Balloons weren’t only things dropped, as plenty of eggs were dropped in a contest to engineer the best protection contraption
By Bob and Tracy Palermini for Ashland.news
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum rang in the new year a little early with its 11th annual “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration Sunday. The family-friendly event welcomed hundreds of visitors of all ages who explored the museum’s interactive science exhibits and enjoyed special activities.
Guests were treated to appearances by the Ashland Police Department, Ashland Aerial Arts, the Ashland High School Robotics Team, Daydreams Face Painting, YMCA Camp DeBoer, and tasty bites from the Super Smash Burgers and Hula Grill food truck.

As the clock approached noon, children and their families gathered in two rooms for the event’s main attraction. With a countdown led by museum staff, the excitement peaked as 500 colorful balloons rained down from the ceiling in each room. Kids scooped up balloons, which they were encouraged to take home as souvenirs.
The fun didn’t stop there. Families were invited to flex their creativity and engineering skills in two classrooms, where they crafted protective vehicles for their “Eggs-tronauts.” These custom contraptions were later put to the test in an egg-drop challenge, rounding out a day filled with hands-on learning and celebration.
ScienceWorks’ “Noon Year’s Eve” continues to offer a unique way for families to welcome the new year with science, creativity and community.
Bob & Tracy Palermini are residents of Ashland, where he is staff photographer for Ashland.news. Email Bob at [email protected].





