There were whistles and cheers, dancing and "Happy New Year" wishes heard in downtown Prescott on New Year's Eve, as the first ever 'Boot Drop' was held from the roof of the Palace Restaurant and Saloon.

At least a couple of thousand people joined the street party, celebrating the coming New Year and cheering when the boot dropped and lit up. Folks were dancing to music, emcee'd by Liza Lachapelle Dandos. While inside the Palace, the band Six Feet provided live entertainment from the band Six Feet.

Donna Werking, an associate at Helken and Horn Advertising, joined owner Tracey Horn in pulling off this event. Werking explained how it came about, " Tracey and I have been working on this since this summer, actually. We kind of put the pieces together, and brought the right people in, found sponsors and we've got a wonderful turnout tonight."

When asked if she were surprised at the turnout, Werking replied, "Absolutely. You know, it's a first time event, and it's hard to predict whether you're going to get 5 people here, or five thousand. Probably an estimate of 2000 tonight, more than what we expected."

Asked if she expected to repeat the event next year, Werking answered confidently, "Absolutely, and I think we're going to go bigger and better, actually."

As for the inquiry regarding how Helken and Horn managed to arrange the weather, which rang in at a chilly 35º, but not bitterly cold; Werking just laughed and said they were thankful for the weather, but she didn't give away any company secrets.

So, Whiskey Row was the happening place, to be yet once again, starting the new year off in Prescott style – with dropping boots, lots of music, dancing and hints of 'Auld Lang Syne' in the air, all indications are that 2012 is going to be a pretty great year.

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Lights were lit all over the downtown Courthouse square and Whiskey Row for the Boot Drop. Click on a thumbnail to see larger photos.