MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Every year hundreds of people flock to Downtown Marquette for the annual New Year’s Eve block party and ball drop.
Double Trouble Entertainment, Marquette’s DDA, and Travel Marquette are hosting this year’s event. The evening begins with a more kid-friendly ball drop for those who don’t want to stay up until midnight. This earlier version of the traditional midnight ball drop will begin at 6 p.m. with a family-friendly block party followed by the 8 p.m. ball drop.
“To allow, you know, the parents to bring their kids downtown, get their kids that excitement without needing to keep them up too late,” said DDA Promotional Director, Michael Bradford..
Then, at 10 pm, the Marquette New Year’s Eve block party begins with live DJs, plenty of food and drink, and dancing on the 100 block of West Washington Street. Double Trouble’s operations manager, Katherine Marsh, says New Year’s Eve night will have something for everyone.
“It’s going to be a huge block party on the Downtown block, you know, over outside of digs, we’ve got live music, we’ve got dancing, we’ve got fun lights, and we have our own custom New Year’s Eve Ball Drop “ball” that we’re dropping,” said Marsh.
As a reminder, the 100 block of West Washington will be closed to traffic from 10 am on New Year’s Eve until 6 am New Year’s Day. It’s recommended to get there early to get a good parking place.
“Basically, as soon as things start to pick up, even with the early ball drop for children, parking is free, said Bradford.
Michael Bradford of the DDA believes Marquette’s ball drop is a reflection of the community
“From all the lights, the music, the whole production is fantastic, and in my opinion, one of the best you know, in the Upper Peninsula,” said Bradford.
As with any large event like the ball drop, extra police will be on duty both on foot and on the roads.
“We are going to have officers specifically assigned to that downtown area for the ball drop, and we’ll also have officers specifically assigned to traffic enforcement, said Detective Chris Aldrich of The Marquette Police Department.
The police also encourage the use of a designated driver if alcohol is involved. For more information, including a map of where to park, and social district rules, please visit The DDA’s website downtownmarquette.org
