A few thousand people came out Tuesday evening to help the City of Orillia ring in the new year a bit early.
The city’s annual New Year’s Eve Bash at Rotary Place was another success, as families took in a free evening of skating, rock-wall climbing, crafts and games.
It took some convincing to get William Skelton, 9, to attend, but he’s glad he did.
“I’m enjoying the fact that everybody’s playing. It’s an entire army of people,” he said.
He brought his collection of Beyblade toys, thinking they would be a hit with other kids. He was right. He had one of the most popular tables in the room.
The event ran until 8:30 p.m., and that was part of the appeal for Rebecca Skelton, William’s mom.
“The timing is great for the kids, and I get to go home after this and have a glass of champagne while he’s asleep,” she said.
The family takes part in some of the city’s recreation programs and always has a good time, so attending the New Year’s Eve Bash was a no-brainer for Skelton.
“There’s not a lot to do for kids on New Year’s,” she said. “He could stay home and we could get a babysitter, but that’s no fun.”
Jenna Sasseville also took in the festivities and brought her year-and-a-half-old daughter, Natalie, with her.
“It’s a free event and something to do with the family,” she said. “It’s nice for her to be with other kids.”
The event usually attracts 3,000 to 5,000 people, and Megan Visser, the city’s recreation program supervisor, estimated attendance to be the same as or greater than last year’s party, despite the heavy snowfall that started shortly after the bash began.
“It’s been a really good night. It seems the weather isn’t hampering anyone,” she said.
While chatting with visitors, Visser “only heard really good” feedback about the event.
“People are very grateful that it’s free. It makes recreation and New Year’s Eve accessible, which is what we want to do,” she said. “We wish everyone in the City of Orillia a happy new year.”
The main event was the balloon drop at 7:30 p.m. The crowd started forming under the 1,000 balloons almost half an hour before the countdown began, and kids made quick work of popping them.
