This final note, a wrap-up of some of the items Americans will “drop” at midnight, to celebrate the New Year.

• Eastport, Maine will drop a giant fake sardine.
• Boise, Idaho, a $10,000 foam potato.
• Brasstown, N.C., will lower a live and controversial possum.
• Bethlehem, Penn., a 75-pound light-up candy peep.