Big gun seeks top bidder for New Year’s blast

Now here's an unusual way to welcome the New Year with a bang.

The Battleship New Jersey Museum has launched an online auction for the chance to fire one of its 5-inch guns when the clock strikes 12 Thursday night.

The blast also will signal the start of the annual fireworks display on the Delaware River.

The port side gun is on side of the ship facing Philadelphia, but Battleship officials promise they will not be using live ammo.

The winning bid must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. tomorrow through http://battleshipnewjersey.cmarket.com

The World War II era warship will be open for viewing both New Year's Eve firework displays at 6 p.m. and mindght. For more information visit http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/