A nine-year tradition of welcoming the new year with a large, glittering ball will be observed again in Cheyenne this week.
The Cheyenne Ball Drop, held on the Cheyenne Depot Plaza since 2011, will see celebrations running through the day Dec. 31, offering activities for both children and adults.
Activities begin at 3 p.m. inside the Depot, with games and inflatable toys for children, said Laura Levi, organizer for the Ball Drop and the digital marketing coordinator for Visit Cheyenne.
“A few years back we decided we needed a children’s element,” she said. “Something to take the edge off if people have too much energy to stay inside all day.”
The games will continue until 6 p.m., when the huge, lit ball used to mark the new year when the clock hits midnight will make an early trip for those who may not be able to stay up late.
“It will be the same ball and same fireworks show so you don’t miss anything from the regular show,” Levi said. “This way, you can take the kids, see the ball drop and then you can come back out and see the one at midnight.”
After the children’s celebration wraps up at around 6 p.m., the adults’ party will begin at 11:30 p.m., Levi said, featuring a DJ who will play music through the celebration. The ball will drop at midnight, when a fireworks display will take place.
Last year’s ball drop had to be canceled because of sub-zero temperatures and high winds. However, the long-range forecast for this year predicts low temperatures in the high 20s, although winds may be brisk.
For more information on the Cheyenne Ball Drop, go to the Visit Cheyenne website.
