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January 2008

While the New Years Eve Dragon Run is a four decade old tradition – the dropping of the Croaker is a more recent addition – this was the 4th year. The Dragon runs bring in thousands…. but it all ends before midnight. Years ago at midnight there was nothing (folks rushed home to watch their TV).

The original plywood croaker, a giant 18 inches

So an idea was hatched for New Years Eve 2004. New York drops a ball at midnight. Raleigh drops an acorn. Oriental would drop a croaker.

We thought a real croaker wouldn’t appreciate the experience, so instead a croaker was cut of plywood modeled after the plywood croakers created by Turtle Midyette for the Croaker Festival in years past.

By New Year’s Eve 2008 the plywood croaker is a bit more grand – it’s bigger, and has lots more lights. There are three dozen AA batteries duct taped to the back to power it.

The new croaker is about 5 feet across (Dave Cox photo)

To celebrate the New Year, artist Laura Turgeon brings you this image of Croaker Drop 2008. It’s an image that reminds one of both the Croaker Drop and the old spotlight with the Batman silhouette:



Happy New Year!

Special New Year’s Eve thanks go to Captain Ed Meninno who volunteered his friend Werner’s boat for Croaker Drop duty. The bristol Hunter has a tall mast that was perfect for the mission. Thanks Ed!

Laura Turgeon and her husband Gil Fontes live in Oriental. When they are not out looking at boats Laura and Gil are often seen with drawing instruments or paint brushes in hand.