NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – As the bear lowered and clock struck midnight, thousands packed downtown and erupted in cheers to ring in 2026.
It’s all part of New Bern’s New Year’s Eve Block Party where park and recreation crew prepared Wednesday to host thousands for their annual bear drop.
“We’ve seen anywhere from 5000 to 8000 people, so we’re hoping, of course, to get that if not more,” New Bern Parks and Recreation director Kari Warren said.
As the sun set one last time in 2025 on Wednesday, crowds poured into the intersection of Craven and Pollock streets, turning downtown into one giant party.
People from across the county and even as far as Yemen and Belize made their way to celebrate.
The New Year’s Eve celebration offered over a dozen food trucks, magic shows, beer garden, live music, kid zones, and street performances.
New Bern resident Brandon Whelan says it’s what drew him and his family out to celebrate.
“New Bern puts on a great community event and it’s nice to support them. Get the family out here and hopefully events like this continue to grow with our presence,” Whelan said.
Children got their own moment at 9:00 PM with the bear cub drop, bringing cheers and a head start on the New Year.
“Having the kids involved out here is what drives us to come out. It’s the reason why we started coming out to New Bern in general because of how family-friendly New Bern is,” Havelock resident Cassie Mosley said.
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