Yes, Sacramento offered the only New Year's Eve ball drop West of the Mississippi. And, in classic Sacramento style, the city was ill-prepared for the turnout. Expecting 4,000 to 5,000 people, they underestimated the draw of a free event, and found themselves facing around 15,000 to 20,000 people.
Oh it was packed. Like being front row in a rock concert, people were crammed shoulder-to-shoulder, with frustrations beginning to flare. Local reporters struggled to exit their trucks before live shots, as people were being smashed against the doors. They could also be found on the roofs and windshields of the trucks. Oh yes, it got cozy.
Had there been a shooting, fire, stabbing or any other occurrence that has become synonymous with Sacramento crowds, it would have been ugly. Fortunately things went well, the ball dropped, and 2009 began with nothing more than a few stepped-on toes and a sigh of relief once the crowd began to disperse.
Hopefully this event will be thought through a little better next year.Welcome to the new year! I got me a good feelin' about this one.
Let the adventures begin.
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