Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The City of Buffalo is ensuring everything is in place for a grand and safe New Year's celebration.
On Thursday, the City of Buffalo tested the glowing ball for the annual ball drop in Roosevelt Plaza. The ball is luminous and ready to shine bright as it descends from Electric Tower, signifying the commencement of 2024.
"We want everything to go as smoothly as possible at the 36th annual celebration in Downtown Buffalo," said Mayor Byron Brown. "Buffalo's New Year's Eve gathering is the second largest celebration of this type in New York State. The city of Buffalo is proud to be the largest supporter of this annual event throughout New Year's Eve. We will have police officers, firefighters, parking and Department of Public Works crews stationed at Roosevelt Plaza to ensure that all remain safe and festive."
This year's celebration will begin at 10 p.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 31 in Roosevelt Plaza, and will feature live music by The Strictly Hip and Saxophonist Will Holton. The festivities will conclude with the traditional ball drop at midnight in addition to a full firework display.
"The time ball itself has 342 LED lights, it's approximately five feet high and four foot in diameter and weighs in at 220 pounds," says Paul Iskalo, owner of the Electric Tower. "On New Year's Eve, it's going to travel 108 feet down the face of the Electric Tower. The journey is going to take approximately one minute and six seconds until it reaches its resting spot precisely at 12 midnight to ring in 2024. I look forward to seeing everybody down here."
Free parking is available at nearby Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps – Mohawk Ramp and Fernbach Ramp - courtesy of Mayor Brown, The Buffalo Board of Parking and Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps. There will be a ride-sharing zone on Pearl Street between Huron and Chippewa for those getting a ride.
"It is really a blessing to have such beautiful weather in the City of Buffalo," added Mayor Brown. "I for one am very thankful for the very mild weather that we're having. There's a lot of momentum in our city. As we approach the New Year, I want to continue to build on the positive momentum and carry that uplifting spirit into the new year to further strengthen and beautify the great City of Buffalo."
