Good Riddance to 2009

Some years are more difficult than others to watch pass. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass, 2009.

From bailouts to all-time unemployment highs to H1N1, the final act of the aughts has been less than charming. Surely there is much to say "good riddance" to.

Yesterday, we told you about Good Riddance Day, the Times Square Alliance's pre-party of sorts leading up to Thursday's epic Times Square New Year's Eve bash. On Monday, New Yorkers had a chance for the third year in a row to say adios to those not-so-shining moments of the year.

Tonic caught up with Lori Raimondo, founder event and VP of Marketing for The Times Square Alliance for some inside info.

Raimondo wanted the city to help people cleanse themselves. "We’ve been dropping the ball for over 100 years. People think of the New Year as a celebration, but it’s also about reflection. You look at the past year and you think about the good things that happen, but you also think 'phew, glad that’s over. Ready to start the year with a clean slate.'" About 200 people showed up Dec. 28, 2009, to do just that.

Participants need only bring their baggage, and anything goes: pink slips, second jobs, photos of ex-lovers, a passion for fried food, the horror of chemo treatment, bad haircuts, being single, being married. The Alliance provides a shredder, a dumpster and a sledgehammer at Broadway Plaza for the pulverizing of 2009’s worst moments.

Not surprisingly, each year reflects a theme. Last year many giddily bid George W. Bush and some other politicians farewell. As suspected, Raimondo confirms that this year's largely come down to the economy.

"A lot of people want to say good riddance to a lot of things due to the recession. Being unemployed, losing a job, or finding the positive things of losing a job and saying goodbye to that … 'Financial analysis — at least I don’t have to have to do that anymore.'"

Among other common grievances: love. Raimondo says, "We got a lot of ex-boyfriends — a lot of names were thrown into that shredder. We did have some ex-girlfriends, but it was mostly boyfriends." On a more serious note, people wish to be rid of illness, be it their own or a loved one’s.

Every year a prize is awarded for the most creative (read: bizarre). Last year a guy brought a bunch of lonely socks, you know, the ones without partners. Not a bad idea actually. But, if there were ever really something to say good riddance to, it would be this year’s winner. It involves 12-year-old Alissa Yankelevits (pictured at left) and America’s Most Wanted. What did she shred and what did she win? Click here if you haven't already.

For all you eco-friendly readers wondering right about now, "What do they do with all this shredded, crushed paper!?” Fear not. Raimondo assures that everything gets recycled, and that next year they might even do one better: use the shredded paper for the following year’s confetti. If you're suddenly feeling bummed about not owning a paper shredder, don't. Although the in-person event is over, the Alliance will continue to shred 2009's garbage to the year's end. Email the things you'd like to leave in the past. Shred it, 2009; we're ready for 2010.

For those who want the full behind-the-scenes action New Year's Eve Times Square experience (without having to actually go to Times Square) check out the Alliance's Official New Year's Eve Worldwide Webcast.

Photos courtesy Times Square Alliance