NEW YORK, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- New York officials prepared for the annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square by testing confetti to ensure it falls "in the proper, happy way."

New York's WABC-TV reported Sunday that Times Square Alliance members tested confetti this weekend as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and successful New Year's Eve bash.

"Part of it is serious. We have to make sure that it is fire retardant and flame retardant, which it is," alliance member Tim Tompkins said of Saturday's testing. "But part of it is also, you know, throwing it out the window, and making sure that it falls in the proper, happy way."

For tourists in the area during the unusual holiday testing, the shower of confetti serves as a welcome addition to their visit to the Big Apple.

"Today we're down here for circus," tourist Jim Shackelton told WABC-TV. "And we got this, so we're all happy."