© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Owosso to hold annual New Year's ball drop after uncertainty last year

Owosso's annual New Year's Eve celebration features a ball drop and fireworks.
Courtesy
/
Christopher Owens
Owosso's annual New Year's Eve celebration features a ball drop and fireworks.

Reporting like this only happens with your financial support. Donate to WKAR today!

After an uncertain celebration last year, Owosso is moving ahead with a New Year’s Eve ball drop to ring in 2026.

The ball drop was initially cancelled last year before community members came together to raise enough funds to save the event.

City Council member Chris Owens said fireworks, food trucks and a DJ are already lined up for this year’s celebration.

He said last year’s ball drop served as a reminder of why he hopes to keep the tradition going year after year.

“The amount of headache that went into putting it together within a couple weeks, and then seeing everybody’s faces, seeing the kids that were out there freezing with us but absolutely loving it, that was worth it,” Owens said.

Owens said he is already thinking ahead to next year’s celebration.

He said he hopes to make each year’s event bigger than the last, which includes introducing a new ball next December to ring in 2027.

Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.