The City of Moncton announced its second annual New Year’s Eve Family Celebration on Tuesday. This free December 31 event features activities, concerts and entertainment for all ages.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” exclaimed Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold as she announced the holiday events that would take place in her city. This prompted me to think, in these dark times we live in, about the power of unity, compassion and generosity.

The elected official said he was attending an Indian festival called Divali on Sunday, before launching into a lyrical outburst about the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over fear.

“To all newcomers to our community, I encourage you to enjoy the magic of the holiday season in Moncton. “There are many forces that want to divide us, even though there are so many things we share and so many reasons to unite,” he enthused.

One opportunity for Monctonians to get together is the New Year’s Eve Family Party.

Bands The Mellotones and Beauxmont will headline the party, which will take place at the Place town center and at Ian-Fowler Oval, next to the Avenir Centre. Musicians will play from 8:45 p.m. to midnight.

The celebration program on December 31 also includes two fireworks displays. One will take place at 20:30 and the other at midnight. They will take place at a different location than in previous years, near Center Avenir instead of near the Petitcodiac River.

There will also be a barbecue from 3pm to 8pm, the proceeds of which will help fund the non-profit organization Centraide. Cocktail lovers can also visit the ice bars in front of the Crowne Plaza, Hilton Garden Inn and Hyatt Place hotels.

Skating with the Wildcats

Additionally, the Wildcats will face the Charlottetown Islanders at Avenir Center (admission must be purchased) at 4 p.m. Players from the Moncton hockey team will then join children and fans at Ian Fowler Oval. They will be able to sign autographs.

“We are thrilled to be holding this second annual celebration in Moncton, building on the success of last year’s celebration,” said Shane Esson, co-chair of the event’s organizing committee.

He said the 2022 event attracted about 5,000 people, a third of whom were newcomers. He has set a goal of bringing in more than 10,000 people this year. “It’s an ambitious goal, but we’re pretty confident in our ability to achieve it,” he assured.

The committee worked closely with the City and Événements Moncton to plan the event.

“We planned the event last year as part of the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship celebrations,” recalled Bill Whalen, co-president of Events Moncton. “These big festivals have a positive impact on people whose lives are good.”

Other events

The press conference hosted by the Moncton Centre-Ville Downtown was also an opportunity to announce other events that will be taking place in the metropolis during the holiday season.

Among them, there will be the Festival international du cinéma francophone en Acadie (FICFA) from November 16 to 24, the Royal Santa Claus Parade in Greater Moncton on November 25, Christmas at the Coliseum from November 24 to 26, and Holiday concerts at Resurgo. The Square on November 26.

“I noticed how hard our business worked,” Ms. Arnold said. They have faced many challenges over the past year. This holiday season, I encourage everyone to shop local. When you do this, you are not just purchasing a product, you are contributing to the livelihood of our entire community.”