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December 30, 2009

It's almost here

Tri-Countians get ready to usher in New Year

By Becky Manley / Staff Writer

Tri-Countians can usher in the New Year by counting seconds or by gliding around a stellar-themed dance floor.

In Barbourville, a 10-second countdown will accompany the dropping of a lighted ball at the Barbourville Recreation Park.

At Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, a New Year’s Eve package is being offered that includes dinner, a dance with an outer space theme, a lodge room and New Year’s Day brunch.

Barbourville’s New Year’s Eve ball drop began in 2000 after then-Mayor Jim Thompson came up with the idea of crafting a ball from PVC pipe, according to his son, Barbourville Mayor David Thompson.

Shortly after 10 p.m., celebrants can enjoy music, free coffee and hot chocolate, according to Jim Baker, Barbourville city superintendent. There will also be free giveaways of children’s toys as well as hats and noisemakers, Baker said.

Once the ball drops, Thompson said an about one-minute fireworks display will cap off the celebration, which will take place rain, snow or shine.

“You’ll know it’s a New Year at midnight regardless of the weather,” Thompson said.

Both Thompson and Baker stressed the city’s ball drop is a family-friendly event since no alcohol is allowed in the park.

Different packages are available for those who wish to celebrate their New Year’s at Cumberland Fall State Resort Park.

In addition to the New Year’s package, which includes the dinner, dance, lodge room and brunch, a Star Package is available Friday through Sunday. The Ultimate Package, which offers a stay from Thursday to Sunday, encompasses the scheduled appearance by the park’s moonbow on Friday and, on Saturday, the Star Party will feature the Quadrantid Meteor Shower.

Reservations for the park’s New Year’s packages can be made by calling 606-528-4121 or 800-325-0063.

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