The ball drops as attendees touch it during the Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
HARMONY — Silvester, a European counterpart for New Year’s Day, was celebrated for the 16th year in a row Tuesday, harking back to the town’s origins as a German settlement in the 19th century.
The tradition began for Harmony residents in 2008. The event is supported by Historic Harmony and businesses in and around the area.
The evening kicked off with the annual Silvester 5K followed by a 1-mile fun run hosted by Wolf Creek Race Management. Zach Leachman, winner of last year’s 5K, was first to the finish line yet again.
Runners take off at the start line during the Harmony Silvester 5K Run ahead of The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year’s Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Mayor Cathy Rape felt the 5K was a huge success this year, citing an increased number of registrations to 400.
Despite poorer weather early in the afternoon, Rape was beyond grateful the rain let up for the majority of events. She was especially happy to see plenty of children in attendance.
“We want events in Harmony to be a family thing,” Rape said. “We want the kids to be able to run free and feel safe here.”
The other popular activity was the tree throwing competition. Attendees could pay $5 to toss a tree, with separate categories for men, women and teens. Children were also invited to participate in a wreath toss.
Joshua Hassan participates in Christmas tree throwing during the Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Pete Stumm volunteered for the third year, helping to host the tree-throwing competition. Alongside his wife, Kristin, who volunteered at the registration tent, he has come to love what the entire night represents for the community.
“It’s a great time. I love being involved, getting to meet new people and raising some money for a good cause along the way,” Pete said. “It’s an honor.”
The Bottlebrush Gallery, one of the shops along Harmony Square, hosted face painting for children and live music. Harmony Museum also offered shelter from the weather, showing “Dinner for One,” a German short film focusing on the holiday.
Ryan Salazar, of Mars, handed out silver bead necklaces to whomever wanted one. Despite not being affiliated with the event, Salazar said he chooses to do this at community events he attends to help add an extra bit of joy.
“I’m a pretty serious guy in my day job. This gives me a chance to forget who I am for a few hours,” Salazar said with a smile across his face.
Ryan Salazar hands out silver beads ahead of the ball drop during the Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
As time ticked closer to 6 p.m. — midnight in Germany — the crowd began to consolidate around the New Year’s ball. Luek thanked RB Tree Service for updating the lights on the ball before the event and being responsible for the drop.
Brenda Baughman, of Slippery Rock, brought her granddaughter to the event. While it was her first year attending, she expressed an enthusiasm to make a yearly tradition out of it.
“We didn’t know about it, or we would’ve started coming sooner,” Baughman said. “My granddaughter is loving it!”
For some, the event helps to serve as a connection to their ancestry. Dan Smiley, who is German on his mother’s side and a six-time attendee, said the event helps him to understand that heritage better.
Families counted down the final seconds in German before crowds cried “Happy New Year!” Fireworks shone in the distance and children touched the ball, a sign of good luck for the upcoming year.
This story was updated Jan. 2 to update an incorrect attribution. A previous version of this story incorrectly attributed Kathy Luek instead of Cathy Rape.
Attendees watch fireworks after the ball drop during the Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during the Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Ted Zablocki approaches the finish line during the Harmony Silvester 5K Run ahead of The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
B. Drane participates in Christmas tree throwing during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Cliff Laschon participates in Christmas tree throwing during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Cliff Laschon participates in Christmas tree throwing during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
The ball drops as attendees touch it during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Runners take off at the start line during the Harmony Silvester 5K Run ahead of The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Jason Smith approaches the finish line during the Harmony Silvester 5K Run ahead of The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Zach Leachman is cheered on as he becomes the first runner to cross the finish line during the Harmony Silvester 5K Run ahead of The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Nancy Wolff and Chris Boles ring in the New Year with party horns after the ball drop during The Harmony Silvester Celebration in Historic Harmony on New Year's Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
