White Plains CitizeNetReporter - Over 1,500 Ring In 2003 in the New White Plains Downtown.

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS NIGHTLIFE. By John F. Bailey. January 1, 2003: A festive throng of residents from all walks of life and nationalities milled on Mamaroneck Avenue between Martine Avenue and Main Street New Year's Eve to enjoy White Plains 2nd Annual Ball Drop, sponsored by the White Plains BID. Public Safety Commissioner Frank Straub, on the scene, estimated the well-behaved revelers of young persons and families at over 1,500 persons.

"5-4-3-2-1 HAPPY NEW YEAR: Ball Drops at Fountain Plaza. Residents heard Mayor Joseph Delfino proclaim White Plains was undergoing a Renaissance and thanked them all for coming that they “were a great part of it.” The ball is shown at the instant it dropped as 2002 became 2003. It was lowered from the top of a White Plains Fire Department Hook and Ladder truck.
Photo by WPCNR News

Over 100 persons filled the Mayor’s New Year's Eve Gala held at the Westchester Arts Council on the corner of Mamaroneck and Martine Avenue. The highlight of that affair was the surprise that the Spendid Coffee Shop impresario, Gus Manessis sprang on Kathleen Gunn, Executive Director of the BID.

PERSONAL FIREWORKS! WHITE PLAINS NEW POWER COUPLE GET ENGAGED: During the ceremonies at the dinner dance, when the Mayor was introducing city personalities, Manessis, a member of the White Plains Business Improvement District, asked to say a few words. He told the partiers that he had been going out with Kathleen Gunn for two years, and he reached into his pocket. The crowd “oooed and ahhed,” and Mr. Manessis asked Ms. Gunn to marry him on stage. Eyewitnesses said Ms. Gunn burst into tears, and the answer was “Yes.” Here Ms. Gunn and Mr. Manessis pose for their first picture as an item.
Photo by WPCNR

The Second Annual White Plains Ball drop attracted about triple last year’s crowd, filling ¾ of Mamaroneck Avenue between Martine and Main Street, and extending slightly past Martine Avenue.

George Gretsas, the Executive Officer of the city, said he expected The Ball Drop to grow even bigger next year.

BOOMING IN THE DOWNTOWN: Those who came out on the balmy 50 degree evening saw an explosive show at the Fountain Plaza at Main Street and Mamaroneck after the red, white and blue ball descended . They were treated to 10 rousing minutes of green and red “pyrotechnics” creating the feel of fireworks using electricity, light and sound effects. The show which looked like fireworks, sounded like fireworks and that everyone thought were fireworks was actually a combination of electric, light and sound effects and what appeared to be low firepower rockets and roman candles. Sparks where reflected dramatically off the glass façade of the Payless Shoes building and the looming façade of the developing City Center on the right.
Photo by WPCNR News

Mushrooming clouds of smoke filled the square creating intriguing reflections. Paul Wood, City Economic Development Officer, said the city hired a company named Lowlevel Pyrotechnic Special Effects to produce the display. He said the city tested the devices Monday evening and were pleased with the results. The display was donated by Cappelli Enterprises, Fortunoff and LCOR.

Low Key Police Presence Handles Festive Crowd.

Police Commissioner Dr. Frank Straub said the police and fire departments staged the extravaganza with about twenty officers, two firetrucks and the hook and Ladder that suspended the White Plains 2003 Red, White and Blue Ball.

A FAMILY AFFAIR: The crowd consisted of families with babies in strollers, young persons, couples young and old. They enjoyed hot chocolate provided by Fortunoff. They spontaneously whistled Auld Lang Syne during lulls in the fireworks, and cheered Mayor Delfino lustily when he introduced the display. Here, an emotional Mayor Delfino thanks folks spontaneously for coming out.
Photo by WPCNR News

Commenting to WPCNR afterward, the Mayor said he never would have believed White Plains would have had such a celebration as this several years ago. He added that he was gratified at seeing so many persons from different races, ages, and backgrounds milling about together. The Mayor was emotionally overcome thanking all for coming, saying “God bless you all. God Bless White Plains and God Bless America,” to close the program.


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