Shrimp Drop One of 20 Nominated for Nation's Best

National newspaper USA Today has nominated Fernandina Beach's "Shrimp Drop" as one of the 20 best New Year's Eve drops in the nation.

The newspaper is asking readers to vote for their favorites through Dec. 9. The top 10 winners will be announced on Dec. 13. To vote, go to Best New Year's Eve Drop.

Readers can once vote per day.

Of the annual Fernandina Beach New Year's celebration, the newspaper said, "Just north of Jacksonville, Florida, Amelia Island is a top destination for seafood lovers, and the annual Shrimp Drop is just one of many events that celebrate this legacy. In lieu of a typical ball, this picturesque Florida island invites visitors to marvel at a vibrant shrimp instead, which drops from its lofty perch at midnight while fireworks crackle in the distance."

Among the other notable 'drops' nominated are:

• The Possum Drop, Tallapoosa, Georgia
• The Blue Crap Drop, Easton, Maryland
• Fleur de Lis Drop, New Orleans, Louisiana
• The Great Pinecone Drop, Flagstaff, Arizona
• Idaho Potato Drop, Boise, Idaho
• Music Note Drop, Nashville, Tennessee
• Beach Ball Drop, Panama City, Florida

And, of course, New York City's world-famous Times Square Ball Drop tops the list.

As of Friday morning, The Shrimp Drop ranked fourth in the voting. You can check the standings at Best Drop Leaderboard.