Buzzards in Perry? Let us Explain.

How is a buzzard connected to Perry, Georgia?! 

This episode reveals how the buzzard became a cherished symbol of Perry's nationally-recognized New Year's Eve Celebration. 

Learn More: https://perry-ga.gov/buzzard-drop

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Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
 
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Welcome to the Inside Perry, Georgia podcast, where you get an inside look at Perry, Georgia's local government. We're glad you chose Perry, where people make the difference. Whether you stay a few hours or a lifetime, your time in Perry will be rewarding and unforgettable. I'm Tabitha Clark, Communications Director for the City of Perry. And in today's episode, we talk about the nationally recognized Perry Buzzard Drop New Year's Eve celebration. So we've always got so many questions. Why is there a Buzzard Drop in Perry, Georgia? Well, let's explain the fascinating history about how the Perry Buzzard Drop came to historic downtown Perry on New Year's Eve. So Perry is in the middle of the buzzard migration route from north to south, and of course from south to north. And while the buzzards are passing through Perry, they love to hang out on Perry's water towers and party. They hang out long enough to make a big mess, which of course causes infrastructure damage. So the administration at the time tried everything to fix this problem. It wasn't until they discovered that the only thing that keeps the buzzards off the water towers is one of their own kind. Shall we say, frozen in time. So, with permission and permits by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, a plastic buzzard with real buzzard wings hangs from each water tower. And since then, there's been no more buzzards hanging out on Perry's water towers. So back in 2013, Perry embraced this unusual situation by creating Bob the Buzzard and the New Year's Eve celebration in historic downtown Perry, the Perry Buzzard Drop. This event is nationally recognized by USA Today, and each year is full of new surprises and activities. Our classic attractions always include Bob the Buzzard, which is our buzzard gentleman, complete with bow tie and top hat. He's always ready for a photo opportunity and dancing through until midnight as we bring in the new year. Free activities and live entertainment are always part of the free Perry Buzzard Drop. Of course, we have food and beverage selections available all throughout the night. And of course, we have the Kiddie Countdown at 8 o'clock p. m. designated for the young and young at heart who can't quite make it to midnight. You're invited to ring in the New Year in historic downtown Perry at the nationally recognized Perry Buzzard Drop. Learn more in the show notes for this year's celebration. Happy New Year from all of us at the City of Perry. You can learn more about Perry's nationally recognized Buzzard Drop New Year's Eve celebration by visiting our website at perry ga. gov. Thanks for listening to Inside Perry, your inside look at Perry, Georgia's local government. Take a look at the show notes for more information about today's episode. If you like Inside Perry, we encourage you to subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you around in our amazing community where Georgia comes together.