MANSFIELD — The world is ready to welcome the year 2022 with open arms. And this year, downtown Mansfield is sending the year 2021 out with a bang.
Among a smattering of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Mansfield, the pièce de résistance of the evening is the dropping of a locally-made ball from the Park National Bank building as crowds on the square count the final seconds of the year.
Rick Taylor of Jay Industries and Hudson & Essex was charged with designing the ball. Needless to say, it was the first project of its kind that Taylor had been involved in.
“I thought the idea of trying to have some celebration in downtown Mansfield would be one way to bring more people downtown, it would start a fun tradition, and it would be something different to do in Mansfield on New Year’s,” Taylor said. “I don’t think the city has ever done anything like this.”
Reid Kramer’s talented crew in the fabrication shop at Nanogate donated their time to put it together. Then, Pacific Impressions Inc. Landscaping came in to retrofit the ball with LED lights.
According to Rob Deiss, landscape architect for Pacific Impressions, the finished ball will have a 15-foot diameter and be lit with approximately 4,800 white LED lights, the brightest on the market. A red “2022” will be displayed in the center in a plexiglass box. By comparison, the ball in Times Square has a 12-foot diameter and is lit with 32,256 LED lights.
The ball will be installed Thursday on the platform of the Park National Bank building, where Taylor is a longtime board member. Deiss said the ball will be controlled via remote control, and will only be lit within the hour of the new year.
At midnight, the ball will drop, and a 10-minute fireworks show will begin. These festivities on the square are free to the public.
According to Dave Remy, public works director for the city of Mansfield, N. Park Street will be cloased from 5 p.m. to 1 p.m. for the downtown celebrations. Then, from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. both Main Street and Diamond Street from 2nd to 3rd Street will be closed as added protection during the fireworks display.
Remy also noted that any toasts to the new year must stay indoors or in designated areas.
“While the state has given cities the right to create Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas, Mansfield has not created any,” Remy said. “Alcohol consumption will be confined to establishments and tent areas that might be set up, but people will not be able to walk the streets in the area around the park or anywhere else.”
In the meantime, just across the square, a pre-2022 celebration will be had at Dan Lew Exchange starting at dinnertime.
Those who have reservations at DLX can eat dinner from 6-8 p.m. from two fully-loaded buffets, stuffed with prime rib, roasted salmon, and selections from the cuisine of China Club. Around 9 p.m. the menu will transition into a taco bar supplied by Tito’s Cantina & Grill.
The celebration will also feature several forms of entertainment, with the Jimi Vincent Band in the heated VIP tent at the front of the restaurant, to DJ Tony Mitchell in the Reed’s Room. Karaoke will also take place in the Kobacher Room.
Those wishing to partake in the DLX festivities can make a $100 reservation including access to both buffets, the nacho bar and the VIP tent, a mini bottle of champagne for a midnight toast and party favors. A $50 reservation can be made for dinner only, or for all the festivities after dinner. To make a reservation, call DLX at 419-522-7699.
It’s all part of “Ringin’ The Square 2022,” a partnership between WMFD-TV, the city of Mansfield and DLX. WMFD will televise the ball drop live beginning at 11:30 p.m. on their Facebook page. Organizers hope will become an annual celebration.
Other New Year’s Eve celebrations in Mansfield and beyond include (but aren’t limited to):
• New Year’s Eve Jam! at Hudson & Essex. Stop in for dinner and some drinks New Year’s Eve night and enjoy live music by Jody Odom Jr. in the downstairs winery. The restaurant will operate under normal business hours and close by 10 p.m.
• Rock-in the New Year at The Phoenix Brewing Company. A private NYE event at the Phoenix. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner service beginning at 7 p.m. catered by Gertz Culinary. Live music will begin at 8:30 p.m. and go until 12:30 a.m. from Charles Geil and his Ghost Band. Only a limited number of tickets and seating are available. Your private event ticket includes dinner, live music, and a “Midnight Kiss kit” to share. Champagne for a midnight toast will be served at 11:45 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve Bash with Jessica Hannan at the Back Room. The party starts at 9 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve Party at SC Event Center. Bring your family and friends (21 and older, please), BYOB, and your dancing shoes. Dress however you would like (no birthday suits, please!) and come prepared for music, laughter, and camaraderie. Light snacks will be available throughout the evening, with a champagne toast at midnight.
• BONUS: New Year’s Eve Buffet at The Vault Wine Bar. If Mansfield isn’t your scene, join The Vault for a New Year’s Eve buffet featuring a prime rib carving station. Dinner is $49 a person, including a glass of wine or beer. 10% off for wine club members. Reservations recommended. Call 567-292-9081.
