New Yearb s is a time for parties, fun and great traditions, some of which go back more than a century. Among them is the famous b dropping of the ballb in Times Square, an event which is broadcast to millions of people every New Yearb s Eve. With 2014 nearly upon us, we thought web d take the opportunity to look at the history of this popular New Yearb s Eve festivity.
The idea began in 1907 at what was then the New York Times building at One Times Square. The newspaperb s owner, Adolph Ochs, had been celebrating the New Year with fireworks since 1903. He wanted make the event even more remarkable, and added the ball in December of 1907 to welcome in the New Year. The first ball was designed by Artkraft Strauss, who made it out of iron, wood, and light bulbs. It took six men to hoist the ball up the buildingb s flag pole; once midnight struck, the tremendous ball was carefully lowered, and all were allowed to marvel at it.
Since then, the ball has undergone many changes in materials and design, and even the New York Times has moved to another building. But the tradition remains and the ball has dropped over One Times Square ever since. Today, the ball is electronically controlled, and uses LED lamps for its construction: designed by Waterford Crystal and weighing in at over 1,200 pounds.
A number of television broadcasts have helped carry the event over the years, but by far the most famous is b New Yearb s Rockinb Eve,b which first ran in 1972. The show was created and hosted by Dick Clark, who became a staple of the event as much as the ball itself. Clark hosted the show every New Yearb s Eve from 1972 until his death in 2012. Since then, it has been hosted by Ryan Seacrest, who shared hosting duties with Clark starting in 2005.
Whether youb re watching the ball drop on TV or have some other New Yearb s Eve plan in mind, we here at Comfort Central, Inc.B wish you nothing but the best for 2014. Have a safe and happy New Year!