Harmony’s Silvester celebration brings early New Year with nod to borough’s German roots
Harmony will ring in the New Year ahead of the rest of Butler County when the borough hosts its annual Silvester celebration on New Year’s Eve.
The event will run from about 3 to 6 p.m. along North Main Street and the town square. A glittering, silver ball is set to drop at 6 p.m., timed up to match midnight in Germany.
Harmony Mayor Cathy Rape said the early celebration pays homage to the borough’s German heritage while giving families an opportunity to celebrate together.
“When it’s 6 o’clock here, it’s midnight in Germany, so that’s why we’ve always done the ball drop at that time,” Rape said. “It’s just a really nice, family-friendly thing to do on New Year’s Eve.”
Festivities will begin with the annual 5K race at 3:30 p.m., which Rape said continues to bring in runners regardless of winter weather conditions.
“It always amazes me how many people show up, even if there’s a blizzard,” she said. “No matter the weather, they come out to run.”
Food and activities will be available throughout the evening, with pork and sauerkraut sandwiches, scalloped potatoes and other items sold by the Harmony Museum and local vendors.
Warm drinks, including mulled wine, will also be available. New to the celebration this year is a 50/50 raffle and a tree and wreath toss, with prizes tied to the year 2026.
Stewart Hall will be open during the event, giving visitors a place to sit down or warm up if needed, Rape said.
While the museum itself will be closed, gift shop items will be available for purchase inside the hall and several local shops plan to remain open throughout the evening.
Live music and a DJ will play ahead of the countdown, which often includes the crowd counting down from 10 in German.
After the ball drops, attendees will sing “Auld Lang Syne,” followed by a fireworks display.
“It’s wonderful to see the town square filled with people,” Rape said. “The first year we did it, I couldn’t believe the crowd and people still really enjoy getting out early and not having to stay up until midnight to celebrate.”
Parking will be available throughout the borough, with attendees encouraged to use nearby lots that have excess spots.
