New Year's Eve - Media, PA

On New Year's Eve in 1907, the first ball was dropped in Times Square, New York City. On New Year's Eve 2007, Dave and I went to watch the ball drop........... in Media, PA. I don't know how long it's been 'tradition' in Media. I'd say less than 10 years is a good bet.

This was our first visit to the event. It could not have been a better evening. The temperatures were in the 40's (although they dropped several degrees while we were out) and the skies were crystal clear.

The ball is hoisted on a crane parked behind Brodeur's and Mrs. Marty's Deli, formerly the Trolley Stop Diner. (The link takes you to the story of Mrs. Marty's Deli. It returned to Media about a month ago). The ball hangs over Brodeur's roof where a giant 2008 was on display. The building where Brodeur's is now, at State and Jackson streest was once the Borough hall. After Borough hall was moved to Third and Jackson, the New Orleans Cafe moved in and now Brodeur's.

The event is organzied and supported by the Media Business Authority. Many of the restaurants were open late of course. Most of the shops were closed although I did see some of the shop owners in the crowd.

We found a spot next to the parking meter outside Quincy's. This gave us a good view of the crowd, the band (Philly Gumbo) and the 2008 which lit up at the appropriate time. Someone - a guy in a tux serving as master of ceremonies - estimated about 2 thousand people were there. I wonder how he came to that number? No one challenged him so I guess that makes him right. With ten minutes to go and with State Street full of people from Jackson to Olive someone announced that the Trolley was coming.

It wasn't - but a lot of people looked!

Next year we'll get funny hats and noisemakers. An idea occurred to me too that if we take the car down early and park there (after 6 it's free) we could have sat on top of the car and had a good view of the crowd. If you'd like to join us next year let me know.

Now it's on to the Mummers (on TV) and 2008.