Published: October 31, 2009 11:40 pm      

New Year’s Eve event returns to city this year

JOHNSTOWN — Let the celebration begin.

After taking a one-year hiatus due to the poor economy and lack of manpower, Celebration Johnstown is back and organizers are hoping to make the family-friendly New Year’s Eve event a success and a fun way to ring in the new year.

“We had community groups come to us and tell us they like the event and want to make it happen this year,” said Mary Anne Rizzo, display advertising manager for The Tribune-Democrat and Johnstown Magazine.

Six community groups – Moxham Crime Watch, Roxbury Civic Group, Kernville Connects, West End Improvement Group, Hornerstown Civic Group and Discover Downtown Partnership – have stepped up to the plate as the main supporters. The Tribune-Democrat also is a sponsor and working to market and advertise the event.

In addition, the groups have secured donations from area businesses to help cover costs, ensuring the evening will be free for participants.

“It’s a community event and geared toward families, so you don’t have to go out to eat or find a baby sitter because you can bring the kids downtown and experience that sense of community,” Rizzo said.

Entertainment for the night will include Jazz in Your Face, Rachel Allen, South Side Strays, Bo Moore and performances from Sherri Lynn’s Dance Studio. Carriage rides will be offered around Central Park and kids can get their faces painted by the Classic Clowns of Johnstown.

Downtown churches and businesses will be opening up their doors to host the entertainment.

“New this year, we will be able to use the Pasquerilla Plaza rotunda in the Crown American building for entertainment,” Rizzo said.

Talks are continuing with Vince Terrizzi from Starfire Corp. to provide fireworks.

Rizzo said they are still accepting donations and would like more music groups and volunteers.

Celebration Johnstown has attracted large crowds and the 2007 event had more than 2,000 people attend.

“We’re trying to give everyone this option so they can come out as a family,” Rizzo said.