This New Year’s Eve, downtown Monroe will host a public countdown featuring a 25-foot illuminated marijuana leaf, lowered at midnight as music plays, confetti flies, and several thousand residents briefly agree that standing outside in December was, in fact, a good idea.

“Other places drop apples or fish,” a city official said. “We looked around and thought, ‘What’s something that really says Monroe County?’ And then we all nodded at the same time.”

The leaf, constructed from a steel frame and wrapped in programmable LED lights, will hover above a temporary stage on Monroe Street before descending slowly at midnight. Organizers promise the motion will be smooth, dignified, and significantly less dramatic than most people’s New Year’s resolutions.

Officials were quick to clarify that the leaf is symbolic — a phrase that appeared repeatedly during planning meetings.

“This is not an instruction manual,” one official said. “It’s a lighted object on a timer. That’s it.”

The event is being sponsored by The Cannabus, a cannabis retailer scheduled to open in Monroe Township in 2026. While the business won’t open its doors for few more months, its owners said they wanted to introduce themselves to the community by funding something memorable — and preferably visible from several blocks away.

“We could have bought ads,” a Cannabus owner said. “Instead, we helped buy a very large glowing leaf. We feel that’s more honest.”

The sponsorship covers stage lighting, sound equipment, and a portion of downtown cleanup costs — including, officials noted, the inevitable collection of discarded gloves, novelty hats, and at least one shoe with no explanation.

City officials say the celebration, informally branded “Midnight on Main,” will begin early in the evening with live music from local bands, warming tents, and extended hours for downtown businesses. Food trucks will line nearby streets offering hot food, hot drinks, and food that was hot ten minutes ago but still appreciated.

“This is a downtown event,” a city official said. “We want people walking around, popping into shops, and remembering that Monroe has a downtown — even in winter.”

Police, fire, and public works crews will be on hand to manage traffic, crowds, and the occasional deeply enthusiastic celebrant.

“We’ve planned for weather, crowds, and people insisting they’re not cold,” one official said. “We are less prepared for the guy who insists the leaf should drop faster.”

Organizers say they’re also coordinating with local transportation services and ride-share companies to encourage safe trips home, especially for those who celebrate the New Year a little too confidently.

As expected, news of the leaf drop has already generated lively discussion online. Supporters have praised it as clever, unique, and very Monroe. Critics have suggested alternatives ranging from historical symbols to “literally anything else.”

City officials say that reaction is part of the process.

“If everyone agreed immediately, it wouldn’t be a tradition,” one official said. “It would just be a meeting.”

Supporters argue the event reflects Monroe County’s evolving identity and its growing role in Michigan’s cannabis economy. Others point out that the county has always found creative ways to stand out — sometimes intentionally.

“We’re not trying to be Times Square,” a city official said. “We’re trying to be Monroe on New Year’s Eve. Those are very different goals.”

Cannabus owners say they’re comfortable being part of the conversation, even if not everyone is convinced.

“We understand this won’t be for everyone,” one owner said. “But if nothing else, it gives people something to talk about — and something to take pictures of.”

Final details, including road closures, parking information, and the full music lineup, are expected to be released in the coming days. City crews have already begun staging logistics, and the leaf itself is reportedly nearing completion.

Officials say it will be impossible to miss.

“If you’re downtown at midnight and don’t see it,” one official joked, “check your phone clock — you might already be in next year.”