New Year’s Eve 2011 and 2012

“Bells Will Be Ringing” on Dec. 31, 2011 to kick-off the year-long celebration of Allentown’s 250th anniversary. Residents of all ages will be invited to participate in an array of New Year’s Eve festivities planned for downtown Allentown, including a Gala, carriage rides, fire dancers, ice carvers, and an outdoor celebration complete with a countdown-to-midnight drop of a Liberty Bell replica.

A highlight of the evening will be the Bells Will Be Ringing Gala at the Holiday Inn on 9th & Hamilton Sts., where guests will enjoy an elegant evening of gourmet dining and dancing to the Lucky Seven band, followed by the outdoor celebration on 9th & Hamilton Sts. Tickets are $250 per couple. At the Gala, guests will also enjoy a Silent Auction featuring outstanding items, including iconic mementos of Allentown!

The 7:00 PM-Midnight outdoor celebration will offer something for everyone, and is free to the public. Entertainment will begin in the Bandshell at 7:30 PM and continue through the countdown to midnight. Music will be provided by local bands. Outdoor attendees will also enjoy fire dancers, ice carvers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and hot chocolate and chili to stay warm.

The Liberty Bell replica will be dropped on Hamilton between 8th & 9th Streets. The Bell is being constructed by young visitors to the Da Vinci Center as an extension to the Center’s popular Joe’s Workshop. Pip the Mouse will be in attendance and a ceremonial bell “lift” will occur at 8 PM to accommodate small children who are unlikely to see the bell drop. Children will be allowed to climb on the fire truck and talk to firemen, and other display trucks will be available.

At 11:30 PM everyone is invited to join together on Hamilton St. to watch the bell drop and ring in the New Year. In keeping with the theme, church bells throughout Allentown will be ringing at midnight. The City Bell from Zion’s Church will also be onsite to ring in the New Year. Additionally, 250th Commemorative Bells will be available for purchase so all participants can “ring in” the New Year.

After the drop, Gala guests will return to the Holiday Inn for dessert and coffee. A “grand finale” New Year’s Eve party in 2012 will officially conclude Allentown’s yearlong 250th anniversary celebration.