So rare are some instances that they're said to occur once in a blue moon.

Yet, patrons who attend the sixth annual New Year's Eve Gala and Ball Drop in Little Gap Square at the Covered Bridge Inn will be treated to such an anomaly.That's because the month of December will close out with a blue moon, and will mark the second full moon in the calendar month, an instance so uncommon it only takes place once every 20 years."That will be an exciting part of it, plus we've added an additional 500 blue led lights," said owner Ron Gilbert. "And we'll have out a special champagne style offering called Blue Moon Crew, and a bunch of giveaways."The festivities will get under way when Covered Bridge Inn's Executive Chef, Jason Howell, will create exciting entrées prepared with the freshest ingredients hand selected by Gilbert from noon until 10 p.m.Then, at 10 p.m., there will be a gala New Year's Eve Party with The Southern Reign Band providing country, blues and classic rock entertainment.After the ball drop, the evening gala will continue as the band will entertain the party goers well into the early morning hours.Southern Reign has a long history of crowd pleasing experiences in the Tri-state area since the early-1990s.Band members Josiah Bortlik, Mark Verzino, Don Kneller, and Scott Kobal have established a whole new direction with a variety of new sounds, such as country, blues, and some classic rock.Just before midnight, the party will gravitate out into Little Gap Square for the annual Ball Drop at midnight.The ball, designed by Shawn Kresge Electric of Jim Thorpe, has 1,800 lights and is lowered 50 feet from a high lift provided each year by Dwight Eisenhower of JBM Mechanical of Bath.Gilbert said the event continues to grow in popularity each year."Last year, we had well over 300 people in the square," he said. "Many people just drive down the side of the road for the ball drop; that's really added to the excitement."Gilbert said he's glad the business is able to offer the event to its guests."It's neat that we're able to provide that type of opportunity for them, especially in this economy, to have them come and have some fun in the community," he said. "People are just ready, and they need an outlet."The Covered Bridge Inn is located at the base of Blue Mountain Ski Area in the village of Little Gap.For more information or reservations, call 610-826-5400.