Giant 2018 numbers arrive in Times Square for New Year's Eve

Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Workers delivered a giant "18" to Times Square in New York, which will be used to ring in the new year at the annual ball drop ceremony.

The two 7-foot-tall lighted numbers were unloaded from a flatbed truck on 46th Street and Broadway on Wednesday, days before they will complete the "2018" sign that accompanies the New Year's Eve Times Square Ball.

Not all of the bulbs on the "8" were working properly during a Wednesday morning test about two weeks before its New Year's Eve debut.

"This is why we bring the numerals in early," Jeff Strauss with Countdown Entertainment said. "I promise you by Dec. 31 everything will be perfect."

Passersby stopped to pose for photos with the towering numbers before they will be hoisted up to shine alongside the Times Square Ball at midnight on New Year's Eve.

The 12-foot diameter ball weighs 11,875 pounds and is covered with 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles. It was first used to herald in the New Year on Dec. 31, 1907.

New Yorkers and tourists alike also tacked pieces of confetti with their New Year's wishes written on them to the New Year's Eve Wishing Wall.

The paper wishes will be added to the confetti that will float down to Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve along with wishes from around the world submitted online.