The fifth annual event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1230 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 33 Le Count Place in New Rochelle. The Times Square-inspired celebration includes face painting, arts and crafts, kiddy rides, clowns, dancing, a martial arts demonstration, photos, games and snacks.
The event culminates with the release of 3,000 balloons in the atrium at noon. The event is free, but space is limited. Families need to register and download their family pass for the event beforehand at http://www.newrochelledowntown.com or by calling New Roc City at 914-637-7575.
CB Richard Ellis took over management of New Roc City approximately five years ago, and worked with Harquin Creative Group to create a new signature event to brand and bring more positive awareness of the entertainment center.
“We recommended a daytime New Year's celebration event to focus on the untapped target audience of young families,’’ said Sherry Bruck, Harquin's creative director and a New Rochelle resident. “We reached out to the New Roc tenants and community partners to collaborate and every year we expand on that. The whole goal is giving families fun, safe activities for kids culminating in a group countdown and exciting balloon release. It lasts for a couple of hours and then everyone can head home for their evening celebration feeling satisfied and happy.”
Ring in the New Year at Noon is being held in association with the New Rochelle Business Improvement District and New Rochelle Parks and Rec. Participating tenants and community partners are FUNFUZION Games and Rides, Monroe College, Applebee’s, Premier Martial Arts, Modell’s Sporting Goods, Buffalo Wild Wings, Regal IMAX Theater, Planet Fitness, Gamestop, LAZ Parking, and Stop & Shop.
New this year is Marriott Residence Inn, Super Soccer Stars and New Rochelle Youth Hockey. The sponsors help provide children with fun activities and a backpack filled with free snacks, prizes and more.
Michael Getlan of FUNFUZION said up to 25 employees support the event. “They’ll work as facilitators and entertainers,’’ Getlan said. “The employees enjoy seeing the children having a good time. We want everyone to have a good time. It’s a way for younger children to experience a safe New Year’s without having to stay up until midnight. We enjoy being a part of it.”
Bruck said the event has grown in popularity over the years, with more than 1,200 people attending the event in 2013. “It’s a great alternative for young families,’’ Bruck said. “The parents have a defined amount of time during the day to celebrate the New Year with the kids. It’s a chance for young families to make their own New Year’s memories.”