Times Square New Years Eve 2010 Ball Drop Nears

Times Square on New Years Eve is 2010's first big show. As always, the Time Square New Years Eve event overshadows all the 2010 celebrations, at least in the United States. The ball drop, the hundreds of thousands of people, Dick Clark, and Ryan Seacrest are once again back in action, to send off 2009 in just under five hours. But the Times Square New Years Eve 2010 party also has a ball drop on an entire decade this year.

10 years ago, New Years Rocking Eve brought an end to a year, a decade, a century and a millennium. For the 2010 show, they're just saying goodbye to 2009, and the "Aughts" - and most are saying good riddance. But that negativity likely won't be on display at Times Square tonight.

When the ball drops, it will be for the 101'st time since 1907. Of course, things have changed quite a bit since then, with bigger crowds, bigger means to party, and Dick Clark. Though Ryan Seacrest is now hosting ABC's annual coverage, Clark will still be around for commentary - despite his slurred speech.

This New Years Eve in Times Square comes a day after the area was shut down, for fears of a terrorist bomb. Since the failed Christmas Day plane bombing, security is once again ramped up. That reflects how much things have changed since the last time a decade ended.

Despite added security checks and measures, thousands of revelers have been standing outside all day. Despite icy weather, these people are willing to stand in the cold for hours, just to see the ball drop up close. And despite the difficult year and decade that ends tonight, the crowds are ready to celebrate another fresh new start.

Times Square on New Years Eve 2010 comes after an entire day of celebration around the world. This is really one of the last parties of the year, since 2010 has begun almost everywhere else. Once Samoa hits midnight at 6 am est, 2009 will officially cease to exist. By then, the ball will be dropped and ready to be put away for another year, then the massive Times Square cleanup will begin.