‘Quite an evening’: Moncton’s NYE party ready to go

Still looking for NYE plans? If you’re in the Greater Moncton Area - the search is over.

It’s become a signature event for the City of Moncton.

The fourth annual New Year’s Eve Family Fun Fest is scheduled for Downtown Place starting at 2 p.m.

It’s a family-friendly event and there’s something for little and big kids to enjoy.

There’s live music all day with headliners Signal Hill and Big Bad Party Band playing on Main Street.

Family Fun Fest co-chair Shane Esson said the event started four years ago when Moncton co-hosted the World Junior Hockey Tournament with Halifax and it’s been growing every year.

“Last year we had approximately 20,000 people here at the peak of the event. So it was quite an afternoon, quite an evening,” said Esson.

Outside, party-goers can enjoy skating on the Ian Fowler Oval with a smores station nearby and maple taffy on a stick.

An indoor Kid’s Zone will be located Inside the Avenir Centre with a photo booth, face painting and other activities.

There’s also a beer garden for the grown-ups to enjoy.

“Codiac Transpo this year are providing free bus service from 5:30 in the afternoon up to midnight. They’ll get you here safely, they’ll get you home safely,” said Esson. “The Avenir Centre this year will be open. We’re expecting a bit of a chill in the air tomorrow night. So we encourage people to dress warmly.”

For those who do have little ones with them, a pre-midnight fireworks display will take place at 7:15 p.m. and the grand fireworks to ring in the new year will take place at midnight.

Lisa Cormier will be one of thousands in attendance for the New Year’s Eve party.

“We’re going to the Wildcats game. We have reservations at a restaurant nearby and staying at the hotel across the street at the Hyatt. It’s fantastic. Three years in a row,” said Cormier.

Murelo Olevaera was visiting Moncton from Brazil to see his friend Rafael Delroy.

“Tomorrow I will celebrate with my friends, with my family together. Eat a lot and celebrate the new year,” said Olevaera.

Alex LeBlanc plans on attending the Wildcats game.

“After the Cats game I’m going to link up with some friends and celebrate the new year and just have a good time and look back on some memories. It’s going to be a good night,” said LeBlanc.

For some, it’s a travel day. Launce Burdock brought his 21-month-old daughter Callie to the oval for a skate.

“We’re going to fly back to Alberta, in Calgary, and spend it with some friends out that way,” said Burdock.

Karine Veilleux and her husband will be going on a mini-road trip.

“We’re going to see a hockey game, the [Newfoundland] Regiment against the Sea Dogs in Saint John and spending time with family, friends and going to see the fireworks down there,” said Veilleux.

Unfortunately, the game in Moncton between the Wildcats and the Charlottetown Islanders is sold out, but there’s still plenty to see and do all day and all night long.

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