CLARKSBURG — The crowd at the city’s first New Year’s Eve celebration in Jackson Square exceeded expectations.

There were around 700-800 people on hand the hour before the ball dropped at midnight, according to estimates from Mayor Patsy Trecost and Councilman Gary Bowden.

“It was filled up pretty much from one end to the other,” Bowden said of the lower parking lot at Jackson Square.

“There were a lot more people than we expected,” Trecost said.

“Personally, I believed we could get to 500 people,” Bowden said.

Musicians began playing at 7:30 p.m., and vendors sold food and drinks.

The size of the crowd changed when different musical groups played or when more people came to eat, according to Trecost.

People came from outside counties, according to Trecost, listing Doddridge, Taylor and Marion.

The party was for Harrison County “and West Virginians just sharing each other’s companies,” he said.

“People want good, clean fun,” Trecost said.

Folks joined the 10-second countdown before midnight when a mirror ball was lowered from 100 feet, courtesy of a Clarksburg fire truck.

Christian music artist John Angotti sang “Auld Lang Syne,” and there was a chance to hug or kiss a person standing nearby, according to Trecost.

“New Year’s is about letting go of the old,” Trecost said. “It’s a new start for everyone who wishes to seek it.”

Trecost prayed that the weather would be good, and reported that it was: “Cold, but not too cold,” and no precipitation.

“We couldn’t control that,” he said, giving thanks to God.

People at the event told Bowden they liked it. More positive comments came later by email and Facebook.

“I’m delighted that it was a success,” Bowden said.

City Council wants downtown Clarksburg to be reinvigorated.

Among the things that could help, Bowden listed more area events.

“Last night is just one kind of piece on that chess board to see if we can revive our downtown community,” he said.

Otherwise, many local residents just sit at home and watch the crowd in Times Square on television, according to Bowden.

“That’s no fun,” he said. “Let’s go out and have our own.”

“I think that we’ve laid a very nice foundation,” Trecost said.

By having events there, officials learn how to make them better, according to the mayor.

“We just know it can continue to grow,” he said.

Staff writer Leslie Moses can be reached at (304) 626-1405 or by email at lmoses@exponent-telegram.com