Downtown powered ball celebrates 2013 with first solar

Gary Rhum of Rhum Academy said the music for the night will span from the ‘60s to today’s music with an emphasis on good, solid dance tunes.

“23-10 is full of excitement, and they will really get the place rocking,” he said. “Then the recycled drumming is just full of energy and excitement as well. This is for the community and by the community so get your hats, shakers, and your groove on, and let’s bring the New Year in with gusto.”

Then, in line with the technology aspect, the entire evening will be live broadcasted on the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance website, greaterkokomo.com.

“That will be nice for people who can’t make it out but still want to be in on the action,” Alexander said.

Also, like last year, video shorts will be projected onto the courthouse, showing everything from the mayor’s bike to work day to City of Kokomo commercials to live clips happening during the event.

As always, the night will end with fireworks.

In addition, several downtown businesses will remain open through the evening, including Goblin Games, Sweet Poppins, Drake’s Bar & Grill, Cook McDoogal’s Irish Pub, Planet Mind, Pepperwhistle, and Main Street Café.

“It should be a lot of fun. Don’t just attend; be the show,” Alexander said.

This year’s major sponsor is the Howard County Recycling District. Greater Kokomo Downtown Association also received a grant from the local Wal-Mart store to put on this year’s event.

Downtown Kokomo is ringing in the New Year to the tune of sustainability and technology. With plenty of interactive and themed activities leading up to the state’s first solar panel powered ball drop, organizer Susan Alexander said this is one evening you won’t want to miss.

“This is all about technology and celebrating the creativity of our community while we bring in the New Year,” she said.

The idea for the solar powered ball came from Chris Rohaly of Green Alternatives, Inc., who passed it on to the Kokomo High School TechnoKats who then built the ball.

Rohaly works to install PV solar energy system into houses, and after meeting Alexander, he offered to provide power for other downtown events to show real loads working off of power inverter from the sun. The New Year’s Eve event would be perfect for that kind of demonstration, he thought.

“A winter night is the last time people would think about solar energy, but to us, that’s the perfect time for a real demonstration,” he said.

As always, the ball drop will take place at 11:59 p.m.

While it’s always fun to watch the ball drop, Alexander wanted an event that would allow people to “do” rather than just “see.” So, lots of interactive activities are planned before 2013 comes around.

“I’m always looking for things people can do to participate and be a part of the show rather than just watch the show,” she said.

Back by popular demand is the bubble wrap stomp, an event that was added last year and proved to be well-liked. All ages are invited to stomp on bubble wrap that will line a designated downtown area. The stomping frenzy begins at 10:30 p.m.

Then at 11 p.m., the lighting of the ball takes place, as well as an event in line with the sustainability theme—the recycled hat contest. Participants are invited to create a hat out of household items. The hats must contain items that can be recycled, such as light bulbs, electronics, tires, batteries, plastics, metals, and paper. Winners will be chosen in four categories: best recycled hat, most glamorous hat, ugliest hat, and funniest hat. For the recycled category, the hat must have a dual purpose.

“It can’t just be a head covering. It might be a beverage holder or a lamp or a planter or something else in addition to a hat,” Alexander said. “People get really creative.”

Winners of each category will receive a recycled or environmentally friendly prize, such as a rain barrel or composter.

“Last year we had this lady whose hat went way up high and had an arm that went out and held a fake plastic fern,” she said. “It was very huge and very funny.”

Then at 11:45 p.m., attendees are invited to participate in the recycled drumming circle. Local artists and band members from area schools have been practicing for weeks with Rhum Academy of Music to put on the show that will consist of drumming on recycled objects,grid tie inverter such as trash cans and buckets. To participate, bring an object that can be used as a percussion instrument, such as an old spice holder filled with popcorn. The drumming will lead up to the ball drop.

Rhum Academy has organized the music and performances throughout the night. Hosting the entire event are local artists Nate and Jon from the group 23-10. After leading last year’s flash mob at the New Year’s Eve event, the group was invited back this year as the celebrity hosts.