Downtown cleaned after New Year's party

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - By 10 a.m., city crews had the downtown area surrounding Rosa Parks Circle cleaned up from a night of revelers who celebrated the New Year watching the first-ever ball drop during New Years On The Grand.

An overflow crowd of thousands jammed Rosa Parks Circle to listen to the music of Darryl Worley, the Plain White T's and Just Jake, and to watch a specially-built ball drop from 200 feet.

Event sponsor Citadel Broadcasting estimated more than 20,000 people attended the event. Promotions director Marcus Bradman said they'd begin planning for next year's celebration immediately.

The first New Years On The Grand was put together in just over three months. Bradman believes they'll get a better start for next year by planning right away. Lining up the musical acts is the toughest part, he said.

Police are investigating an incident where a stray bullet struck a person in the chest just after midnight. Authorities believe the bullet was shot into the air to celebrate the New Year. It came down and hit a person in the chest, but caused only minor injuries.

The search continues for the person who fired the gun.

24 Hour News 8 will have more information as it develops.