Our round-up of family events to celebrate the arrival of 2015 – as well as a few more things taking place over the weekend.
Compiled by Jenna Morton
Looking for a fun way to celebrate the year end – without keeping the little ones up late? Consider throwing a Noon Year's Eve Party! Invite your neighbourhood pals or preschool buddies, or just keep it you and the kids. Start the fun at 11am. Everyone pick a favourite treat to share. Make some noisemakers and shakers and countdown to 12! Wrap it all up by 1pm and head for bed (naptime).
On New Year's Day, there's no shortage of levees taking place around Moncton. The events are a chance for neighbours to share greetings, hosted by municipal groups.
Moncton's New Year's Day Levee will be held at City Hall from 11am to 1pm. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.
There will be a New Year's Day Levee at Riverview Town Hall from 1pm to 3pm. Harpist Dorothy Brzezicki will provide music, while the Bethel Men's Club will share complimentary sandwiches, sweets, tea and coffee.
Shediac's New Year's Day Levee will take place at the town's multipurpose centre from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
A New Year’s Day Levee will be held at the Petitcodiac Legion from 1pm to 4pm. Enjoy refreshments, finger foods, and music by Colleen Bannister and band.
The Village of Dorchester and the Westmorland Historical Society will host a New Year's Day Levee at the Keillor House Museum. Enjoy homemade soup, chilli, sweets, and hot drinks by the fire. The levee is from 1pm to 3pm, following the annual Lions' Polar Dip.
The Dorchester Lions Annual Polar Dip takes place at Palmer's Pond on route 106; it's been happening for more than 20 years and is believed to be the longest running polar bear dip in the province, and perhaps the Atlantic Provinces. Spectators are welcome; be sure to follow instructions and stay off the ice, though, as anyone who goes into the water is subject to ta $25 'dipping fee.' Participants are also asked to make a minimum $25 donation. Registration for the event begins at 12:20pm; the dip starts at 1pm – and is over almost as quickly as it begins!
On New Year's Day, you can take the family to the Crossman Community Centre-Kay Arena in Moncton. Free access to the rink, gym, track, and more from 1pm to 5pm. There will be inflatable games for ages 12 and under; proper indoor footwear and adult accompaniment are required.
Magnetic Hill Zoo is hosting one-day camps on Friday, January 2 (English) and Monday, January 5 (bilingual; registration was full at the time of this posting). The camps are for ages 5 to 7 years old; registration is required and limited. (There will also be similar camps on February 13, April 30, May 1, May 15, and May 18, so you might want to call now for those dates. The cost is $40/child; call 877-7722 for information.)
The Moncton Sportsdome hosts its regular Open Friday Fun Night on January 2 from 6pm until 8pm.
The first home game of 2015 for the Moncton Wildcats is Friday, January 2, at 7pm. Tickets for the game against Acadie-Bathurst can be purchased online.
On Sunday, January 4, the Moncton Miracles take on the Island Storm at the Coliseum at 2pm. Doors open at 1pm; tickets can be purchased online.
Atlantic Cirque (teaching circus arts and hosting camps and birthday parties for ages 3 and up) is holding an open house on Sunday, January 4, from 11am until 2pm. Check out the trapeze, juggling, hula hooping, aerial silk, and more.
