The first-ever ball drop was done in 1907 after fireworks were deemed a safety hazard.
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(New York, NY) – The history of the ball drop in Times Square dates back to the early 1900s. Jeff Strauss with Countdown Entertainment says for years fireworks were set off, but that resulted in ash and burning embers falling on revelers. In a bid to do something better, the first-ever ball drop was organized for 1907. The first ball was made of wood and iron and weighed over 700 pounds. It was outfitted with hundreds of electric lightbulbs.
Meanwhile, the NYPD is stepping up security at Times Square with hundreds of thousands of people expected to pack in for the annual celebration. Drones, the NYPD aviation unit, and roof-mounted units are all being utilized. Cops in uniform and plain clothes will be stationed throughout the crowd.
One you enter one of the viewing “pens” in Times Square, no re-entry is allowed. That means it’s advised to make sure you get some food in your system and use the bathroom before going in. The viewing pens open at 3:00 pm on New Year’s Eve, and road closures were already in place as of early Tuesday. Once the ball comes down, as well as thousands of pounds of confetti, the cleanup process begins.
And with people looking ahead to 2025, the most popular New Year’s Resolution — as it typically is — is losing weight and getting into shape. Health and fitness experts suggest people take it slow when trying to lose weight — going too hard too soon often results in people giving up. Walking for just 20 minutes a day, including on a treadmill, is a great start.
