(BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala.) - There are plenty of events gearing up to ring in 2012. One of the biggest events will be right here on the Gulf Coast at the Wharf in Orange Beach.
"We've got so much press over it, it's amazing! It's a natural, and no one seems to do it - and we've got so many calls from all over the country about this marlin drop," said Rob Lynch with Odyssey Entertainment.
He's talking about dropping a 14-foot fiberglass blue marlin at the Wharf Saturday night. He says that's how traditions get started.
Also, at the stroke of midnight, there will be fireworks.
"Instead of spending $15,000 in 20 minutes we are spending it all in 5 minutes," said Lynch.
The event at the Wharf is set to be the largest in Baldwin County. According to merchants like Ed Zahn, folks are already moving in.
"The condos at the end are filled with people here for the holiday. So they are walking into our stores and we are still getting lots of good foot traffic, " said Zahn.
Set up for the Rockin' New Years Eve Bash was in full swing today. It's an event for the adults from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. for the family earlier in the day.
"So from 10 to 4 on Saturday we've got bounce houses, face painting, clowns, fire breathers... all kinds of things for the family and kids to enjoy. And then, we will finish that off with the marlin drop for the kids at 4 o'clock, " said Lynch.
Admission is free.
Fairhope will ring in the new year with festivities starting at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Fairhope at Section and Church Streets and for the kids, a "Noon" Year's Eve" event will be held Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Lulu's in Gulf Shores.
