New Year's Eve Celebration At Inner Harbor Expected To Be The Biggest Ever
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Tens of thousands will head downtown to ring in 2012, and organizers say this year's show will be better than ever.
Weijia Jiang takes us behind the scenes.
It's called the New Year's Eve Spectacular for a reason.
"It's just so amazing, the lights just light up everything up at night and it's like you get overwhelmed by all of the lights," Bridget Weber of Baltimore said.
Baltimore born and raised, Weber never misses the fireworks show at the Inner Harbor. But before the city's skyline can light up, crews have to set up thousands of shells on two massive barges in Curtis Bay where all the magic happens.
"It's a lot of work, it's dirty work, but it's fun," said Colin Dill of Pyrotecnico Fireworks.
Technicians say this year's celebration is the biggest one ever. It features some 2,000 special effects, choreographed to music.
"Last year the show may have been up like this, this year it's a lot bigger," Dill said. "Bigger bounds in the air, a lot bigger bursts."
"If I would be at this bench, I would have a front row seat and that would be nice if I could get down here," Lee White of Baltimore said.
But White knows he'll have to fight for a prime spot. Tens of thousands are expected to attend. Welcome news for the 12-year-old, who wants to show off his hometown.
"Some people say Baltimore is not a nice city," Dajaun Hopewell said. "I say, 'Oh well, look at the fireworks and you'll see how nice it is."
Downtown businesses can't wait for crowds either, and the economic bang they'll bring. In the past, visitors have spent almost $2 million on food, shopping, hotels and entertainment.
"It's really wrapping up our year on a super high note," an employee from Morton's Steakhouse said.
High in the sky-- 800 feet hgh to be exact.
"You hear the crowd start clapping and cheering and hair on your arms stands up," Dill said. "It makes you feel good."
And be sure to watch WJZ's New Year's Eve Spectacular. We'll bring you live coverage of the festivities and the fireworks beginning 11 p.m.
