As the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, Trev Heining keeps a watchful eye on the digital display under the iconic Waterford crystal ball in Times Square. A palpable excitement builds in the atmosphere as the crowd joins in for the countdown.
“…5, 4, 3, 2, 1…”
With the midnight hour reached, fireworks burst into the sky and the familiar strains of “Auld Lang Syne” resonate through the streets. Heining, known as the “King of Confetti,” swiftly relays a message over the radio: “Go Confetti!” He leads a team of over 100 volunteers positioned across multiple buildings in the area.
As throngs of people celebrate, some embracing strangers, Heining and his team lift massive fistfuls of confetti into the air. The 2-inch square pieces create a vivid, swirling spectacle, transforming Midtown into a colorful winter wonderland that captivates revelers below.
Turning 72 on January 18, Heining is in his 30th year directing this beloved New Year’s tradition, and he insists that the thrill never fades.
“Every year, when midnight strikes, I can’t help but cry. It’s just so emotional and beautiful,” Heining shared during a recent video call from Glasshouse Balloon Co., his California-based business.
“My grandkids gifted me a shirt that says ‘Cry Baby’—because I do…” he confessed, his voice catching slightly. “I guess I wear my heart on my sleeve.”
With his vibrant red glasses and engaging demeanor, Heining has been a familiar figure in Times Square, known for his pioneering balloon initiatives since 1979. His excitement and routine remain consistent, from conducting orientation for new volunteers to managing the frenetic moments just before midnight.
“At 11:50, I’m racing around with my walkie-talkie, and, honestly, the nerves are intense—that part never changes,” he remarked. “It’s such an honor to do this work, knowing it reaches so many people worldwide.”
Heining has come a long way from his teenage years selling balloons at Disneyland. After college, he ventured into the food industry, but soon returned to balloons, partnering with a close friend to launch his own business. Since then, his team has executed dramatic balloon drops and displays at Super Bowls, Olympic Games, and major political conventions.
Every New Year’s Eve, they release over 3,000 pounds of confetti—packed into 75 boxes—from venues that include the Marriott Hotel and the Minskoff Theater. Each tiny piece carries handwritten wishes from around the world, collected from Times Square’s Wishing Wall, where writers express hopes on everything from love to health.
One message, in particular, struck Heining deeply: “I hope my mother’s cancer goes away,” a sentiment that stuck with him.
During the event, Heining often connects with volunteers from across the globe, each bringing their unique backgrounds to the celebration.
Reflecting on a memorable encounter from a couple of years ago, he recalls meeting a family visiting from Germany who had no plans for New Year’s. He invited them to join his team, and they eagerly accepted.
“They experienced the confetti drop, which was as spectacular as ever,” he reminisced warmly. “And then the mother, dressed beautifully, embraced me tightly and whispered, ‘This is the best New Year of my life.’“
It’s moments like these that leave a lasting impact on Heining. “It’s hard to convey how much these experiences mean,” he expressed. “They stay with you forever.”
