TRAVERSE CITY - New Year’s Eve celebrations to usher in 2025 set to happen all over the nation Tuesday night, including here in Northern Michigan.
In Traverse City, the 15th annual CherryT Ball Drop is expected to bring out thousands to watch the gigantic cherry fall at midnight.
Organizers of the event and nearby bars are gearing up for the festivities.
CEO of the Festival Foundation Kat Paye said the popular event also supports a great cause, making sure people have enough food on their tables.
“These nonprofits really benefit tonight. So, it’s really about the community, it’s about charity,” said Paye.
Paye said the annual event also fundraises for different organizations in the area that helps fight food insecurities in Northern Michigan.
“We’ve raised a ton of money over the years, the last couple of years off the top of my head has been $10,000 and $15,000 and in two and a half hours raising anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000. That’s amazing,” Paye said.
Paye said this year’s recipient is Project Feed the Kids.
“You’ll see a lot of volunteers down there at all three gates to bring in those donations because it is all about partying with a purpose tonight and making sure that we’re supporting our nonprofit,” said Paye.
She said they anticipate between 10,000 and 12,000 for the New Year’s event. Even with it being in the middle of the week, they still expect big crowds.
“There are a lot of people in town. I think hotels hopefully are filling up well for either staycations or vacations as people are up visiting the area and coming to the ball drop. We actually do have quite a few people who come from out of the area to see it, which is wonderful,” said Paye.
Paye said lots of locals also attend and the weather seems to be cooperating.
“It is not below freezing. So, I think that is a huge plus for us. And we’re excited to see all of our friends and family and excited to welcome in the new year. It’s very family friendly, a lot of fun. It is late at night,” said Paye.
Isabella Moya works nearby at the pub as a bar leader. She said they’re also expecting big crowds because of the ball drop.
“We’re staying open a little later today. We usually close at midnight, but today we’re closing at two just to allow everyone to come in and get drinks after the ball drop as well,” said Moya.
She said she’s excited for the New Year festivities.
“I worked here last year, and it was a lot of fun. We had a great time, the staff had a great time, the customers had a great time. It was super cool. We got to watch the ball drop, everyone did the countdown with us,” said Moya.
Moya said it’s not all fun and games.
“We’re all trained, and we watch to make sure nobody gets too drunk or is on responsible drinking and we all,” said Moya.