Outgoing United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will press the fabled Waterford Crystal button Saturday to start the New Year’s Eve ball drop in New York City’s Times Square.
The button launches a 60-second countdown to the new year.
Assuming no international emergencies arise between 11:59 p.m. and midnight, it will be his last act as secretary general — Ban’s 10-year term ends with 2016. Portugal’s António Guterres will take over on Jan. 1.
{mosads}
The Times Square festivities will also include a video message from first lady Michelle Obama and performances by Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan and Silentó.
The FYI television network will also host a Times Square edition of its upcoming dating series “Kiss Bang Love,” in which contestants choose potential matches through blindfolded kissing.