New York isn’t the only state that drops a giant object for New Year’s Eve; Arizona, New Mexico AND Texas have their OWN unique celebrations to bring in the new year. While some cities do drop giant balls, each state have their own unique spin for New Year’s Eve.

Here are giant objects that Arizona drops for New Year’s Eve

Anyone who’s been in Tucson for New Year’s Eve is familiar with their Taco Bell drops, where instead of a ball, it’s a giant taco. This is a tradition the city has had since 2014.

Some other unique celebrations in Arizona include:

2 cities in New Mexico have their own New Year’s Eve celebrations

New Mexico loves their chilis & Las Cruces lets everyone know that with THEIR giant chili pepper every year.

Santa Fe on the other hand actually RAISES the Zia solar symbol every year at the Santa Fe Plaza. Yes while this isn’t an object drop, it IS a yearly tradition that I couldn’t leave off.

One Texas city decided to pay tribute to the state as a New Year’s Eve drop

The city of Houston decided to have a giant Star for their New Year Eve’s celebration but it was a RAISE instead of a drop. The city of McAllen has their OWN spin of the NYC glass ball; in this case it’s a giant MIRROR ball that they drop for New Year’s Eve.

I know there are several items that Texas can EASILY drop for New Year’s Eve and here some of MY ideas:

Let’s hope Texas will use one of these ideas for New Year’s Eve. At least once!

RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The City of Vision is making major moves with renewable energy after city leaders cut the ribbon on a solar farm project years in the making.

“That is an incredible $850 million investment in the City of Rio Rancho. That is the portion of Rio Rancho that does go into Bernalillo County,” said Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull. 

Hull is talking about the new Atrisco Solar Facility near Double Eagle Airport. The one-of-a-kind 364-megawatt complex will supply electricity to PNM customers. 

“This was 2,300 acres of property, the largest solar farm and battery solar facility of it’s type in the state of New Mexico, and one of the largest in the United States,” said Hull. 

Hull says this shows Rio Rancho is serious about renewable energy as a power source for homes and businesses. 

“In this particular case it takes a giant step forward because this particular solar farm will be able to generate enough energy to support 110,000 homes. That is double the amount of homes that are in Rio Rancho right now,” Hull said. 

The City of Rio Rancho worked with regional partners and investors to bring this solar farm to life. Six years later, the mayor says it was worth it to see the project through. 

“This speaks to the fact that we are here, we are open for business, and we’re trying to attract industries of all types to make sure we diversify our economy, and make sure there are opportunities for everybody,” said Hull. 

Revenue from the solar facility will go toward Rio Rancho Public Schools.

Duke running back Star Thomas has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. He has at least one year of eligibility remaining.

Thomas began his college career playing at Coffeyville Community College. He then transferred to New Mexico State and played multiple seasons there before playing the 2024 season with Duke.

This post will be updated.