The big ball of steel lights dropped on time, the lucky ones shared a kiss and Royal Oak brought in 2011 Friday night with success, safety and style.

About 12,000 people gathered in and around Sixth Street and Washington Avenue to watch a free rock concert, enjoy family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts and ice table hockey, and of course, watch the 1,300 pound-ball drop at the stroke of midnight in true New York-style fashion. The crowd estimate was provided to the Royal Oak Police Department by event sponsor Citadel Broadcasting.

Royal Oak Police reported a busy night but no major incidents and fewer than a dozen arrests.

The event also served as a business boon. As early as 7 p.m., several restaurants and bars from Washington Avenue to Main Street reported that all reservations had been made well in advance and that fire codes would have to be heavily enforced to keep a safe environment.

New Year's Eve celebrants jammed in and waited in long lines at bars and restaurants all over downtown, including Mr. B's Pub, The Fifth, Lily's Seafood Grill & Brewery, Pronto's, Gusoline Alley and Sangria. Dozens of taxis and limos lined the streets, dropping off and picking up revelers all night long.

"We're 1,000 percent booked," said Chris Funaro, managing partner at BlackFinn, 530 S. Main St. "No incidents or accidents, just a real mature, peaceful crowd. We don't want to kick anyone out, but we have a specific capacity that we have to follow and we're going to follow it tonight."

Indeed, crowds stayed safe well into the night, although many residents complained some businesses seemed to ignore the state smoking ban passed in April.

"It's kinda cool," said Megan McNichol of Holland, who added that she is not in favor of the smoking ban. "I figure it has to be the biggest bar night of the year and it seems like almost everywhere we go, we can do it. It's almost like a protest."

Royal Oak Deputy Police Chief Corrigan O'Donahue said there were no major incidents at Rockin' the Eve. Police confirmed one man was arrested at the event for disorderly conduct (public intoxication), but no other arrests were made until after the ball dropped at midnight.

From there, Sgt. Al Carter reported it was "a very busy night" for police. Carter reported a total of nine arrests – two for operating while intoxicated and seven for disorderly conduct of different varieties.

"We're happy that 12,000 people came and peacefully had a great time," Carter said. "It was a very busy night after that, but generally I think the night was a big success for Royal Oak."

Royal Oak seemed to distinguish itself as not only a capable host for its residents, but also a destination for Metro Detroiters and even out-of-towners. Anthony Loewen of Tempe, AZ, said he was visiting family in Southfield for the holidays and decided to hit Royal Oak for the New Year's Eve concert.

"I'm just kinda shocked, to be honest with you," he said. "I grew up in this area, left in the '90s and I never would have imagined seeing such big business and a big concert here downtown. I mean, I used to be an arts kid here and clown around at (Oakland Community College's Royal Oak campus) and to come here and see families and young people, it's so great."

The balmy but rainy weather was a concern leading up to the event, but the major rain held off until after midnight.

"We weren't really expecting the weather to hold up the way that it has," Freda Efros of Royal Oak said about the mid-50s temperatures and lack of significant rain during the event, which ran counter to the National Weather Service's forecast for thunderstorms.

"We usually stay home on New Year's Eve. But tonight, we were able to bring the kids and they're having a great time. The music is great and the arts and crafts are terrific."

Creative Arts Studio, 114 W. Fourth St., sponsored the south tent at the event, which offered free ceramic figurines with acrylic paint, much to the delight of many children who went inside. They did arts and crafts, drank hot chocolate and played ice table hockey, which melted as temperatures remained well above freezing throughout the evening.

"This is so much fun," said Efros' daughter, Laura, 9, as she painted while watching hockey.

The north tent served in large part as a merchandise area for internationally known bands playing the free concert, including the Gin Blossoms and Detroit natives the Romantics.

"I'm actually kind of surprised. There are a lot of big fans here of both bands," said Liz Wright of Hazel Park. Wright worked at the merchandise table in the north tent for event sponsors 96.3, WDVD-FM and 93.1, DOUG-FM. "I can be diplomatic and say that, but it's true. People know all the words to the songs."

Liz Capers, 36, of Royal Oak, said she enjoyed the opportunity to be able to relax and socialize with neighbors and friends inside the tents. "I like the Romantics OK, but I'm here for the Gin Blossoms. It's so weird to me that Royal Oak is hosting these bands outside for everyone to see for free, but it's cool. It makes us feel like more of a community."