Pensacola prepares for Pelican Drop

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Saturday night, Pensacola’s New Year’s tradition will continue with the dropping of the pelican.

Streets began to close and work started at noon Friday along Palafox Street downtown.  Workers began setting up one of three live music stages to entertain the crowds.

“Everyone of the stages has its own audience that’s just particular to that stage, and it’s just a wonderful time,” said Maritza Astorquiza, with Coda Sound.

Organizers have six different music acts planned for the night and are confident there will be something for everyone’s taste.

“I have it all the way from rock and roll to country to R&B,” said the Downtown Improvement Board’s Terri Kuvach. “Our bands are awesome. You have to come, if anything to check the bands out and at 10:30 Andy Grammer comes on the main stage.”

Some folks were already out Friday afternoon enjoying the day and are really looking forward to Saturday night.

“Everybody’s walking up and down popping the bubbly,” Jessica Evans said.  “It’s a lot of fun.”

“I expect a big crowd and a good time,” said Clay Treis

The event has grown bigger every year. And with good weather expected for the weekend, officials are expecting over 50,000 party-goers.  

Kuvach said there are a few things to keep in mind.

“Leave your pets and your coolers,” she said.  “We have plenty of bars and restaurants that are serving drinks and beverages and food and sandwiches and all kinds of wonderful stuff. So come on and support our downtown businesses.  We also ask that you leave your fireworks at home.”

For the restaurants that are staying open late, the cash registers will be ringing in the New Year, which will help them start 2012 on a good note.  

Jordan Valley Café on Palafox will be selling gyros late into the night.

“I’m so excited,” said Lindsay Montroy. “We always stay open late; till about three in the morning. We always get tons of business. It’s always a lot of fun; happy to be here. (I'm) so excited to be a part of the pelican drop.”

Pensacola’s shiny pelican with its 1,000 lights will be raised to its perch on Palafox and Government Streets at 8 p.m. As soon as it drops over the crowd at midnight, everyone will be treated to a fireworks show.

Officials want to remind those coming that even though Palafox Street will be closed, there is still plenty of parking along side streets. 

For a full schedule of events, visit the Pensacola Pelican’s official website.