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It started four decades ago, and Oriental still ushers out the old years and welcomes the new ones by running a dragon along the Hodges Street waterfront. The dragon runs twice – at 8pm and again at 11:30pm.

While you view the photos – listen to the noise of New Year’s Eve in Oriental:

The Dragon wends its way down Hodges Street, led by Tim Rogers (in silks). Mike Vardy provides rhythmic cymbalism

The dragon is a visually stunning creature, lovingly primped by a loyal crew. This year, he was even given a new body (no more bamboo poles for the folks underneath to hold up)

The going was slow through the crowd as most people reached in to touch the dragon for good luck.

Also contributing to the specialness of the scene is the noise. Traditionally, Oriental residents and visitors have grabbed a kitchen pot and spoon and made all the racket they could. (A good spaghetti pot can keep your ears ringing for a while.) Add a few boat horns, bells and whistles and a true cacaphony kicks in.

The rare noisemaker that wasn’t a kitchen implement.

The dragon’s other end.

Oriental is a recycling community. Previous years signs get reused.

Oriental’s drummers’ group laid down the rhythm.

Jeff Aydelette shows New Year’s spirit at the Wits End, which was open to the public between the 8pm and 11:30pm dragon runs.

And you thought your breath tasted bad Tuesday morning?

Signs of the times gone by.

Posted Wednesday January 2, 2008 by Melinda Penkava