11 months ago
SACRAMENTO - At the corner of 10th and K streets in downtown Sacramento, there is no visual indication that anything extraordinary is about to happen.
But then, very few people have the same scope of vision as Trevor Shults.
"We're really hoping to have an extravagant party," said Shults.
To understand what he's talking about, consider the annual scene of pandemonium at Times Square in New York City. The countdown, the ball drop, the exploding lights. Now, imagine a scaled-down version happening at 10th and K.
Shults said it's going to happen. Sacramento will have a ball drop of its own.
The Paragary Restaurant Group came up with the idea.
"Given the economy at a low, we're hoping people will be staying in town," said Shults, event coordinator for the Paragary Restaurant Group. "Most people usually seek to go outside (Sacramento) for New Year's Eve."
Shults said 10th Street will be blocked off between L and J streets for the party. The ball will be a meter wide, dropping from atop a building on the southwest corner of the 10th and K intersection, lighting up a 2009 sign.
"Now is the time," said Shults. "When we came down here and started our new location on 10th and K (the Cosmopolitan building), we really wanted to make a splash. We didn't come here to fizzle out."
At first, the Paragary Restaurant Group wasn't sure if they'd have the money to put on the event. They began putting out feelers for sponsorship, and before long, had 22 local businesses willing to help out.
Chops Restaurant across from the State Capitol is one of them. Restaurant co-owner Geoff Flynn said making the donation was a no-brainer.
"This was an easy one to jump onboard, because it's a great idea and a great opportunity," said Flynn.
"Everyone in the area responded with great support," said Shults.
He believes this year will be the start of a tradition that will make people think twice before they leave Sacramento on New Year's Eve.
News10/KXTV
