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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- More than 15,000 people braved a chilly New Year's Eve, but were quickly warmed by music, dancing and fireworks at Renaissance Square.
White Plains Mayor Tom Roach gave the final countdown to midnight at the second largest celebration of 2015 in New York state after Times Square.
An 8-foot-wide illuminated ball was lowered and confetti scattered before a brilliant display of fireworks was launched behind Macy's.
Downtown bars and restaurants benefited from Wednesday evening's arrival of spectators. "You all get a gold star for coming out so early,'' Roach told the crowd shortly after 10 p.m.
The temperature hovered near freezing, but the wind chill brought it down to 20 degrees.
The corner of Main and Court streets was jam-packed by 11:45 p.m., but the crowd remained peaceful.
About 50 pounds of multicolored confetti was shot from the ball -- illuminated by 10,000 white LED lights -- as it was lowered about 150 feet with a crane starting at 11:58 p.m.
Warming up the audience for the two hours leading up to the New Year was a DJ named "Don't Stop the Music,'' and lively tunes from the rock band AM Gold.
Starbucks was doing a brisk business, with a line of people wrapped around the block.
The first White Plains drop was 13 years ago, and featured a 4-foot-wide ball with red, white and blue lights.
Roach said plans already are under way for next year, since that marks the city's 100th anniversary.
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