The Ball Will Drop From A New Spot In Bangor This New Year’s Eve

For years, folks have flocked to Downtown Bangor to ring in the New Year.

With one of the largest, mostly free and open-to-the-public celebrations in the state, the culmination of the day full of fun events has been when Bangor's version of "the ball" (it's not a fancy-schmancy glass and crystal ball like they have in New York City, but a beach ball wrapped in Christmas lights) is lowered from the rooftop of Paddy Murphy's, into the crowd below.

But this year the ball will be dropping from a different location.

"This year John Dobbs, owner of Paddy Murphy’s Pub and the building located at 26 Main Street is passing the ball to SkyVilla Properties, owner of 6 Central Street which is now home to Wabanaki Public Health and soon to be home to Wabanki Youth and Cultural Center. "

When asked about the venue change, Dobbs said "After 15 years of creating the moment for others, we are ready to pass it on and become spectators ourselves. Passing events on is good and breathes new life into established events. We also love the idea of the ball being thrown off the building that Wabanaki Public Health is in directing attention to this important community organization.”

From a practical standpoint, it may also allow for a little less congestion directly in front of most of the local bars and restaurants that will be open at that point, and theoretically move the masses out of the way of vehicles trying to exit that area. So that's a bit of a bonus, too.

So if you're heading to Downtown Bangor to watch the ball drop this year, you'll want to account for that adjustment in venue, and pivot for a better point of view.

For more info on the events taking place for the Downtown Countdown, click here.