New Year's jam: Pa. strawberry busted during practice run of ceremonial berry drop

HARRISBURG, Pa. – An 80-pound illuminated strawberry that's lowered every New Year's Eve in downtown Harrisburg has ended up in a messy jam.

The berry fell three stories and smashed during a practice run at the Hilton Harrisburg on Friday. Officials say a faulty harness clip is to blame.

The Hilton is working to build a new strawberry for revelers to ring in 2014 on Tuesday night.

The strawberry drop started in 1989. The berry that broke Friday had been used for around 10 years.