Crystal Ball Nearly Ready For New Year's Eve In Times Square
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Workers are putting the final touches on the Times Square ball before it's put in place for the New Year's Eve celebration.
As WCBS 880's Monica Miller reported, the center piece of the celebration to ring in 2015 is almost ready to be raised up the pole 470 feet above Times Square.
"It's the largest crystal ball in the world -- 12 feet in diameter -- it's a amazing; millions of colors, it's a kaleidoscope," said Jeffrey Straus.
Final Preps Under Way For New Year's Eve In Times Square
1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten acknowledged to Waterford senior vice president Regan Iglesia that he holds his breath when the button is pushed for the ball to drop. He admitted that he holds his breath too.
"Every time," he said. "But you know what? I think that the euphoria and excitement that's going on – it's such an amazing celebration. There's nothing on the planet like this."
Final Preps Under Way For New Year's Eve In Times Square
Straus, with Countdown Entertainment, said this year his firm has teamed up with the International Rescue Committee.
PHOTOS: Crystal Ball Almost Ready For New Year's 2015
"Because New York is a city of refugees and in fact, America is a land of refugees," he said.
Two refugees who emigrated to New York City will join Mayor Bill de Blasio in pushing the button for the ball drop.
IRC President David Miliband said the theme for 2015 is "A Gift of Fortitude."
"Over 15 million people around the world who International Rescue Committee has served over the last year," he said. "For those people 2015 cannot come fast enough."
The New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square kicks off Wednesday night at 6 p.m.
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