NORTH CAROLINA -- While cities across the state are celebrating old traditions, a town in Cherokee County is nixing theirs after backlash from animal activists.
- Andrews decided to abandon its tradition of dropping a live possum in a box at the stroke of midnight
- The tradition started in the 90's
- Backlash came from PETA and other animal activists
The city of Andrews decided to abandon its tradition of dropping a live possum in a box at the stroke of midnight.
Mayor James Reid talked about the tradition to the Wall Street Journal saying, "It's done, they can stick a fork in it."
The tradition started in the 90's, as a southern response to the Times Square Ball Drop.
Backlash came from PETA and other animal activists, who argued it was cruel to put the nocturnal animal in a small box surrounded by bright lights, loud bangs, and large crowds.
