Hackettstown gears up for New Year’s Eve Blast; honorees Steve and Sharon Somers to lead M&M’S® Ball Drop countdown
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — The Town of Hackettstown, the Hackettstown Police Department, Mars Wrigley and the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID) are preparing for the third annual New Year’s Eve Blast, highlighted by the signature M&M’S® Ball Drop at midnight. This year’s celebration will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the center of downtown Hackettstown.
Longtime Hackettstown residents and community supporters Steve and Sharon Somers were named this year’s honorees. The couple will press the button that lowers the M&M’S® Ball and officially welcomes 2026, joining Mayor Jerry DiMaio for the countdown.
The Somers, who have lived in Hackettstown for 38 years, have contributed significantly to the community through philanthropy, support of local schools and sports programs, environmental restoration efforts, and major projects at Centenary University. Their long-standing commitment has made them central figures in Hackettstown’s civic life.
“Pressing the button is more than a gesture,” said the Somers. “It’s a reflection of 38 years of love, gratitude, and giving to a town that has given us so much. Hackettstown will forever be a part of us, and we will continue to help it shine, one act of kindness and one bright new year at a time.”
The evening will open with 11-year-old Giana Pichardo performing the national anthem at 8 p.m. Live entertainment will continue with Joe Racz and the Brawlstars performing from 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. The Hackettstown High School Cheerleading Team will perform between 9 and 11 p.m., followed by the Tiger Cheer Association from 9 to 10 p.m.
A Kids Zone on Grand Avenue between Main Street and Washington Street will operate from 8 to 11 p.m., featuring a giant snow globe photo experience, cow train ride, stilt walker, face painter, game trailer, selfie station, New Year’s Eve merchandise for sale by the BID, and more. Attendees will also have opportunities to meet the M&M’S® Characters and the Centenary University Cyclone mascot.
Food vendors will include Marley’s Wings & Things, Marley’s Cravin’ Cuban & Things, Greene’s Beans Café, Humpty Junior’s, and Brewnicorn, which will serve coffee, hot chocolate and snacks. Free giveaways will be provided by WRNJ Radio, Hackettstown Stormwater Management, Mars Wrigley, Atlantic Health and others. Guests are also encouraged to visit Hackettstown’s breweries, distillery, restaurants, and small businesses.
“What an honor it is to have Steve and Sharon Somers ringing in the New Year for Hackettstown this year,” Mayor Jerry DiMaio said. “For everything Steve and Sharon have given to the town and the school district goes beyond words, and it is a true pleasure to join them on stage to press the button and begin the countdown to 2026. Hackettstown is fortunate and deeply grateful to have such wonderful residents for the past 38 years.”
DiMaio added that the New Year’s Eve Blast has become one of the town’s most anticipated celebrations. “This event brings our community together in a way that is joyful, exciting and uniquely Hackettstown,” he said. “We are also incredibly thankful to Mars Wrigley for their continued partnership and support, which makes the M&M’S® Ball Drop possible and helps create a magical night for families across the region.”
New Year’s Eve Blast Committee Chairman Darren Tynan said the event has quickly become one of Hackettstown’s most cherished traditions. “In just three years, this celebration has grown into something truly special for our town,” Tynan said. “Each New Year’s Eve, Hackettstown comes together to share in the joy, unity and excitement that define our community. We’re proud to once again host the M&M’S® Ball Drop and create a night filled with energy, celebration and hometown spirit. We are especially grateful to Mars Wrigley for their continued support, which helps make this incredible tradition possible.”
“There’s truly no better way to welcome the new year in Hackettstown than with this now iconic M&M’S countdown – it’s a one-of-a-kind tradition that brings our community together,” said Michal Riha, Site Director for Mars Hackettstown. “Mars has a deep history in this community, opening our doors more than 65 years ago, and we’re honored to celebrate 2026 with our town in such a memorable and joyful way.”
Laurie Rapisardi, executive director of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District, said the BID is honored to help present the annual celebration. “The Hackettstown Business Improvement District could not be more excited to be co-hosting the third annual Hackettstown NYE Blast event,” Rapisardi said. “We are so appreciative of the support and contributions of our sponsors and partners. We look forward to a magical evening while we welcome new and current visitors to our amazing town. There will be a variety of shops and restaurants open for your shopping and dining pleasure. We look forward to ringing in 2026 with everyone!”
This year’s Diamond Sponsors are Mars Wrigley, Atlantic Health, ImageCare Radiology, Vermella Hackettstown and Saint Clare’s Health. Gold Sponsors include John Johnson Automotive Group, Gebhardt & Kiefer, P.C., Delloons and J&R Tree Service. The Silver Sponsor is Colliers Engineering & Design. Bronze Sponsors include High Street Dispensary, Foot Care Partners, LLC, Nisivoccia LLP and Versac Main Street Cafe.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube from 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Residents can follow “Town of Hackettstown” on Facebook and subscribe to the town’s official YouTube channel to watch remotely.
More information is available at Hackettstown.net.
