Hackettstown hosting first annual community New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring M&M’S lentil drop at midnight

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – In a highly anticipated announcement, the Town of Hackettstown, its police department, the Hackettstown Business Improvement District, and other local businesses will be hosting Hackettstown’s First Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration.

This includes activities from participating businesses and a sweet surprise from Mars Wrigley—the event will include a countdown with the help of an M&M’S® lentil drop at midnight. This will be an unforgettable experience for the community.

The red M&M’S® lentil will be 40″ in diameter and have approximately 1,000 LED lights. This year the lentil will be lowered from the Hackettstown Fire Department’s ladder truck but plans are in the works for next year to have the lentil lowered from a temporary pole on top of the Man Skirt Brewing building, located at 144 Main Street, officials said at press conference Thursday.

Mars Wrigley has been producing iconic M&M’S in Hackettstown since 1958, making it the perfect community partner to help ring in the new year for the town.

“Millions of M&M’S are produced right here in Hackettstown every day,” said Courtney McHugh, Vice President Marketing, M&M’S, Mars Wrigley. “We’re proud to inspire moments of everyday happiness for the Hackettstown community and are thrilled M&M’S can help ring in 2024.”

“Mark your calendars, because on December 31, 2023, Hackettstown will come together to ring in the new year,” said Hackettstown Police Department Lieutenant Darren Tynan. “This free event is open to all, and we can’t wait to share this memorable night with you. It is sure to be the highlight of the holiday season.”

“It’s very exciting to be able to have our residents and visitors come together to witness the largest M&M ever falling from the sky to ring in the new year,” said Mayor Jerry DiMaio.

“The Hackettstown Business Improvement District could not be more excited to be co-hosting the first ever Hackettstown NYE event,” said Hackettstown Business Improvement District Executive Director Laurie Rapisardi. “We are looking forward to welcoming many visitors to Hackettstown with hopes that they will support our local businesses that evening.  We cannot wait to Celebrate with everyone!”

“I am excited about this New Year celebration because it will bring well deserved attention to Hackettstown, one of the most amazing places in New Jersey!” said Centenary University President Dr. Dale Caldwell.

“All of us at Atlantic Health System’s Hackettstown Medical Center are excited to support and participate in the town’s inaugural New Year’s Eve Celebration,” said Bob Adams, FACHE, president, Hackettstown and Newton Medical Centers. “We look forward to ringing in the new year at this special event that brings together family, friends and neighbors.”

“What a fabulous way to spend New Year’s Eve. Mixing Mars, Centenary, Atlantic Health’s HMC, the BID, and Hackettstown’s men in blue makes for a brilliant cocktail,” said WRNJ’s Norman Worth. “The community is gonna have a blast!”

“I’m thrilled to hear about the exciting new experiences that Mars Incorporated is bringing to Hackettstown. Thanks to their corporate partnership, the hard work of the Hackettstown BID, and the support and dedication of Hackettstown’s leaders over the years, Hackettstown is a great place to come for dinner, visit a brewery or participate in beloved festivals and events,” said Warren County Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla.

“Over the past decade, Hackettstown has become a destination not only for residents of Warren County, but our whole state and region. From their top ranked restaurants to popular breweries, Hackettstown has something for everyone.  This new event promises to be an exciting way to ring in the new year. Warren County is lucky to be home to Mars, Incorporated and appreciate their continued partnership,” Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III said.

This year’s festivities will take place in the heart of Hackettstown at the intersection of Main Street and Grand Avenue from 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and it will be a night to remember.

What to Expect:

• Groove to the beats of DJ SC3 Entertainment
• Free giveaways from Hackettstown Medical Center, Centenary University, and WRNJ Radio
• TSA Cheerleaders from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• M&M’S® lentil drop at midnight
• Activities from participating businesses

Man Skirt Brewing, O’Brien Architects Inc, Hackettstown Fire Department, Hackettstown Construction Department, Hollie Studios, LLC., Hackettstown Department of Public Works, Centenary University, Atlantic Health System’s Hackettstown Medical Center, WRNJ Radio, and STS Contractors Home Improvements are co-sponsoring the event.

For more information, visit www.hackettstownpd.net or www.hackettstownbid.com.