POTTSVILLE, Pa. — While driving through downtown Pottsville, Garfield Square is decorated with more than just Christmas lights for their New Year's Eve party.
The star of their 20-year tradition is a larger-than-life Yuengling Lager bottle—a sight Mayor David Clews says is hard to miss.
“You look up, and you see the lager bottle, and you think, 'Boy, you know what, we're the only place in the country that truly drops the Yuengling bottle—well, actually, raises the Yuengling bottle,” he said.
The city of Pottsville collaborates with Yuengling Brewery to toast the New Year in a big way.
Debbie Yuengling says every year, crowds fill the streets to watch the lager bottle rise to the top of the flagpole by midnight.
“In 2003, we started this to celebrate the bicentennial for Pottsville, and I think because it's a unique tradition of raising a bottle, cheering to say goodbye to the old year, ringing in the new year, I think it's a fun tradition for everybody,” she said.
That includes the downtown bars and restaurants, hosting the before and after New Year's Eve festivities.
“Most of the nightlife is only two or three blocks away, so they can be there early, enjoy some dinner, drinks, family, and friends,” Mayor Clews said.
The mayor adds that there's more to celebrate than just ringing in 2024.
“You think of the magnitude of it now and think how successful Yuengling Brewery has become and how it's now a national brand. And yet, right in our little town square, we watch that bottle on New Year's,” he said.
If you're planning to see the Yuengling Lager bottle in person, the city of Pottsville plans to shut down West Market Street at 11:30 p.m. on December 31 to keep the crowds safe.