BY JIM KRENCIK
marrent@gnnewspaper.com
The end of 2007 comes with three local celebrations, with ball drops in Lockport and Wilson providing special experiences for those ringing in the new year, no matter what their age.
In Lockport, “Rockin’ the Locks” is in the plans for New Year’s Eve, with the countdown to midnight starting at 10 p.m. in front of the Municipal Building, 1 Locks Plaza. Attendees will be able to ring in 2008 with a performance by the Lakeside Blues Band and food and drink from several vendors.
According to Mayor Michael Tucker, there will be three food vendors at the event, with the award-winning barbecue of Mrs. Ribs and Phat Dog being joined by a yet-to-be-decided vendor.
The forecast for the ball drop calls for temperatures around 30 degrees, with heaters near the stage for the performers.
“It’s a winter event,” Tucker said. “Weather will determine attendance, but you expect that.”
Tucker said he hopes to have upwards of 300 people attend. “Every year it gets bigger and better.”
Over in Wilson, New Year’s Eve will feature two celebratory ball drops, with a traditional celebration at midnight being preceded by an early-bird celebration three hours before 2008 officially starts.
The late-night ball drop will be outside of the Wilson House, 300 Lake St. The event will feature live music and dining, continuing a tradition of nearly 20 years.
While the later celebration has history, the 9 p.m. ball drop has something for younger celebrants. The celebration will be held in the parking lot of the Wilson Fire Co., 250 Young St.
According to Jamie O’Donnell, who, along with several other organizers pushed for the new celebration, the event will allow families to experience a New Year’s celebration in a safe and fun environment. “I wanted to try something for families with kids,” O’Donnell said. “Nobody has ever done this before around here. This can be good.”
The 9 p.m. ball drop will also have a balloon release and hot chocolate being served by Boy Scout Troop 67.
The early ball drop is likely to be one of the only celebrations at that time. The time zone that hits midnight at the same time of the celebration covers only a few sparsely-populated islands in the southern reaches of the Atlantic Ocean.
Following the early event, the ball will move over to the Wilson House In time for the traditional midnight celebration.
