New Year's Eve ball drop — or puck drop? City wants you to decide

The city is going to drop something at the Downtown Plaza on New Year’s Eve — that much is certain. But what should that something be: a ball or a puck?

That’s for you to decide.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie has launched a seven-day poll asking residents to choose between two design options (pictured above).

“We wanted to create excitement in the community for this new tradition,” says Brent Lamming, the city’s director of community services, in a news release issued today.

“Normally a ball drop has been synonymous with New Year's Eve festivities around the world,” he says. “The ball option will be a shimmering sphere branded with City colours. Alternatively, a puck drop offers a fresh twist on the classic tradition that is inspired by our City’s love for hockey.”

Visit saultstemarie.ca to cast your vote. Be sure to also check out our SooToday poll at the bottom of this article.

Below is the full press release from the city.

Sault Ste. Marie, ON (2024 03 18) – As the City prepares for its inaugural New Year’s Eve ball drop, a decision must be made on what will light up the night sky to welcome 2025. Among the two options being considered are a ball drop or a puck drop. The community is now invited to cast their vote on their favourite.

“We wanted to create excitement in the community for this new tradition. Normally a ball drop has been synonymous with New Year's Eve festivities around the world. The ball option will be a shimmering sphere branded with City colours. Alternatively, a puck drop offers a fresh twist on the classic tradition that is inspired by our City's love for hockey. Both options would see either a ball or puck suspended approximately 80 feet in the air above the Downtown Plaza,” states Brent Lamming, Director of Community Services

The icon will be made from locally sourced steel and constructed by the City’s Public Works Department. It will be dropped two times during the evening. Once at 8 p.m. for families with young children and again at midnight for those individuals up later enjoying the celebrations.

To cast your vote, visit saultstemarie.ca.  The poll is open for one week until March 25. Participants can also join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #NYEIcon and share which design is preferred. The City of Sault Ste. Marie thanks GFL Environmental for their continued support and sponsorship of this initiative.