Champagne and a sheriff’s badge are normally a bad combination. However, for hundreds of area residents the two made for a perfect way to usher in the new year.
A fundraiser event and the second annual raising of the Mayberry sheriff’s badge drew hundreds to the streets of downtown.
Crowds gathered at Old North State Winery, where local wine flowed and an oldies and classic rock band played. It was both a celebration of a new year and a fundraiser for the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.
Museum executive director Matt Edwards said normally about 200 people show up at the event, which was in its fifth year. He said this year’s event was no different.
According to Edwards, the museum holds three similar fundraising events — one for New Year’s, one for St. Patrick’s Day and another for Halloween. Edwards said the events give folks something to do on those traditionally fun-filled holidays and also raise vital funds for the museum.
Rick Hunter was a sponsor for the museum’s New Year’s party. He said sponsoring such events is a no-brainer for him.
“The museum is the centerpiece of our town in so many ways,” remarked Hunter. “It’s a very active place.”
Hunter said museum leadership has helped to inspire him and others in the community to play a more active role.
“We are very lucky to have Matt (Edwards),” said Hunter. “I’ve helped a number of years because I believe in the museum, and I believe in Matt.”
Hunter said the museum New Year’s party fills a void for many.
“The town needs this ,” explained Hunter. “It gives people the chance to come out, have fun and enjoy the new year.”
As midnight approached, the crowd at Old North State made its way to the porch. Hundreds packed onto the porch and prepared to ring in the new year in the traditional manner — with a glass of champagne and a kiss from a loved one.
“Five, four, three, two, one,” yelled the crowd. With that, champagne was downed and a Mayberry sheriff’s badge was raised across the street at the museum.
The organizer of the badge-raising effort, Mark Brown, said it was the second year for the occurrence. Brown said he happened upon the idea.
“My wife and I had looked at going to New York City to see the ball drop,” explained Brown. “I thought ‘we can drop something off the museum’.”
Brown said initial plans involved dropping granite or a ball of socks off the museum. In the end, he settled on raising something unique to Mount Airy’s alter ego —a sheriff’s badge.
The badge raising attracted its own crowd and also offered a live band performance as well.
According to Brown, the badge-raising event has been a success both years. He said he hopes it will grow.
“I really hope this grows so there is something for people to do on New Year’s,” said Brown. “The band was new this year, and we are looking for a sponsor for fireworks next year.”
Mount Airy Commissioner Dean Brown and Police Chief Dale Watson welcomed the crowd just a few minutes before midnight. After wishing all a safe and happy new year, the countdown began.
A few seconds later, a bright badge lit up the Mount Airy skyline, and it was 2016.
