PHOTOS: Miami's Big Orange Turns 25 And Gets A Makeover

PHOTOS: Miami's Big Orange Turns 25 With A Wink

Miami is making sure it can get it up on New Year's Eve. Today crews tested the Big Orange, the 35-foot fruit that will travel 400 feet up the side of the InterContinental Hotel on Saturday. Big Orange, dubbed Mr. Neon and sporting a new animated winking face, is turning 25 this year.

South Florida news stations gathered around the 4,000-pound orange this afternoon for the trial run.

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said he hopes the downtown celebration will be a New Year's Eve destination like Times Square. And Cornelia “Corky” Dozier, executive director of the Greater Miami Host Committee, held a press conference announcing this year's theme, "Booyah, Bulla, Booyaka," a Spanish-Caribbean phrase for ‘Make Noise.’ We're sure Miami can oblige.

According to the City of Miami press release, the New Year's Eve party starts at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Big Orange will rise slowly to the top of the InterContinental Hotel, reaching the peak at midnight. Then barges of fireworks will light up the Miami skyline.

Musical performances include Redbull Soundclash featuring a match-up between Ludacris and Mike Posner. The City of Miami's New Year's Eve celebration is free.

Before You Go

Miami Tests New Year's Eve "Orange Ball"

Big Orange Turns 25

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