Ring In The New Year In The Square

Now we know that there's going to be plenty of action all over Downtown this New Year's Eve during the First Night festivities. But we'll be singing a few verses of "Auld Lang Syne" in the middle of Market Square as we count down the final seconds of 2010. After all, we certainly don't want to forget that this was one great year for the "new" Square.

Okay, so while you're out and about around town with friends and family, why not use the Square as a meeting place throughout the evening? The eateries around the Square are great spots to refuel with a beverage or two and consume some tasty calories to keep your engines running in high gear all night long.  If you're looking for more than a quick bite, a little birdie told us that Bella Sera Urban Trattoria has a couple tables left for their special New Year's Eve seatings.

And while there will be plenty of sky-high pyrotechnic displays as fireworks brighten the night to start and end the New Year's festivities, the brilliant Market Square Season of Lights, made possible by Colcom Foundation, will light the final hours of 2010 in Market Square.

So as we get ready to close the book on 2010, the past 365 days have been great ones in the Square — from the revolution in the way it looks and feels, to the return of the Farmers Market, to Zombies, a summer wedding and the spectacular two-day 50th anniversary celebration of Light Up Night. With plenty of old acquaintances to remember from the year that's almost history, we look forward to making many new friends and creating more exciting reasons to enjoy the Square in 2011.

Happy New Year!