A new idea for New Years
Andrew Edwards
New Yorkers have celebrated the beginning of the new year by dropping
the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball since 1907 became 1908. This
year, plans are in the works for an orange-flavored attempt to
replicate the Big Apple’s tradition in Costa Mesa.
“It’s apple versus orange, literally, at this point,” event
promoter Rich Goodwin said. “West Coast versus East Coast. But
obviously, we have a long way to go before we make that claim. They
do a good job in New York.”
If Goodwin’s plans go through, the inaugural Orange County New
Year’s Eve will ring in 2006 at the Orange County Fair & Exposition
Center. Although no contract has been signed with the fairgrounds to
host the party, the proposed party is already being promoted at the
fair and on the Internet.
Putting on a large-scale New Year’s Eve event that would be capped
by dropping a large orange, like New York’s famous lighted ball, has
been an idea on Goodwin’s mind for about eight years, he said.
Fair officials don’t want to make a final agreement to host the
event unless neighbors give the idea a thumbs-up, said Mark Entner
the fairgrounds’ director of event sales and services.
Fair officials would rather take it slow and get Costa Mesans’
approval for a long-term commitment than give the go-ahead for a
blowout that could risk raising the neighborhoods’ ire.
“The bottom line is, we want to make sure this is an event that’s
not just a one-year event,” Entner said.
If Goodwin has his way, his proposed event will become a West
Coast tradition for decades to come.
“We want this event to be around for 100 years,” Goodwin said.
The advertising for Goodwin’s proposal shows plans for a decidedly
adult occasion. Planned party venues have monikers like “Blues &
Booze,” “Wine Country” and the “Martini Lounge.” Entertainment for
the event would include musical performances on three stages.
Headline bands would play on the main stage, one side stage would
feature acts from the 1980s, and another would be dedicated to modern
acts.
“Social Distortion would fit in there perfectly,” Goodwin said,
naming the veteran Orange County rockers as one of the bands he would
like to book.
Goodwin wants to hold a talent contest for young musicians with an
appearance at the main stage as the prize.
“What a break for a high school band,” Goodwin said.
A public meeting for neighbors to voice any ideas they may have
about the New Year’s Eve plan is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Aug. 4 at
the fairgrounds. So far, the proposed event has earned the approval
of Mesa del Mar Homeowners Assn. president Lisa Reedy, who said none
of the neighbors she has spoken with have concerns about the idea.
Goodwin’s plans, Reedy said, would mark a major departure from
past New Year’s celebrations around Mesa del Mar.
“New Year’s Eve is traditionally, you go out and a bunch of people
are banging pots and pans together,” she said. “That’s about it.”
* ANDREW EDWARDS covers business and the environment. He can be
reached at (714) 966-4624 or by e-mail at andrew.edwards@latimes.com.
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