Published by The Roanoke Star-Sentinel
January 1-7, 2010 Edition
Variety of Events Set for New Years in Roanoke
From New Year’s Eve Bouncy Ball Drop, Enchanted Eve and The New Year’s Blast to parties galore at local restaurants and hotels, there is something for everyone who wants to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Roanoke Valley.
At the second annual “New Year’s Eve Bouncy Ball Drop,” kids of all ages will gather in the atrium of Center in the Square, home to the Science Museum of Western Virginia, before noon for the countdown. More than 11,000 bouncy balls were dropped last year.
Because bouncy balls will be given out on a first-come first-served basis, it is recommended that participants arrive by 10:30a.m. At noon, everyone will drop their bouncy balls from various levels to the first floor of the atrium.
The event is free. For additional information, visit www.smwv.org or call (540) 342-5710.
The 6th annual “Enchanted Eve” is Roanoke County’s alcohol-free community inspired New Year’s Eve celebration held in Downtown Vinton from 6:00p.m. to 12:00a.m.
Tourism and Event Coordinator for Roanoke County Department of Parks and Recreation Wendi Schultz said, “Travel Through Time is this year’s theme that will magically transport participants through ten (10) decades of fun and merriment through numerous events and entertainment venues in buildings and public spaces all along Washington Avenue. There will be special attractions, games, music, parades, food, live entertainment and fireworks at midnight”
Schultz emphasized, “the event will be held regardless of the weather because most of the activities are held indoors.” She added that she has a “fabulous large group of volunteers” including16 community volunteers who serve on the committee that begins planning the annual event every January, an additional 250 volunteers who help in the preparation for the event and at the event and students from the Key Club at Lord Botetourt High School and JRTC students at William Byrd High School who help with security and handling the buttons for admission.
Admission fee in advance is $7 (ages 3-12 $3). Tickets may be purchased in advance at numerous locations including area Kroger stores and some of the banks located in Vinton. Tickets not purchased in advance will cost an additional $2. Attendance of 3,000-5,000 is anticipated.
For additional information, visit www.roanokecountyva.gov or call (540) 387-6078, extension 251.
Presented by Sponsor Hounds, LLC, Roanoke’s New Year’s Eve Blast returns for its 3rd year. The event includes two stages of live music. On the opening stage will be “Center Hill,” with a mix of 80s, rock hits and new music. “80’z Enuff” will be playing hits from the 80s and will ring in the New Year with the annual dropping of the Roanoke Star.
“The star drop is bigger than the ball drop in New York City,” enthused Elliot Broyles, Organizer at Sponsor Hounds. Retired engineer Gary Greer built the seven-foot Mill Mountain Star replica with lights inside three years ago. This year Greer added additional lights to the star along with a champagne glass in front. The ball that drops in New York City is six feet.
Also at the celebration will be three 20-foot screens for the purpose of broadcasting pictures of attendees as they walk in, the bands’ performance, and the Virginia Tech/Tennessee football game. The paparazzi will be on hand to snap photos as people arrive.
This is an age 21 and up event held 8:00p.m. -1:30a.m. In the Special Events Center at the Roanoke Civic Center. The $25 admission in advance includes all entertainment, the star drop and heavy hors oeuvres. There will be a cash bar. A reserved table includes prime placement near the main stage, eight tickets to the event, and a bottle of champagne for midnight toast, party favors and access to the VIP area with hors oeuvres.
For additional information, visit www.sponsorhounds.com/new years.html or call (540) 206-2414 or (877) 723-8496.
The 32nd annual Charity Ball for the Preceptor Omicron chapter of Beta Sigma Phi will be held on New Year’s Eve at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
The ticket price of $160 per couple includes a strolling buffet dinner for two, seating in one of two ballrooms, live music and dancing and a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. For additional information and to purchase tickets, call (540) 342-5089 or visit www.newyearsevegala.org.
By Susan Ayers