Daily Archives: December 29, 2009

If you’re still not sure what to do at midnight on January 1, you might think that you dropped the ball on your New Years plans. Fortunately, you’re not the only one looking to have some first night fun. All across America, New Years revelers will be kicking off 2010 by carrying on the tradition of dropping objects from high places during the final seconds of 2009.

Ball drops get the most attention of New Years drops, thanks to the Times Square festivities in New York City. The New York Times has dropped the ball almost every year since 1907, and the celebration regularly draws nearly 1 million live spectators, not to mention the millions who watch the spectacle on TV. For those who prefer to avoid the crush of the Big Apple, balls are dropped in more relaxing settings nationwide. For example, Gatlinburg, TN will drop a ball, launch fireworks, and host live performances. Buffalo, NY has traditionally hosted one of the largest ball drops in the country, but the celebration is at risk of being skipped this year due to budget cuts.