Frank Soule Named Honorary Ball Dropper for The Sea Pines Resort’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
Retiring Executive Director of Island Recreation Association Earns Honor at ‘Family’ Event
HILTON HEAD ISLAND (Dec. 4, 2025) — Frank Soule, who is retiring later this month after 39 impactful years with the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association, has been named the honorary ball dropper at The Sea Pines Resort’s annual family event to welcome in the new year.
At the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, Soule will signal the ball drop following a spirited countdown by those in attendance. The 7 p.m. event on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 31) serves as one of the evening highlights, with attendees also enjoying food, entertainment, and live music amidst the stunning backdrop of Harbour Town illuminated for the holidays with a towering Christmas tree as the centerpiece.
The New Year’s Eve Celebration family event is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., while the later event runs 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with a second ball drop scheduled for midnight.
Soule has carved out a legacy on Hilton Head Island since he arrived in 1986 when he was named Program Director of the Island Recreation Association. Six years later, he was promoted to Executive Director and has expertly guided the non-profit organization for the past 33 years.
In addition to spearheading the programming for the first-ever Island Recreation Center in 1988, he later worked with community leaders to create People for Parks, which has raised more than $5 million to support the development of parks and recreation facilities throughout Hilton Head Island. Additionally, Soule played a key role in the 10-year process that led to the expansion and remodel of the Island Recreation Center.
The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people of all ages. The Association produces, provides, and coordinates public recreation programs, wellness activities, and events, and commits itself to monitoring the recreation needs of the community.
Soule, his wife Kelly, and their two children, Benton and Ashtin, have lived at Ashton Cove since 1992.
He joins an impressive list of ball droppers since the event began in 2011 that includes Hilton Head Island mayors and town managers, board members of the Heritage Classic Foundation, an active serviceman, and local celebrities such as legendary entertainer Gregg Russell and Stan Smith, the resort’s head tennis touring pro and former world No. 1-ranked singles player.
The New Year’s Eve Celebration is sponsored by The Sea Pines Resort, Harbour Town, Encore Entertainment, The Greenery Inc., The Deep Well Project, and the Crazy Crab.