Moncton puts final touches to New Year’s Eve celebration

Moncton is putting the final touches to the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Family Fun Fest on Dec. 31.

The event, sponsored by the Moncton Wildcats, is a legacy of last year’s World Junior Hockey Championship.

“This event is not just about ringing in the new year, it’s a heartfelt invitation to every resident to join us in building on the success of last year’s celebrations around the IIHF World Junior Championship,” says Claire Esson, co-chair of the organizing committee.

All outdoor festival activities are free and open to all.

• 2 p.m.: Opening prayer by Knowledge Keeper Joan Milliea
• 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.:
  • Engage in a variety of indoor kid-friendly activities, yard games, and performances at the Lounsbury’s Kids’ Zone:
    • 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Mad Science
    • 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.: Mr. Mark
    • 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Mike Pendergast
    • 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.: Mr. Mark
  • Enjoy live performances by entertainers and musicians on the outdoor local stage:
    • 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Mike Pendergast
    • 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.: DJ Bones
    • 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.: André Saulnier
    • 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.: Dahlia Ave
  • Discover the rich flavour of maple on a stick with Brigg’s Maple.
  • Get your face painted with beautiful designs and sparkling glitter tattoos.
  • Enjoy a delicious fundraiser barbecue from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with all proceeds going to the United Way.
• 2 p.m. to midnight:
  • Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of food trucks, including Shangrilla, Mamma K’s, and the Cavendish Fry Truck.
  • Explore the ice bars, a special partnership with the Hilton Garden Inn and Hyatt Place hotels. Located just outside each hotel, they will offer a unique cocktail selection and a warm, cozy atmosphere.
• 4 p.m. Catch the Moncton Wildcats as they face off against the Charlottetown Islanders at the Avenir Centre.
• 6 p.m. to midnight: Quench your thirst at the beer garden.
• 7:15 p.m.: Meet your Moncton Wildcats.
• 8:30 p.m.: Watch a pre-midnight fireworks display for families sponsored by the UNI Financial Cooperation.
• 8:45 p.m. to midnight: Enjoy an evening concert with performances by –
  • The Mainlanders
  • Beauxmont sponsored by the UNI Financial Cooperation
  • The Mellotones presented by Atlantic Lottery
• Midnight: Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks show sponsored by the UNI Financial Cooperation.

“I don’t have the specific number of volunteers but we’re looking at over 100. They’re helping out in a number of areas. Moncton has a very strong core of volunteers,” said local organizer Marty Kingston.

“Whether it’s the IIHF World Juniors or other events the city has hosted, Moncton’s got a big heart and we’ve done that so well and again volunteers have stepped up big time on the 31st.”

Codiac Transpo will offer free New Year’s Eve service from 5:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on select routes. The service schedule can be found on the Codiac Transpo website.

For more information and event updates, visit the City of Moncton website.