NYCNEW YORK (AP) — The New Year's Eve crystal ball that drops in Times Square will have a new kind of sparkle when it descends at the stroke of midnight Thursday, and revelers will be able to toast 2010 without popping a cork.
Organizers of the celebration unveiled a new design Sunday for nearly 300 Waterford crystal triangles to be installed on the giant ball. The crystals feature an interlocking ribbon pattern, woven into a Celtic knot, to illustrate the theme for 2010, "Let There Be Courage."
They also demonstrated a new "Clink-Clink" iPhone application for virtual toasts, which Waterford helped design. It enables two people make a toast with images of Waterford champagne flutes and cocktail glasses displayed on their phones' tiny screens.
"It is a way for people to share a virtual toast all around the world," said Regan Iglesia, Waterford's senior brand director.
Iglesia joined the producers of the New Year's Eve celebration, Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins and Countdown Entertainment President Jeffrey Straus, at a news conference at the ball's home at 1 Times Square.
Some 288 of the ball's 2,668 Waterford crystal triangles will be replaced this year with new ones featuring the Celtic knot design. Straus said it evokes the yellow ribbons that welcome home soldiers or red ribbons for AIDS awareness.
The triangles are custom-built to withstand high winds, snow, rain and temperature fluctuations in their spot 400 feet above Times Square.
The ball drop tradition dates to 1907.
Partied in Tokyo for NYE, danced at a ball at the Waldorf in NYC but the past 24 hours are up there as my fav for 09. Well done Melbourne.
ReplyDeleteDon't even stress it. I bet you the ball drop and everything else in NYC is gonna be whack this year lol
ReplyDeleteI lived in NYC for 13 years and i never seen the ball drop in person, this year i would like to go and see it drop, but with someone...
ReplyDeleteIn 72 hours I will be at LAX getting on a plane to NYC to see the ball drop. One of the few things I said I needed to do before I die.
ReplyDeleteCamping and dancing under the stars or flying to nyc and dancing under the disco ball in my NYE heels?
ReplyDeleteWow, FUSE has something on called Road to MSG about Jingle Ball in NYC. Brief glimpse of Adam!
ReplyDeleteWhat a day...!!! Tomorrow, packing for my return to NYC. Can't wait to see folks! And get this ball rolling for 2010.
ReplyDeleteAre you in my neck of the woods? NYC - it's the city to be - especially for the upcoming annual ball drop in Times Square.
ReplyDeleteAnyone that knows NYC times square area, I was told to make reservations for after ball drop but not sure where.
ReplyDeleteWell I work til around 6pm kinda late to get a flight out to NYC for the ball drop, although I do have a 3 day weekend. Not sure
ReplyDeleteLate nite pickup game at 55th & 10. Reason 550 to love living in NYC. stop by if you wanna ball
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