BUFFALO, NY ( WKBW ) It's a 22 year tradition on WKBW-TV Channel 7, ringing in the New Year with both the Buffalo and Times Square Ball Drops. This year Keith Radford, Joanna Pasceri, and John Borsa counted you down to 2010 with thousands from Roosevelt Plaza in downtown Buffalo at the Buffalo Ball Drop and Fireworks show, plus the Ball Drop from Times Square!
The "Countdown To 2010" special included coverage from "First Night" drug and alcohol free party at the Buffalo Convention Center, The Buffalo Ball Drop, and the Ball Drop from Times Square from "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve."
The Ball Drop event almost didn't happen in Buffalo this year due to an early lack of sponsorship dollars. However in late December, The Buffalo Sabres and UNYTS ( Upstate New York Transplant Services ) joined Independent Health to support the event and keep it going.
The Buffalo Ball Drop also includes a spectacular fireworks display shot from the roof of the Electric Tower at Roosevelt Plaza ( where Main, Genesee, and Washington Sts. come together ). The building, owned by Iskalo Development, is an icon of Buffalo architecture. Iskalo is a sponsor, helping Ball Drop Organizers Sue Gonzalez and the Buffalo Police Athletic League, along with Paul Maurer of 97 Rock.
Sponsors for WKBW who brought the event to television include Independent Health, Schmidt's Collision and Glass, Rosa's Home Stores, and Paddock Chevrolet. Anchor Keith Radford has hosted each Buffalo Ball Drop since 1988. Director of News Operations John Di Sciullo has produced each event, with Mobile Crew Chief Charlie Smith. Larry Norton, morning personality from 97 Rock has hosted each event also, starting when the radio station first produced the event as a gift to the city.
The City Of Buffalo, and Buffalo Place offer services to keep the thousands of people organized, and offer clean up after the show.
Everyone at WKBW Channel 7's Eyewitness News wish everyone in Western New York, Northern Pennsylvania, Southern Ontario, and those across the country who follow wkbw online a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
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