The City of Orillia is getting ready to ring in the new year and is hoping residents will join in the fun.
The annual New Year’s Eve Bash will take place Dec. 31 at Rotary Place, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
The event will include music provided by a DJ, public skating, rock climbing, interactive games, crafts, bouncy castles and face painting. The city is also bringing in a magician this year.
“It’s completely free and it’s family friendly. Anyone is welcome,” said Megan Visser, the city’s recreation program supervisor.
At 7:30 p.m., 1,000 balloons will drop from the ceiling, and they’ll all be biodegradable this year.
“We just want to be more environmentally aware and make smart choices not only for our community but for the world,” Visser said.
The time of the event makes it possible for families to take in the fun and get home in time for the countdown to 2020.
“You can still go out and celebrate with other people,” Visser said. “Let the kids have fun before you put them to bed and do your own thing.”
The event usually draws between 3,000 and 5,000 people. If all of the parking spots are taken at Rotary Place, people can park at Costco and catch a free ride on an accessible shuttle to the venue. The first shuttle will leave Costco at 5 p.m. and the last one will leave Rotary Place at 8:45 p.m.
Visser encourages everyone to attend, especially those who don’t have any New Year’s Eve plans.
“It’s a great way to celebrate with your community as you enter the new year,” she said. “It’s important to welcome in the new year with people around you.”
