COMPLIMENTARY COCOA AT THE 6PM COUNTDOWN, A TRADITIONAL COUNTDOWN ALSO TAKING PLACE AT MIDNIGHT
Naperville Park District invites the community to the Countdown at the Carillon, featuring both the Early Family Countdown at 6:00 p.m. and the Traditional Countdown at midnight. Both events are free and take place at the base of the Naperville Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower, located at 443 Aurora Ave.
The Early Family Countdown will be co-led by Naperville City Councilwoman Judith Brodhead and Dolly McCarthy, host and executive producer of The Dolly McCarthy Show and award-winning journalist and former news anchor for NCTV-17’s Naperville News 17.
“The fun-filled family tradition lives on! I am super excited to be a part of the festivities again this year,” said McCarthy. “There’s something very special about gathering with your family and friends on New Year’s Eve at the foot of the beautiful Carillon, sharing resolutions, laughter, ringing bells and enjoying the music of City Carillonneur Tim Sleep. I can’t think of a better place to ring in the New Year.”
Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., with complementary hot cocoa provided by My Chef and entertainment provided by Magic of Scott Piner. Glow sticks, bells and cocoa will be available outside the Carillon Visitor Center until 6:30 p.m., while supplies last. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, as the entire event is outdoors.
The Traditional Countdown will take place at midnight, led by Councilwoman Patty Gustin, with Carillon music beginning at 11:15 p.m. The music will feature carillonneurs Sue Bergren and Tim Sleep in a duet concert and will include selections from the “Nutcracker Suite,” a Viennese waltz, and “Try to Remember” from the musical, “The Fantasticks.” After the midnight countdown to the New Year, the bells will ring a Royal Peal, then will play “Auld Lang Syne,” and conclude with music from the “Royal Fireworks” by Handel.
The Naperville Park District has hosted two New Year’s Eve Countdowns on Dec. 31 at the Carillon since 2008, providing a unique event where residents can bring their families and meet up with neighbors in this community gathering place.
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About the Naperville Park District: Created in 1966, the Naperville Park District is an independent, municipal agency serving the recreation needs of its residents. An Illinois Distinguished Agency since 1994, the District is one of only 1% of park districts across the country to be nationally accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The Naperville Park District’s mission is to provide recreation and park experiences that enhance the quality of life for our community, including benefits such as community health, environmental education, social connections, and personal growth. The District maintains and operates more than 2,400 acres with 137 parks and provides more than 1,500 recreational, arts and environmental programs and special events annually. Included within the District’s operations are two championship golf courses, a multitude of playgrounds, trails, athletic courts and sports fields, Fort Hill Activity Center, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, two inline skating and skateboarding facilities, the Millennium Carillon, a paddle boat quarry, historic Centennial Beach, and the beautiful Riverwalk.
