Thousands of area residents flocked to Aggieville Monday night to help ring in the new year with the help of a little apple and some very special guests. In an event that some would say comes close to rivaling the one held in the Big Apple, Manhattan brought in the new year with music, fireworks, and an impressive laser show. The evening started with DJ Stix warming up the crowd before giving way to Reckless Rebellion, a country music band playing for the first time at the event.
As it got closer and closer to midnight, the evening’s host, B104.7’s own Megan came out to fire up the crowd to get them ready for the countdown , as well as to thank the many sponsors that made the event possible. She then introduced the night’s special guest, Kansas State University men’s basketball coach Bruce Weber and his family. Coach Weber’s daughter had the special honor of changing the street sign in front of Varney’s from Moro to Broadway for the night. Not long after, the countdown commenced, and Coach Weber pushed the button that started the apple on its descent. As the clock struck midnight, the crowd erupted in cheers and the fireworks show started.
Despite the less than ideal weather, there were thousands of people attending and event coordinator Evan Tuttle stated that the snow actually added a special effect to the laser show, as well as the fireworks display.
