One minute before midnight on Sunday, blue eagles began their ascent to the top of the ABC Tamaqua High Rise, Schuylkill County’s tallest building, illuminating a large 2024 sign to herald a new year. The annual spectacle kicked off cheers, church bells and brief fireworks. Also included was a live simulcast to Times Square, New York City. The event drew nearly 300, most of whom turned out just minutes before the countdown. It was sponsored by M & S Hardware. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS