Fireworks go off as people gather in West Market Square in downtown Bangor for the city's annual beach ball drop to welcome the new year. Credit: Kim Higgins | BDN

People packed West Market Square in downtown Bangor on Saturday night to welcome the new year with a distinctly Queen City tradition: the launch of a beach ball from the roof of Paddy Murphy’s.

BDN freelancer Kim Higgins captured the moment.

Michael Moscone and Meghan Crosby take a selfie in front of the 2023 sign in West Market Square in downtown Bangor as they celebrate the new year on Saturday night. BDN photo by Kim Higgins.
People celebrating the new year gather in West Market Square in downtown Bangor to witness the annual drop of the beach ball from the top of Paddy Murphy’s. BDN photo by Kim Higgins.