Though fall has just gotten under way, organizers are already getting started making plans for this year’s New Year’s celebration.

Possum Drop organizer Danny Welch says he and other organizers on the Downtown Development Authority Promotions and Marketing Committee have already begun taking vendor applications, lining up entertainment and finding sponsors for the now-annual event.

“It takes quite a bit to put this show on,” Welch says. “We have a budget of $14,000 for the band, fireworks, decorations, the stage, everything.”

So event organizers are asking area business to help with the cost of bringing the Possum Drop to life by donating $100, $250 or $500.

Those businesses that donate $100 will have their name mentioned in the event brochure, on the event’s website and in any advertisements for the event. Those businesses that donate $250 will receive the before mentioned perks as well as their name added to event T-shirts, and they will be in an interview on the website’s news stream video. Those businesses that donate $500 will receive all this plus a vendor tent at the event provided to them by organizers, their name on the banner that will be displayed on the stage at the event, and they will have two spots in the news stream on the event’s website.

Welch says any business that invests in sponsorship is bound to get their money’s worth, as the annual Possum Drop brings in many visitors to the area.

“Last year, we estimate we had a 4,000 plus crowd,” Welch said. “Of course, it gets bigger every year, so this year, if the weather is nice, we hope to have a 5,000 plus crowd.”

Welch said some of last year’s new additions will be returning, such as Elvis impersonator Eric Schneider, who will once again be autographing scarves. Schneider will also do a tour of local business on Saturday before New Year’s Eve to visit with customers and provide photo opportunities.

“Elvis” also plans to visit the hospital and some retirement homes in the area during his tour on Saturday. There will also once again be a meet and greet at 4:30 or 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31.

Organizers have also lined up Cotton Road and White Winged Dove, who have been encouraged to bring merchandise and CDs to sell. Event-goers can also expect to see fireworks and, of course, Spencer the opossum.

However, there will be some changes as well. For example, for the first time ever, the requirements for Possum Drop King and Queen will be changed, as will their duties. This year, the Possum Drop King and Queen will be selected from within the 30176 area code rather than the Tallapoosa city limits. However, the King and Queen’s duties will also be expanded. They will be expected to appear at local parades and other festivities throughout the year, and they will need to be available at the Possum Drop for photo ops.

Welch said expanding the selection area for the King and Queen is part of the group’s goal of eventually making the Possum Drop a west Georgia event rather than just a Tallapoosa event.

“We want everyone to come visit Tallapoosa, its business and our sponsors,” Welch said. “And we hope everyone does a little Holiday shopping as well.”

Welch said a definite list of vendors has not been established, a number of vendors have already shown interest.

“The response has been phenomenal,” Welch said. “We’ve had calls from all over.”

Welch says organizers are still taking vendor applications, and he encourages anyone wanting to apply or to become a sponsor to call him at 770-328-0329.