: Possum Drop - New Year's Eve

Every New Year's Eve, at the approach of midnight, totally dead and stuffed possum "Spencer" descends in a sphere festooned with Christmas lights. 9 pm is the competition and coronation of the new Possum King and Queen. The town's former name was "Possum Snout." Clearly, there are issues.

Address:: Atlanta St., Tallapoosa, GA
Directions:: I-20 exit 5. Downtown. Off-season, Spencer is at the Georgia Welcome Center (eastbound I-20).
Hours:: New Year's Eve, 9 am - Midnight. (Call to verify)
Phone:: 770-574-2345
Admission:: Free.

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Spencer, the actual possum.

Possum Drop - New Year's Eve

Spencer, the actual possum that stars in the once-a-yeara Possum Drop, can otherwise be seen at the Georgia Welcome Center (eastbound I-20). Fun, quirky local flair.

[Sharon, 10/01/2025]

Possum Snout sign.

Possum Drop - New Year's Eve

The way to historic "Possum Snout" is well marked on a road sign going into town.

[Jody High, 10/02/2020]

Early settlers named the town Possum Snout before it became Tallapoosa.

Possum Drop - New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve they drop a dead possum covered in lights instead of a ball. My friend's dad went. He said that it was the most fun New Year's Eve he has ever had.

[Robin, 01/17/2011]

Spencer, a dead possum provided by a local taxidermy shop, is suspended by his tail in the center of a wire sphere festooned with Christmas lights. At the stroke of midnight, down it goes. There is a Possum King and Queen crowned as well. The town used to be named "Possum Snout," so this ritual is completely appropriate.