Celebrate New Year's Eve with the whole family at Heritage State Park

Date: 12/16/2009

HOLYOKE -- As 2009 draws to a close, what better way to celebrate than with the whole family at First Night Jr., Holyoke's unique, fun filled New Year's Eve party at Holyoke Heritage State Park Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This popular event, now in its 13th year, is designed within a "made for kids" time frame so that parents can enjoy their own evening festivities.

A great day is planned for partygoers with entertainment by Ed Popielarczyk and his delightful and always new "Magical Moments" show and appearances by WGBY characters Super Why and Martha Speaks. The Holyoke Fire Department will also host a puppet show.

In addition, partygoers will be able to sing and dance with Roger Tincknell, renowned musician and storyteller, and the Holyoke High School marching band will entertain the crowd with celebration tunes.

The Massachusetts Academy of Ballet will perform in the Children's Museum and a Community Art Project will take shape at the Visitor Center. Noisemakers and party hats will be given out to begin Holyoke's traditional "Times Square" ball drop to festively ring in 2010 with Mayor Michael Sullivan providing the countdown.

Admission to First Night Jr. also includes Merry-Go-Round rides and entrance to the Children's Museum. Children can have their faces painted, receive a balloon sculpture specially designed for them and participate in celebratory craft activities throughout the park. Mike's Hot Dogs, a popular Holyoke Farmers' Market vendor, will sell refreshments the Picnic Pavilion at the Children's Museum.

Discount admission tickets are now on sale for $5 per person and will be available at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Children's Museum.

Admission will be $6 per person the day of the event. Children under one year are free.

For more information, please call the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round at 538-9838 or the Children's Museum at 536-7048.

First Night Jr. is sponsored by PeoplesBank in Holyoke, the Children's Museum, the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, Holyoke Heritage State Park, the city of Holyoke Parks and Recreation Department, and, in part, by the Holyoke Cultural Council, a local agency sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Holyoke Heritage State Park is located on 221 Appleton St. It contains the Visitors' Center, Holyoke Children's Museum, Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and Volleyball Hall of Fame. Parking is free and all venues are special-needs accessible.