Downtown Countdown 2008

Another year is upon us and people all over the planet celebrated the dawning of a new year on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Maybe you were one of the million plus crammed into Times Square in New York City or perhaps you watched it from the comfort of your warm and cozy living room. Maybe you decided to fly to another part of the world and see how foreigners ring in the new year. I've heard that Sydney, Australia throws quite a party. They have the pleasure of being the first major city in the world to turn the page each year.

Yes, even my hometown of Bangor, Maine has it's own celebration these days. It's called The Downtown Countdown. It has all the traditional New Year's Eve fanfare - music, funny hats, food - and an event that is uniquely Maine. It is quintessential Maine in fact. The highlight of the Countdown is when, precisely at midnight, a green beach ball covered in holiday lights is flung off the roof of 26 Main Street to the sidewalk below. The instant the ball hits the pavement all the holiday lights are smashed into tiny fragments to mark the new year. Check out the video at www.bangordailynews.com You really have to see the video - it is quite a sight!

Doesn't sound too exciting does it? I didn't think so either but 1,200 Bangorians turned out for the celebration this year in 14 degree weather. This proves two things: 1) There is nothing to do in Bangor, Maine and 2) Give people a reason to get out of the house and they will show.

I left Maine for two primary reasons 1) Their wasn't much work or entertainment there for young people and 2) I despise Winter. Downtown Countdown confirms reason # 1 is still valid twelve years later and the Winter of 2007-08 is confirming reason # 2. As of this morning my hometown had received 62 inches of snow in the past 30 days. That is 5 feet of snow people! I don't miss those days.

Still, part of me wants to see that green ball covered in lights smack the pavement. I am not ruling out a trip to the frozen tundra to take part in the Downtown Countdown sometime in the future. You can take the boy out of Maine, but you can't take Maine out of the boy!

Random Movie Quote:

"What? Friends listen to Endless Love in the dark." - Happy Gilmore