"I look forward to joining thousands of citizens and visitors to shine a spotlight on our city as we bring in 2013,"
said Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
Once the fleur de lis drops, a 6' high by 4' wide "New Year" board will light up with two hundred 25-watt clear bulbs announcing the official arrival of the New Year. The now famous 6' tall "Baby New Year," wearing a purple and gold diaper, will again be perched on the corner of the JAX rooftop for all to see.
Baby New Year
Image Courtesy of Frank Stansbury
"Baby New Year" first appeared in 2000. It survived Hurricane Katrina and was found floating in the Barth Brothers' den. With a Styrofoam center, "Baby New Year" still wears his Saints helmet, added in 2010 when the New Orleans team won the Super Bowl. This year, an LSU and a Hornets flag will flank each side of the baby, along with other special surprises that showcase the spirit of New Orleans.
"There is no better time to live in and visit New Orleans,"
said Mark Romig, President and CEO of NOTMC.
"From this iconic celebration, we move on to the Sugar Bowl, Super Bowl XLVII, Mardi Gras, the NCAA Women's Final Four and festivals literally every weekend in 2013."
Simulcast live on Magic 101.9 FM and WWL AM and FM and WWL.com, the NOLA New Year's Eve celebration will be enjoyed in more than 38 states across the U.S. and on the worldwide web. At the stroke of midnight, the fireworks display will illuminate the sky and be choreographed to soulful New Orleans music. Also included will be the fight songs of visiting Sugar Bowl teams from Florida and Louisville. As the fight songs play, the sky will light up in the teams' colors.
"While the Crescent City Countdown Club preserves this great New Orleans tradition, it cannot produce it without community support," said Adrienne Thomas, treasurer of the CCCC. "Without sponsorships from dedicated community businesses, there could be no New Year's Eve celebration here."