Splash Of Sunset Photography
Must See Sights and Events
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Let me start by saying that I am not, nor have I ever been much of a New Years Eve kind of guy. However, I caught wind of this extravaganza and just had to see for myself. I booked a room at the Ramada Inn which turned out to be a decent for the price. Huge indoor pool. I'm a camper so I don't spend much time in hotels, but this was okay. I headed downtown, keep in mind that Ludington Ave, Business 10, will be closed down for this event. I found ample parking to the south near The Bookmark on Loomis Ave. I headed the few blocks downtown on foot to Michael's Bar and Grill where it was standing room only and everyone was having a great time. Not only are there many bars in the immediate vicinity there was also a beer tent near the corner of Ludington Ave and James St. and party-goers were everywhere, including the Mayor of Ludington who was emceeing all of the fun. The ball conspicuously hung suspended from a crane on the opposite corner of Ludington and James in front of the fantastic restaurant Lucianos. The lasagna is the best I've ever had!
About 15 minutes before midnight the crowd began to form in around the ball. You could feel the excitement and electricity in the air, literally, there are over 6000 lights on that ball! The ball began to drop and the crowd began to chant and as the ball and the clock simultaneously signaled the arrival of a new year, fireworks exploded from the roof of Luciano's. A short but impressive show considering they were being fired from a rooftop in a historical district filled with old buildings. The crowd oohed and aaahed for several minutes after the fireworks until dispersing towards the overflowing bars and beer tent where live music had resumed. I was impressed to find that the beer tent's bar was carved entirely out of ice, that's one way to get an ice cold beer. As I mingled through the crowd I could hear more than one patron daring a buddy to stick his tongue on the bar. The evening ended as quietly as it started and it was time to turn in for the night thinking the show was over. How wrong I was! The following morning Lake Michigan treated me to a spectacular show, repeatedly exploding over the North Pier. I would recommend this event as a must see to anyone who loves to celebrate New Year's Eve and even to those who don't.
Lake Michigan Lake Superior Michigan Waterfalls Scenic Michigan US Waterfalls Scenic US Mackinac Bridge
