PRESCOTT, Ariz.—It wasn’t the big ball dropping in Times Square, but the effect was just as spectacular in downtown Prescott, Arizona, on New Year’s Eve.
The year 2022 got the boot, so to speak, as revelers by the hundreds rang in 2023 with the annual New Year’s Eve Whiskey Row Boot Drop.
It’s been a regional tradition for the past dozen years.
Following the customary 10-second countdown, the 6-foot illuminated cowboy boot slowly descended from The Palace building flagpole against fireworks and cheering crowds at midnight.
Goodbye, 2022!
Hello to all the “endless possibilities” in 2023, said Amber Cerio of Glendale, Arizona.
“You know what? Life is full of possibilities. Don’t let negativity take away joy,” said Cerio, watching the crowd with her husband Gavin wearing a smile and a Stevie Nicks top hat.
“There’s always fear, but comparing [anything] is the thief of joy.”
And that’s true with any year, she said.
“You never know what’s going to get thrown at you.”
Donning a cowboy hat, Gavin Cerio said he was feeling “pretty good” about the new year despite all the trouble in the world.
The key is staying positive, he said.
“The real thing in life is meeting positive people that the news doesn’t tell you about,” he told The Epoch Times.
“It’s tough to live in this world. A little tough with who’s in charge right now. I’m going in optimistic and trying to stay positive about it.”
Gavin Cerio also feels good about his business, fixing cell phones, and is feeling pumped about his New Year’s resolution.
“This is the year I’m going to quit smoking. Been smoking a long time, dude.”
Amber Cerio said her general advice for 2023 is remembering: “You are in control of your destiny. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“Appreciate the little things.”
Jonathan St. Burgh said he and his wife and three young sons drove from Southern California to be with family in Arizona for the holidays.
“We’re extremely hopeful and excited about 2023,” St. Burgh said. “The kids are growing and getting back into school. Baseball season.”
“We lean a lot on our faith. It doesn’t matter what season it is—we’re always extremely hopeful.”
Through faith, there’s no reason to be fearful or anxious, St. Burgh told The Epoch Times. And his New Year resolve is to be the best at his new job as a Los Angeles Police K9 officer.
St. Burgh acknowledged it’s not a good time to be in law enforcement, “but I feel like you can’t get discouraged.”
“I feel it’s a small percentage of the people who have the loudest voice sometimes. I feel like a small percentage doesn’t like the police, wants to defund them, and doesn’t trust them.
“A large majority across America is pro-police and loves law enforcement. I try to focus on that.”
Tammie Vilchrist of Prescott said she resolves to improve her health in 2023, live a better life, and “make sure my family is well off.”
Though she still misses her mom, who’s “up there, looking over me,” her vision in 2023 is to “make a better world, where people love each other and get along.”
Her sister, Virginia Leckliter, said she has no fears about the uncertain year ahead.
“None at all. I’m thankful we’re going into 2023,” she said.
In the waning hours of 2022, street magician Captain S. Rokk worked his card magic in pirate costume from a small table on the sidewalk.
His resolution for 2023 is not to lose sight of what’s essential in life, which is keeping your eyes fixed on success.
“I’m a street performer. I make my way with my wits and magic. You need to stay positive and focused,” Rokk said.
