Dropping the ball can be a good thing. It only happens once per year in Dakota County. The ball is three feet in diameter and covered with more than 500 lights. It's all part of the County's 5th annual family-friendly New Year's Eve Party.
If you're looking for people who are having fun as they bring in the New Year, Dakota County is the place to be. The number of people attending the event has increased every year. Last year, more than 700 people attended. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and the ball drops at 7:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31, so get there early. It's held at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center in Eagan.
Parents love the celebration because kids can have fun and bring in the New Year and still get to bed by 9 p.m. Reporters love it because they can get the early story and still have time to enjoy their own celebrations.
Everyone is welcome. Admission is $8 for people who pre-register by Dec. 27 or $10 at the door. Kids age 5 and under are free.
There are some great visuals too: candlelight snowshoeing, hiking, a lit sledding hill, animals from Dakota Live Animals, and folks making s'mores around seven brightly burning bonfires. Hot concession sales, a heated tent, and a peaceful park setting lit with 1,000 candles are just some of what you can expect.