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Seaside offers a family friendly way to ring in the new year
If you’re searching for a family-friendly place to celebrate New Year’s Eve on 30A, there’s just one place to go — Seaside.
Seaside presents its second annual Countdown Seaside this year with entertainment to thrill all ages so families can ring in the New Year together.
There will be live music, with street performers entertaining guests as they walk by, and children’s activities. The finale features fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico at midnight to usher in the New Year with a bang.
Music will be by two of USA Today’s Top 10 Bands to Watch in 2010 — Dawes and Truth & Salvage Co.
Dawes will take the Amphitheater stage at 7 p.m., followed by Truth & Salvage Co. at 9:30 p.m.
A California band, Dawes blends classic 1970’s folk rock with a contemporary flair. Their song “Western Skyline” was named one of the best songs of 2009 by Rolling Stone Magazine.
Six musicians make up the band Truth & Salvage Co, including four lead singer/songwriters who hail from Atlanta, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Tupelo, and Ohio. The group produces good old American rock ‘n roll interwoven with lyrical storytelling. The group toured with the Black Crowes as its opening act during 2009, and frontman Chris Robinson produced their debut album.
Ensuring everyone has a good time at this final celebration of the year, Abrakadoodle will be on hand from 7-11 p.m., offering free unique art projects for the little ones. There will be party hats and snow globes to be made, and a time capsule for New Year’s wishes and resolutions. And when the art projects are done, everyone can get their faces painted.
The musical performances will close out in time for all to make it to the beach to watch the spectacular fireworks display over the Gulf at the stroke of midnight.
“This event embodies the overall essence of all events Seaside puts on of being family friendly. It’s a family-friendly party,” said event producer Adam Shiland.
All merchants and restaurants will stay open later on New Year’s Eve for shopping convenience.
New Year’s Eve events include:
New Years Eve Celebration 2011
Dine, drink and dance in the New Year at the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Don’t miss the Third Annual Destin Harbor Ball drop and choreographed fireworks shows at 8 p.m. and midnight. Live music features sexy, new country rock star, Leah Seawright as well as local favorites, The Forrest Williams Band at 7 p.m. and Dread Clampitt at 9:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Gala
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will host a grand celebration from 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31 until the wee hours of 2011. At the 26th Annual New Year’s Eve Gala, guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a sit-down dinner, topped off by a dessert buffet and open bar. Attendees will dance 2010 away to the sounds of the party band, The Fabulous Expressions. The evening will culminate with a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets to the gala are $250 per couple. For reservations, call 267-9500 or 1-800-367-1271 (toll-free).
Countdown the New Year along the Beaches of South Walton at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Dance the night away and enjoy the awesome fireworks to cap off the celebration. The event will feature amazing tribute bands covering songs from Elton John, Billy Joel, Blues Brothers, Bon Jovi, Journey and more!
It’s Midnight Somewhere
Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach will host “It’s Midnight Somewhere” Dec. 31. There will be Ball Drop at 6 p.m., which is Midnight Greenwich Mean Time, with fireworks on the giant screen. The afternoon is aimed at being a ‘Kid Friendly’ New Year’s Celebration to enable the whole family to celebrate without having to stay up too late. It begins with live music at 2 p.m. and a special appearance by Sponge Bob Square Pants. Children may have photos taken. Food will be available from the A La Carte Restaurant and beverages for adults and children will be available from Wine World Outlet.
Pier Park Beach Ball Drop
Pier Park in Panama City Beach will host the Pier Park Beach Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve. This event is free and open to all. Ring in the New Year with white sand beaches, family and friends and live entertainment. This leads into the Midnight Celebration featuring the larger-than-life illuminated New Year’s Eve beach ball drop and spectacular fireworks display marking the start of 2011.
PSO New Year’s Eve
The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the New Year at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Music will include jazz, big band hits, classical hits and, of course, “Auld Lang Syne”. Tickets start at $20 and are on sale at pensacolasymphony.com or call 435-2533.
New Year’s Eve party
Ring in the New Year in Juana’s heated Pagodas in Navarre Beach. The party features a ball drop and champagne toast on Dec. 31 at midnight. No cover and live music from The Shiz all night. Call 366-2660.
