The ball drop as a public-private partnership Jenkintown, Pa.: I am an enthusiast of gender reveal parties and the annual New Year’s celebration in Manhattan, and I have observed a growing trend: More people are choosing to host their gender reveal parties in Times Square. These events typically involve a countdown before popping a balloon or blasting confetti or powder cannons, much like our beloved New Year’s Eve tradition. Imagine this: building suspense not just with a countdown but also with the descent of the famous ball, culminating in an explosion of pink or blue light (and rice paper confetti)...