Photo: Waterford Crystal/Matthew Carasella Photography
The countdown to 2021 wouldn’t be complete without a larger-than-life ball drop in New York City’s Times Square — and Waterford Crystal is promising to deliver once again.
Though the socially distanced crowd will be smaller this year, Waterford is sticking with the tradition of its “Greatest Gifts” series.
“For over twenty years, the Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball has been the symbol of New Year’s Eve for people all around the world,” the company said in a statement. “Part of the yearly tradition includes replacing 192 of the 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles on the Ball with designs from the yearly ‘Greatest Gifts’ collection. This year’s ‘Gift of Happiness’ design will be included next to the past six designs and last year’s ‘Gift of Goodwill’ pattern.”
According to theofficial website for Time’s Square, the “Ball is a geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter, and weighs 11,875 pounds,” and its crystal triangles “vary in size, and range in length from 4 ¾ inches to 5 ¾ inches per side.”
Waterford Crystal/Matthew Carasella Photography
“While New Year’s Eve celebrations across the world will look different this year, we hope that Waterford’s ‘Gift of Happiness’ collection will inspire everyone to share happiness and generosity in 2021,” Tom Brennan, Waterford Crystal’s master craftsman and spokesperson, said in a press release. “We’re thrilled that the iconic Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball stands as an enduring tradition and sign of hope, and happiness, in trying time.”
Due to the pandemic, the process has been far from typical.
“The most challenging part of this installation is missing the face-to-face interaction with team members, partners and reporters I’ve gotten to know over the years,” Brennan tells PEOPLE. “From the planning process straight through to installation day, this has all come together virtually, which, of course, poses some challenges.”
“Personally, not being physically present in New York this year is different — there’s no replacing the buzz and energy of New York especially on New Year’s Eve,” Brennan adds. “However, health and safety are our top priority, and we’re happy that millions across the globe will still be able to watch the Waterford Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball drop from their televisions at home.”
Waterford Crystal design.Waterford Crystal/Matthew Carasella Photography
Indeed, broadcast and virtual viewing options abound: Billy Porter is joining Ryan Seacrest and Lucy Hale forDick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin' Eve on ABC, while Dua Lipa,Demi Lovatoand J Balvin will perform atYouTube’s Hello 2021.
The Time’s Square ball might be too big to bring home, butWaterford’s “Gift of Happiness” collectionincludes items fans can fit through their front door, from the $65 Triangle Ornament to the $250 Emerald Cased Flute Pair, a decadent display for New Year’s bubbly.
source: people.com
