Fort Myers NYE ball drop tradition continues with heartfelt family legacy

The streets of downtown Fort Myers are set to come alive as the city prepares to ring in the new year with its beloved traditions, including the iconic New Year's Eve ball drop. This event holds a special significance for one local family.

Harry Kitner, the son of the man who created the Fort Myers New Year's Eve ball, shared his deep connection to the tradition.

"One of my favorite parts about it is seeing something that I worked so hard, and then my dad specifically worked so hard for, bring smiles to so many people's faces," said Kitner.

Harry's father was approached by the River District Alliance 13 years ago to create a New Year's ball for downtown Fort Myers due to his construction background.

"So I want to say about 12, 13, years ago, somebody with the River District Alliance came to my dad and asked him, because of the industry that he worked in, he worked in construction, asked him if he would be able to make them a New Year's ball so that way they could start doing something downtown. And he said, Sure, why not?" said Kitner.

His father hand-welded the ball and initially wrapped it in Christmas lights.

"So he welded it all together out of steel with his own two hands, and then originally wrapped it with a lot of Christmas lights," said Kitner.

Creating the ball was a source of great joy for his father.

"He loved doing it," said Kitner.

Tragically, in 2018, Harry's father passed away unexpectedly.

"Then I took it over, and it's been my baby ever since," said Kitner.

Determined to honor his father's legacy, Harry took on the responsibility of the New Year's Eve ball.

"I'm going to take it over. And that was my first year doing it, and I told a few friends that I was going to be doing it, and it spread like wildfire. Everybody and everybody that I possibly knew made an appearance and came to see me, and it was really it was really special," said Kitner.

For the past seven years, Harry has ensured the ball is ready to light up the sky at midnight.

"I love it. There's not many things in this world that, like, I like doing more than to do stuff that my dad used to do and make me that makes me think of him, makes me remember him," said Kitner.

As the New Year approaches, Kitner looks forward to continuing the tradition his father cherished, creating memories for the community.