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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today kicked off the official countdown to Times Square 2000 -- the Millennium Celebration at the Crossroads of the World -- by conducting a 1,000 piece marching band during a free outdoor concert in Times Square.
"For almost a century Times Square has been the soul of all of New Year's Eve celebrations, and with the Millennium approaching, it is only fitting that the festivities begin here in Times Square -- the heart of New York City -- in the Capital of the World," said Mayor Giuliani. "
Today's millennium extravaganza marked the 1,000-day countdown to Times Square 2000 -- the global celebration that will take place in Times Square to celebrate the turn of the century.
The 1,000 member band, made up of high school and professional bands throughout the tri-state area, performed six selections, concluding with "The Stars and Stripes Forever," conducted by Mayor Giuliani.