Celebrated mushroom industry booster and shop owner Kathi Lafferty joined Bob’s Crane owner and operator Rich Nichols to bring their audience in Kennett Square another successful Mushroom Drop on New Year’s Eve.

Seasonable weather with no precipitation added to the pleasantries of the evening as well. Organizers estimated the next day that the spectators numbered more than 1,000.

The master of ceremonies was former mayor Leon Spencer.

Uptown Kennett Square was a joyful gathering destination for audience members who not only counted down the final seconds of 2023, but also enjoyed food, music and a raffle that emptied 500 numbered, stress-squeeze items onto an awaiting wine glass below at 10 p.m. The prize was $2,500 for the purchaser of the first one that arrived in the base of the glass.

Prior to the raffle drop, Nichols explained to the crowd how Lafferty had explained her idea to him, and together they went through several test runs ahead of time to see if it would work.

Midnight in the Square, as the event is called formally, was in its 11th year. It annually attracts guests of all ages to the middle of town at the intersection of State and Union streets.

It has grown into a top destination for New Year’s celebrations in the area.