For folks who can’t stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve, Monroeville Public Library’s annual ball drop at noon has become quite the tradition.
The celebration began at the library several years ago but relocated to Monroeville Mall four years ago as its popularity grew.
This year, festivities started at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 31 in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods on the mall’s lower level.
Gateway High School’s robotics club, Quasics, was asked to design, build and operate the new ball drop machine, which was lowered from the second floor moments before noon.
The free, all-ages event included a raffle, party hats and party horns, as well as library swag. Organizers also collected nonperishable items for Monroeville Gives Back.
With the mall’s acquisition by Walmart, represented by Cypress Equities, in February, many in attendance were wistful about the property and its looming demolition.
While there are still many unknowns regarding the site, municipal Manager Alex Granziani indicated Walmart plans to invest $500 million into the site and construction is slated for 2027.
Some shared fond memories about the mall in its heyday.
Monroeville Mayor-elect Dennis Biondo recalled growing up in the 1990s and meeting up with friends at the mall.
“I remember the mall being one of the first places you drove to after getting your license,” Biondo said.
At the same time, Biondo noted, Monroeville Mall has been a place that families relied on, whether for shopping or sharing experiences.
“Over the years, it’s been a real hub for Monroeville, helping create a sense of community and making events like the ball drop possible,” Biondo said. “I’m hopeful that whatever comes next will continue that tradition and offer a similar place for kids and families to connect.”
Michele Hunter, a circulation specialist at Monroeville Public Library, grew up coming to the mall and was fond of the ice skating rink.
“It’s sad,” Hunter said of its closing. “I’m actually kind of torn up about it.”
Tara Rotuna, a current Monroeville resident and member of Friends of Monroeville Public Library, grew up near Monroeville.
“As a teenager, I went to Century III mall, too, but Monroeville was always the magical mall — with the skating rink and fish pond with a bridge that led to the candy tree,” Rotuna said.
Rotuna said she made a special effort to go Christmas shopping at Monroeville Mall to support the businesses that are still open.
“I saw the long line of posters advertising the mall and how much it has been part of the history of the area,” she said. “It really hit home.”
Shawn Durkin of West Mifflin remembered attending a Hansen concert with her daughter, Nicole, and friends.
“It’s sad that it’s ending,” Durkin said. “I remember the skating rink and shopping for the holidays. It was the place to go.”
Betty Valdes grew up in Monroeville but moved around during her time in the Army. She recalled shopping at Barnes & Noble and all the holiday decorations.
“There’s just something cool about a mall,” Valdes said. “I grew up coming here, even before they filmed ‘Dawn of the Dead.’ ”
Because of holiday shopping, filming for George Romero’s infamous zombie film, which began in November 1977, took place after the mall closed for the evening.
Nicole Henline, director of Monroeville Public Library, said moving the ball drop to Monroeville Mall has been an exciting experience.
“We’ve had a lot of fun with the community,” Henline said. “It’s been so great to see people of all ages, with party hats and noisemakers, cheering in each new year together.”
While the future of the mall remains unclear, the library anticipates continuing the New Year’s Eve ball drop — even if they need to relocate once again.
Henline added: “We have appreciated the partnership and look forward to seeing what’s in the future.”
