Out with 2011, in with 2012! There are many ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve and relish in the upcoming year that will be filled with new possibilities. Socially speaking, there is plenty to do and see and even more people to mingle with. Use this weekend to welcome the new year by attending some of these fun events…
Winterfest of Lights- Hop aboard the Winterfest Express train and cruise through Northside Park (127th Street, Bayside) to check out the colorful animated holiday displays made of glistening lights. Join the Winterfest helpers while they sing and enjoy Christmas carols and drink hot cocoa. A refreshment stand offers steamy hot chocolate–perfect for warming up after the chilly November train ride. Santa will be stationed in his workshop so children can drop off their Christmas lists early and parents can prepare for photos will the jolly old soul. The Winterfest of Lights tour costs $5 per person and children under the age of 11 are free. Winterfest of Lights will be closed on Christmas Day.
Berlin Ball Drop- Berlin, MD takes cue from the world-famous Times Square ball drop and recreates a similar atmosphere on New Year’s Eve. The square of Berlin will be filled with folks who want to see the shiny silver ball drop at midnight. Dancing in the streets, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be sold the bars off of Main Street, food stands, refreshments of all sorts, and live entertainment will make for an unforgettable New Years. Horse and carriage rides will be available and take guests on a tour of town beginning at 8 pm.
Princess Anne Muskrat Drop- The first-ever New Year’s Eve Street Party will fill the streets of downtown Princess Anne on December 31st. Starting at 9 pm, guests can enjoy live entertainment from Celtic-folk band, Folk Heroes, pop-singer Tyler Layne, and DJ Kemoisabe Joe. The Princess Anne fire department has chosen to lower a local, semi-aquatic rodent that inhabits nearby marshes to represent their community. A stuffed and preserved muskrat, on loan from the MD Department of Natural Resources, will be lowered from the back of a fire truck. The muskrat will be a site to see on Saturday night – top hat, bowties, and even gloves.
Easton Crab Drop- Easton residents will be ringing in the new year during the Celebration of the Arts on Saturday evening. Dancers will perform, puppet shows will take place, live music, fun crafts, and children’s events will be available. For the 6th year in a row, a giant red crab will be lowered as the clock strikes midnight and the new year rings. The giant steamed red crab will fall at 9 pm, for the kiddos, and at midnight, for the adults. More than 1,500 people attended the event last year and took pleasure in watching the beloved crustacean celebrate the New Year.
Hair of the Dog 5k/10k- On Sunday, January 1st, a group of over 300 participants will prance into the new year during Bethany Beach’s Hair of the Dog race. The Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation is hosting a 5k and a 10k open to all ages. Registration occurs on the morning of and begins at 8 am. Runners will follow a course through Bethany and on the boardwalk. Registered and leashed dogs are welcome as well as baby strollers meant for running.
Fenwick Freeze- The 8th annual Fenwick Freeze will plunge into the new year on Sunday morning. Registration for the frigid event occurs between 9 and 10 am. The swim starts at 10:30 am and will happen rain or shine. Swimmers should meet on the beach at Bayard Street and bring some warm clothes.
Penguin Swim- The Atlantic General Hospital’s Penguin Swim will take place at 1 pm on the beach in front of the Princess Royale in north Ocean City on January 1st. Wash out the previous year by rinsing off in the freezing ocean water. The Penguin Swim is held each year to raise money for the not-for profit Berlin hospital. Register for the event by calling 410-641-9644.
Happy New Year!
