NEGAUNEE — Following the city of Negaunee’s major streetscape investment to help develop and revitalize downtown Negaunee, local restaurant Strega Nonna is helping to end the year on a festive note.

A late night dance party and Strega’s Second Annual Midnight Meatball Drop will be held at Strega Nonna (432 Iron St.) in downtown Negaunee on Dec. 31. Leading up to the event are videos highlighting visits by a magical meatball popping up at area businesses throughout downtown Negaunee taking advantage of all the city has to offer.

“This will be our second year of hosting the Midnight Meatball Drop on New Year’s Eve and we wanted to do something special this year to not only celebrate the new year but also provide an opportunity for the community to come together and recognize all that it has accomplished to develop and revitalize the city,” said Rachael Grossman, owner of Strega Nonna.

Dancing is from 8:30-11:30 p.m. with local favorite, Flat Broke Blues Band followed by the Midnight Meatball Drop from 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. on the Strega patio.

Walk-ins are welcome for the late-night portion of the event.

The public is encouraged to visit the Strega Nonna Facebook page to follow Esmerelda, the magical meatball, as she makes her way through downtown Negaunee over the next few weeks. Viewers will learn about area businesses and participate in Esmerelda’s journey through downtown as she forges her adventures in Negaunee.

For additional information on the event or to make reservations for the New Year’s Eve dinner, visit www.strega.fun, call 906-236-2891, or stop by Strega Nonna