On the final night of 2019, families in Airdrie will have several options to ring in the new year.
Many will opt to take in the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display, which will once again take place at Ed Eggerer Athletic Park, behind Genesis Place Recreation Centre.
“This is a very beloved event in Airdrie, and I know that, once again, our fireworks contractor has a great show planned,” said Rebecca Nielsen, community developer for Community Events with the City of Airdrie. “I really hope the community of Airdrie will come out and enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks.”
According to Nielsen, the event is geared toward families and is intentionally held earlier in the evening so children can enjoy the bright show without conflicting with bedtimes.
The fireworks are slated to start at 6:30 p.m., and she said they should last between 10 and 15 minutes. Families are advised to arrive early as parking – which is available at Bert Church High School, Genesis Place, and Ron Ebbesen Arena – is limited.
“Everyone needs to make sure they’re prepared to be patient with each other when it comes to coming into and leaving the parking lots,” she said.
To ensure safety, Nielsen said, the City recommends watching the fireworks from the designated spectator site at the athletic park. Some areas around the East Lake may will be inaccessible while the show is underway.
If temperatures drop to extreme cold levels, she added, the event may be cancelled to keep spectators and volunteers safe. That is unlikely, she noted, as forecasts indicate weather should not be an issue. Residents can monitor the City’s Twitter and Facebook pages, or go to airdrie.ca for the latest updates.
Across town, the Airdrie Festival of Lights will once again offer its free annual Family Dance Party at Nose Creek Regional Park, which, according to co-ordinator Michelle Pirzek, has been taking place since at least 2009.
The dance party will begin at 7 p.m. – after the fireworks, which Pirzek said can usually be seen from the park – and is scheduled to run until 9 p.m.
“Over the years, we’ve watched and the kids seem to have a really good time,” she said. “It’s a chance for parents to celebrate with the littles before maybe heading out to some of the more adult parties.”
The event will feature family-friendly music appropriate for all ages. For the first time, she said, the Festival of Lights has partnered with the local radio station, which will supply the tunes as well as prizes and giveaways.
“Our regular DJ kind of retired, and it became an opportunity to look at new opportunities or new partnerships,” Pirzek said.
A heated tent will offer a warm venue for dancers to celebrate the end of the year. While she said the tent can fit about 300 people, many will likely cycle in and out to experience everything the festival has to offer.
“The tent gets quite packed,” Pirzek said. “We’ve had upwards of 6,000 people with us for New Year’s Eve.”
Regular Festival of Lights activities will also be taking place, she noted. The light displays will be illuminated at 6 p.m., train rides will be available for $2, bonfires will be roaring and the concession will be serving hot beverages.
As with the fireworks, the dance party is weather dependent – if the temperature drops below -25 C, the lights will remain on but all other activities will be suspended. However, Pirzek said she’s been monitoring the long-range forecast and is hopeful the event will go ahead as scheduled.
“It’s just an all-around good time,” she said. “It’s a way to maybe burn off some of that turkey.”
