need HELP with a high school prom project PLEASE!!!!!

["rudyeb" <rudyeb@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am making a prop for my sons high school after prom which starts right
after the prom ends and goes to 4:00 AM. This gives the kids an alternative
to getting drunk or in trouble other wise. It's a great program. This year I
have been asked to make the small scale replica of the ball that drops at
Times Square on New Years Eve. I have made the ball and intend to have it go
up and down on a threaded shaft via a linear motor. I need a way to make it
stop at the bottom, wait 2 -3 minutes and then reverse the DC current so the
motor reverses and send the ball back up to the top. When it gets to the top
I need it to wait 2-3 minutes, reverse the polarity to the motor so it goes
down again. I will need this continuous motion of up and down to last the 4
hours of the party. I had found a motor that I thought would work on Ebay
but my PC crashed and I never got to bid on it. I'll hopefully be able to
find another one somewhere. Once I procure the stepper motor and lead screw
I will still need help with the up, down and time delay part of this deal.
Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. They have also asked me
to make a device that they can attach a mock up Planters peanuts can to that
will make the mock-up turn, and tilt so the can will empty out peanuts and
then go back to the upright position. This is to replicate the one that is
now in Times Square. If anyone can help me with that project I would also be
most  appreciative.. Sources for necessary parts would be a Godsend.
Thank you,
Rudy