New Yorkers bid farewell to 2023 at 17th annual Good Riddance Day in Times Square
TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (WABC) -- It might be hard for some to say goodbye to yesterday, but that wasn't the case for the many New Yorkers who said good riddance to 2023 in Times Square Thursday.
The 17th annual Good Riddance Day took place on Broadway Plaza days ahead of the much-anticipated New Year's Eve celebration.
This year's event was organized by the Times Square Alliance and hosted by 'Mean Girl's' actor Jonathan Bennett.
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As it does every Dec. 28, the traditional event offers people the chance to write down all the things they want to leave in the past -- the bad, the ugly, and the even uglier -- so they can be thrown into an incinerator and disappear.
For added measure, a magician was on hand to help make those bad memories disappear into thin air.
Organizers say it's the best way to kick off a new year.
"One of the major themes of New Year's Eve is to reflect on the year past," said TJ Witham, VP of Communication for the Times Square Alliance.
Tamara Litt comes every year, but this year, was particularly difficult.
"My older sister, in her seventh month of pregnancy was diagnosed with cancer," Litt said. "We want to enter 2024 with nothing but good health, happiness and love."
Those who want to write down a wish for 2024 can do so on the wishing wall located in Times Square.
These festivities come as New York City prepares for the big New Year's celebration.
Wednesday saw organizers unveil the first look at the dazzling 2,600-crystal-paneled 2024 Times Square ball, as a throng of revelers are expected to pack the Big Apple's Times Square New Year's Eve celebration.
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