FERNANDINA BEACH, FL – A year after New Year’s Eve celebrations in Fernandina Beach were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, folks could not wait to come out and enjoy watching the annual New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop and fireworks display.
At around 7 p.m., hundreds of people gathered along Front Street in downtown Fernandina Beach to watch a giant shrimp covered in lights fall from the sky as part on an annual tradition to welcome a new year.
Fernandina Beach resident Heather Bennett attended the shrimp drop and talked about what it was like last year when the shrimp drop and even the fireworks display was cancelled.
“Last year we had to stay in and do fireworks at home,” Bennett said.
Other Fernandina Beach residents were just happy to finally be able to enjoy what they deem a normal New Year’s Eve celebration that didn’t require COVID restrictions.
“This is the first year in at least two years that I’ve been able to do something,” said Bailey Bergeron.
“It’s safer. Everyone is outside breathing the fresh air,” said Naomi Ringley.
Despite there being no COVID restrictions in place, News4JAX did see some people wearing mask to protect themselves from a potential COVID infection.
The celebration wrapped up with a fireworks display to ring in the new year and all that 2022 will have to offer.