2014 New Year's Trivia Challenge


The Babylonians were the first society to observe New Year's Day around 4,000 years ago. Back then, the holiday was celebrated at the beginning of spring instead of mid-winter. And it wasn't "one night only" but festivities lasting eleven days!

Here are a few more trivia tidbits to help you ring in the New Year with a little history.

1. When was the first Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop?

a. 1907
b. 1934
c. 1940
d. 1952

ANSWER: The first ball drop was organized by Adolph Ochs, the owner of The New York Times, and held on December 31, 1907. The ball itself was designed by Artkraft Strauss, and the ball drop has been held every year since, except for 1942 and 1943 due to wartime blackouts.

2. Between 1903 and 1915, what was the main New Year's Day event at Rose Bowl Stadium?

a. Football
b. Soccer
c. Chariot Races
d. Sprint Running

ANSWER: In an effort to enhance New Year's Day activities, the Tournament of Roses Association decided to add a football game in 1902. The first game was Stanford University vs. University of Michigan. After Stanford lost to Michigan 49-0, the Tournament replaced football with Roman-style chariot races. Football didn't return until 1916.

3. Which of the following is NOT in the top three favorite destinations for ringing in the New Year in the United States?

a. Las Vegas
b. Disney World
c. New York City
d. Seattle

ANSWER: The top three New Year's destinations are Las Vegas, Disney World, and New York City. Seattle is actually number five, just behind Los Angeles.

Wishing you a very happy New Year!

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