The Times Square ball drop on NYE has another surprise

Audiences will experience new additions to the iconic Times Square ball drop on New Year’s Eve, reports Good Morning America.

Revelers will be treated to a shower of red, white, and blue confetti, accompanied by the rendition of America the Beautiful by the late Ray Charles, to usher in America’s 250th anniversary.

The festivities won’t stop in January; it will be a year-long celebration.

In a rare move, Times Square will host a second ceremonial ball drop on July 3 to honor Independence Day.

America250, a nonpartisan organization, is tasked with coordinating local and national events to reflect on two-and-a-half centuries of American history.

The celebrations are estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million.

US taxpayers will bear most of the expense, though top sponsors include Oracle, Amazon, Coinbase, Lockheed Martin, and Palantir.